Product Developer Casual Footwear

POSITION SUMMARY

The Product Developer (specified category) is a member of the product development team responsible for the development process and execution of a product’s development in the specified product category. The product developer will coordinate the development process working with designers, merchants, and vendors in taking product from the concept stage to production for the assigned product category.

• Performs market research to fully understand the product category, brands, product positioning, feature sets, and required functional performance for assigned product/project development.
• Works with product development team to identify/validate potential new product opportunities.
• Leads the development team in the product development timeline from seasonal strategy, concept reviews, planning, sample reviews, approvals, production release, product launch planning, and up to 1st PO receipts (as deemed necessary).
• Develops and documents project scope and product specifications with product development team.
• Works with designers on complete technical packages for factories to develop samples and quotations.
• Creates cost analysis to understand baseline target cost relative to margin requirements at targeted retail price.
• Reviews detail of Bill of Materials to ensure appropriate costing. Addresses potential roadblocks (costs – tooling – materials – technology) in pursuing project and finds solutions or seeks resources to solve problems.
• Performs product review of samples, addresses challenges regarding specifications, materials, or pricing. Presents sample to development team for feedback – communicates any revisions to factory.
• Proactively identifies and addresses product and process improvement projects in advance of seasonal calendar start dates to be prepared for upcoming seasonal development.
• Develops understanding of vendor/factory capabilities to provide product/program sourcing and placement proposals to manager.
• Ensures product data management in PLM system or other tracking software to include information such as final specifications, spec sheet, costing, factory assignment, and development reviews.
• Provides field testers with final samples for testing (if needed); develops field testing requirements and conducts follow‑up reviews with testers.
• Works with designers to develop packaging that is appropriate for the product and ensures it meets brand standards. Submits and reviews all product content for collateral materials to support product in packaging, infographics, and digital media platforms.
• Coordinates with quality and vendors to ensure that all product testing procedures have been executed and advises on scheduling of new product factory PO audits.
• Ensures accuracy and submission of new item forms.
• All other duties as assigned.

• Minimum Degree
  
  Required:
  
  High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Preferred Degree:
  Bachelor’s degree in Product Development, Design, or Business
• Years of experience: 5‑7 years work experience with at least 3 years in a product development role. Industry knowledge in the specified category. Experience working with international supply base.

• Ability to use MS Office suite;
  Proficient in use of MS Excel
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Attention to detail: visually and functionally
• Well organized
• Ability to multi‑task, excellent time management
• Team player with ability to be flexible to changing business situations
• Can work‑around roadblocks using existing knowledge
• Sees the strategic goals of the company and can translate this to some aspects of their AOR
• Takes responsibility for the outcome of projects
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; confident to present projects in group settings

• Domestic and International. Estimated travel less than 30 days per year.

• Regular computer work, and sitting
• Ability to use hand tools to dissect samples and use measuring gauges
• Occasional walking, standing, and lifting up to 50 lbs

• Performs duties within scope of general company policies, procedures, and objectives. Analyzes problems and performs…