Licensing Product Developer

We are seeking a high-caliber Product Developer to lead the integration and adaptation of our proprietary technologies within our global licensing network. In this role, you will be the technical bridge between our innovation team and our licensed partners. You will ensure that every performance footwear product developed maintains our rigorous standards for quality, functionality, and brand integrity.

The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of performance footwear construction and the ability to translate complex technical requirements into scalable manufacturing solutions.

• Technology Integration: Lead the end-to-end integration of proprietary Hands Free Labs performance technologies into licensee footwear catalogs.
• Technical Adaptation: Evaluate licensee-specific needs and adapt core technologies to fit various price points, silhouettes, and manufacturing capabilities without sacrificing performance.
• Technical Consulting: Act as the primary technical point of contact for licensees, providing guidance tooling, material selection, and assembly processes.
• Project Management: Manage development timelines across multiple global partners, ensuring samples and production-ready designs meet seasonal deadlines.
• Quality & Testing: Oversee mechanical and wear-testing protocols for licensed products to ensure they meet the specific performance benchmarks of our brand.
• On-Site Support: Provide factory-floor support during critical development phases to troubleshoot construction issues and optimize production flow.

• Experience: Minimum of 5+ years in footwear product development, specifically within the performance footwear category (e.g., running, basketball, cleats, or technical outdoor).
• Technical Mastery: Deep knowledge of footwear manufacturing, including injection molding, chemical compounds, upper construction, and tooling blueprints.
• Licensee Management: Experience working with external partners or licensees is highly preferred; you should be comfortable "influencing without authority."
• Problem Solving: A proven track record of adapting complex designs to meet manufacturing constraints.
• Communication: Exceptional ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and international partners.
• Tools: Proficiency in PLM software, Adobe Illustrator, and 2D/3D CAD viewing software (e.g., Rhino, Solid Works).
• Language: Must be fluent in English, and proficient skills in Chinese would be preferred but are not required.

This role requires significant travel (domestic and international) to visit licensee offices and manufacturing facilities. You must be comfortable navigating global supply chains and working on-site at factories.