Footwear Product DeveloperReference: DBN002540-JB-1A leading provider of handcrafted luxury accessories and footwear, renowned for their commitment to quality craftsmanship and exquisite design is seeking a skilled Footwear Product Developer with a keen technical eye and a passion for luxury footwear.The ideal candidate will possess expertise in designing and developing sneaker-type footwear, as well as the ability to interpret technical design packs and oversee the sourcing process from initial trend research to production.Duties & ResponsibilitiesWork closely with the Creative Director and the designer, and all international suppliers.Act as the key liaison for product development, material development, sample tracking & fitting.Get prototypes and samples executed to reflect the concept and design in quality, construction, materials, fit, and style.Research new technologies, components, and manufacturing techniques suitable for footwear manufacturing.Have a keen interest in sustainability within the footwear industry.Take responsibility for samples, liaising with suppliers to create prototypes and samples at workable prices and within specific deadlines for all footwear and accessories.Plan, detail, specify all designs/commissioning and track the development of prototypes/ultimately approval salesmen samples.Attend product meetings from first prototype to shipment samples.Liaise daily with factories and agents in Portugal.Upward manage a busy Creative Director who works part-time.Regularly communicate updates effectively within the company.Be an active part of ongoing brand identity development and evolution.Control courier costs for samples within company policy and procedure.Work with Shoe technologist and Creative Director to document sample fitting and correction on design and constructions.Undertake any other reasonable duties identified by the Creative Director; travel to Portugal & Italy may be part of this.Required Skills and Experience6 - 8 years experience as a fully fledged Footwear Developer within a supply and manufacture environment.Proficient in Illustrator & Photoshop.Degree level qualification in a related design field.Experience internationally.High level of technical understanding in footwear.Very familiar with constructions, materials, manufacturing processes, commercialization, and offshore sourcing.Keen interest in past and future trends, including evolving footwear technologies.Excellent work ethic with the ability to work to tight deadlines and upward manage a busy Creative Director.Excellent organisational skills, planning, and communication.Ability to see a product from design to delivery, following it through the different stages of the critical path with the Creative Director and Designer.
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