About Brooks

Footwear Product Developer I

General Position Description:

The Product Developer I utilizes general product and process knowledge to manage and execute the footwear development process for assigned quarterly styles while developing further technical core competencies. Collaborates daily with our category product team to understand and accomplish seasonal product concepts, participates in fit sessions, and conducts product reviews with the product team. This position requires the foresight to identify key issues in product construction, manufacturing and pricing and the ability to facilitate a resolution in a timely manner.

Basic Responsibilities:

1) Plan, coordinate and execute project development according to the seasonal critical dates that lead to on–time delivery of prototypes, sales samples and production confirmation

2) Participate in meetings with Product and Manufacturing teams during various phases of the development and commercialization process to review, evaluate, update and ultimately drive the decision making process that leads to on–time production confirmation and margin goals

3) Effectively communicate with Asia Liaison Development on design, pricing and production to manage project sampling and confirmation in Asia

4) Create and maintain technical packages for assigned projects for each quarter, including midsole/outsole blueprints, upper pattern packages, color maps and project specifications with great attention to detail

5) Participate in Asia development trips, 2 – 3 times per year, to work with manufacturers and suppliers on existing and current development projects

6) Manage assigned special make-up process, MTO process, including product specification, confirmation reports, samples and costing approval, with our sales and manufacturing teams

7) Assure product performance integrity by coordinating product testing (Physical testing, field testing) with suppliers, QC team and wear test program.

8) Display a basic knowledge of the manufacturing process with the ability to contribute ideas which will enhance the overall performance of product

9) Recommend and specify to product team the material, component and construction options to ensure projects are within the specified pricing target range without sacrificing the product's functional goals

10) Source, develop and price materials at suppliers and/or liaison offices, as well as provide information updates to our materials database and project list on a regular basis

11) Manage the sales samples ordering process and create and maintain line list on a seasonal basis

12) Must keep abreast of market trends, new technologies and consumer needs to ensure that products incorporate the functional needs our consumers’ demand.

13) Support the overflow functions of the development department

Requirements:

· Bachelor’s Degree in a related field preferred; may be substituted with relevant experience

· 2 - 3 years experience in the product development of Athletic Footwear

· Basic knowledge of pattern engineering and manufacturing processes to ensure products meet the specific quality standards.

· Must be proficient with MS Office applications; MS Project, Illustrator experience a plus

· Demonstrated organizational and project management skills

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills

· Ability to work professionally and efficiently within the team and across departments

· A passion for the running enthusiast and active lifestyle

Reports to: Senior Footwear Development Manager

Department: Footwear Product Development

Position Classification: Exempt