March 2023

Senior Product Developer/Sourcing Manager for established footwear supplier

Our client is diversifying their product offering and is seeking to appoint an experienced footwear developer to execute this and source new suppliers overseas.

  • Location: North West England
  • Salary: Strong salary & package on offer

The Role

  • Manage the development of proto-types, samples and fit trials determined by the product development process in the given area.
  • Source new suppliers who can manufacture new constructions and work to lower initial minimums.
  • Responsible for all materials in the risk analysis to be tested and approved for bulk production to the product development process.
  • Work in conjunction with Fitting on new lasts and moulds developments to the given time frame.
  • Responsible for the procurement of confirmation samples once the style has been finalised in the development process, before releasing to bulk production.
  • Support the Product team by analysing designs for manufacturability, production and material properties, offering economic and efficient solutions to achieve costs targets.
  • Responsible for the control of technical information for the footwear development process.
  • Ensuring all materials are tested and comply with the company`s quality standards on products in your area.
  • Responsible for the proto-type costing and maintain the data tracking sheets process for the gate meeting deadlines.
  • Work in conjunction with Sourcing and Supply Chain Manager to develop new materials and colours for each season to required standards for production.
  • Available to travel independently at short notice.

The Candidate

  • Technically competent shoemaker with extensive knowledge of constructions methods of footwear manufacturing.
  • Technically competent in product engineering and different CAD operating systems for pattern grading.
  • Experience in leathers and other materials.
  • Experience in costing products with cost break down sheets.
  • Ability to develop strong relationships with peers and vendors/suppliers.
  • Organised, self-motivated and solution-oriented individual.
  • Setting tasks to seasonal calendar and committed to meeting deadlines.
  • Positive attitude to problem solving.