Sr. Technical Developer

Target•Minneapolis, MN

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Target is an iconic brand, a Fortune 50 company and one of America’s leading retailers. At the heart of one of the world’s best loved and most recognizable brands is an impeccable Owned Brand Sourcing & Development organization. We thrive on the magic of discovering that just-right thing, and we infuse everything we do with our passion for affordable chic. We develop, make and deliver the stylish new favorites that Target guests expect and deserve. We stay ahead of the curve, proactively identifying our market’s needs and exceeding them, every time. Join one of our dynamic and inventive teams to influence the quality and value that decisively position Target above the competition. Your input will have a direct and positive effect. Here, you’ll be close to the action of dreaming up and bringing to life the Target-owned brands that surprise and gratify guests, wherever and whenever they love to shop. A role with the Footwear Development team means a big opportunity to start from scratch and create something truly original. Are you a product development expert who can support your business by staying one step ahead of the industry? Can you demonstrate the utmost attention to detail and develop products that are unprecedented in the marketplace for their value? Then you’ll have success on our Footwear Development team who owns the development of all Target-owned brands. In close partnership with our design, merchant and sourcing counterparts, you’ll drive brand cohesion and continuity, ensuring that our products meet the merchant line plans, assortment strategies, price points and guest expectations.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree, AA or Certification in Apparel Manufacturing, Design, industrial design or equivalent
8+ years' experience in footwear product development with full knowledge of total production timeline
Strong knowledge of footwear fit, construction, molds/blueprints, and lasts
Current industry standard technical knowledge of footwear development and manufacturing processes, in both man-made and genuine lather materials.
Collaboration- proven ability to influence and make decisions that align with company strategies
Change Leadership- experience leading with and without authority to influence others and drive decision- making and achieving desired service levels.
Learning Agility- demonstrated curiosity, motivated to learn new skills and knowledge
Proficient in use of relevant computer applications (Photoshop, Illustrator, Microsoft Office Suite, PLM system, 3D software)
Drive to learn and retain new technology and software as it pertains to role
Strong multi-tasking ability while being detail oriented with excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
Expertise in fit, construction, and value engineering
Ability to proactively trouble shoot and problem solve in a fast-paced, often changing, highly collaborative environment.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with ability to effectively influence
Excellent prioritization and organizational skills

Responsibilities

Drive in cycle product and category strategy creation
Collaborate with CFT to research and develop guest-focused Owned Brand product from concept through production
Partner with Design, Merchandising, Sourcing and vendors to deliver on product objectives and business strategy while adhering to calendar timelines
In partnership with overseas technical design teams and vendors, create, maintain and complete accurate specifications and approvals in PLM system
Communicate daily with internal and external partners to ensure high quality execution in materials, components, and fit
Lead with CFT and vendors to define development and production feasibility
Perform fit evaluation on samples for fit, construction, and quality
Review and evaluate 3D/physical samples for quality and adherence to standards
Lead in cycle technical research, wear testing, quality analysis, innovation and product solutions
Partner proactively with overseas technical designers, production engineers and vendors to alleviate potential manufacturing, quality, and fit concerns within the product development cycle
Lead market research of competitors, benchmarks, and new opportunities to engineer value and drive development of cost viable quality products
Partner with guest insights and product testing teams to drive guest research and wear testing to build products that foster inclusivity
Support close to vendor and production teams by reviewing production issues and collaborating with CFT to resolve
Establish and enhance product development guidelines and standards by category and brand
Conduct and lead vendor training, onboarding, assessments and accreditation
Lead hind-sighting on quality execution, guest feedback, and partner connections (COE, PSQA, Global TD's, BPTD's, etc.)
Travel internationally and domestically to support business as needed
Mentor and lead others while fostering inclusivity and knowledge-sharing
Strive for continuous improvement that drives product and process enhancements
Be a champion for change management and an advocate for transformation
Perform other duties as required/assigned by manager