Senior Manager, Product Development

The role

This person will lead footwear development from concept through commercialization. They will guide a team of developers and partner with design, merchandising, and sustainability leaders to deliver sustainable footwear.

What you will do

• Own footwear development across the portfolio from concept through commercialization
• Partner with leaders on seasonal planning and strategy
• Make key technical decisions on bottoms, components, upper patterns, knit constructions and materials
• Drive the footwear development calendar and manage milestones
• Lead cost strategy including CBD and yield reviews and factory negotiations
• Shape and uphold brand fit standards and last library practices
• Drive department strategy and lead the build and rollout of stage gate criteria, PLM practices and development playbooks
• Set long-term team objectives and strategy, manage team resources and budget
• Build and lead a high-performing team
• Strengthen factory and supplier partnerships

Required qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on footwear product development experience, including experience leading teams
• A bachelor’s degree in biomechanics, engineering, kinesiology, textile science or a related technical field; equivalent experience will be considered
• Deep knowledge of footwear construction, materials, knitting, tooling, lasts, testing and costing
• Proven experience reviewing CBDs, analyzing yields and testing data, and negotiating costs to meet margin targets
• A deep understanding of the footwear development and commercialization process, with experience improving calendars, sample gates and PLM practices
• Advanced knowledge of last and fit development, including shape, proportion, grading and fit standards
• Experience working directly with Asia-based factories and vendors
• Strong systems proficiency, including PLM, BOM management and Google Workspace

Nice to have

• Adobe Illustrator experience
• Accessories or handbag experience

Benefits

• Generous paid time off
• 401k matching
• Comprehensive health plans for you and your family
• Monthly wellness reimbursement
• Dog friendly offices
• Employee Discount Program!

About the company

Rothy’s transforms single-use plastic bottles and ocean-bound marine plastic into signature thread for wardrobe staples. The company focuses on building a sustainable future through 3D knitting technology and handcrafted assembly.