Footwear Product Developer (Sportswear)

The FILA brand was founded in 1911 in Italy with a bold vision and strong point of view inspired by its surroundings. The vision was to create clothing that felt as natural to the wearer as their own skin. The FILA brothers drew their inspiration from art and fabrics and combined them in such a way that effused grace and vigor. That vision can still be felt today: FILA seeks out athletes and figures who represent grace, individuality, and a disruption to the status quo. Transcending race, gender, and class, the brand makes its mark wherever performance-minded individuals can be found. FILA has collaborated with sports figures such as Grant Hill, one of basketball’s most iconic players, to both design a collection of footwear that serves the modern athlete and to build communities. FILA and Hill partnered to revitalize a set of basketball courts in Durham, N.C. to provide a safe space for local youth to play and grow, with more plans to expand the program to other cities. FILA’s designers are committed to the founders’ vision and are constantly trying to move the needle in the world of athletic fashion by absorbing art and culture as it happens around them. The brand strives to be intentional in everything it does, and to do so with integrity.
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Senior Footwear Development Manager, the Footwear Product Developer (Sportswear) supports all product development activities for the processing and project management of footwear development from 2D designs to final prototypes and sales samples. Will need to successfully turn the product brief, needs of the brand, and the end consumer, into a sample that can be profitably commercialized.
Main Responsibilities/Duties:

• Manufacturing process and end use performance
• Review and evaluate project status with the product creation team and the rest of the development team. Have a clear understanding of the following:
• Plan and carry out development projects according to critical timelines and pre-planned dates.
• Order, track, receive and store all development samples.
• Mold processes and materials.
• Create and maintain project specification sheets.
• Knowledge and interest in sports a plus
• Interest for knowledge in understanding the function of an item
• Special projects as needed.
• Send sample materials and whole shoes for lab testing and be able to interpret and take appropriate action upon lab results.
• Support the process that will lead to on-time product confirmation and sales sample delivery.
• Convey development information to both the US team as well as the team in China.
• Patterns and pattern manipulation and implications
• Use effective, direct, and clear communication to carry out the product creation process from initial concept, through commercialization and production.
• Participate in meetings with the product creation teams during the entire development process.
• Knowledge and ability to read technical design a plus
• Creatively thinks outside the box with a vision for the future
• Manage the sample making process with the ability to troubleshoot, identify and resolve any potential fit, function or costing issues.
• Knowledge of material compounds a plus
• Observant in understanding how to mirror disciplines of movement in a shoe
• Pricing structures and cost analysis

Qualifications

• Must have project management and process improvement practices experience.
• Must be able to travel.
• Must have knowledge of sustainable and environmental manufacturing and business practices.
• Must have knowledge of cutting-edge sustainable textiles and materials used in footwear, and other industries

Education/Experience

• 5 plus years’ experience in footwear development
• Related degree

Salary Range
$70,000 - $73,000