*This is a hybrid role based out of our HQ near Portland, OR. In-office expectation is 3 days a week*.
ABOUT THE POSITION
As a Principal Footwear Developer, you will manage and lead high level technical development of assigned styles from design concept through to production ready hand-off.
This position requires not only technical expertise in mold development and fittings but also strong leadership and collaboration skills to guide a team towards innovative and successful product outcomes.
This role will focus on all Sorels categories and requires experience with cold weather builds, waterproof performance, and midsole/outsole compounds. The Principal Footwear Developer must be a hands-on, creative problem solver with high proficiency managing many projects in a fast-paced environment. They will collaborate with Product Development peers, Designers, Product Engineering, Product Line Managers, and our teams in Asia to create functional footwear solutions that reinforce and drive initiatives and product construction needs. They also must have the ability to work under deadlines, manage multiple priorities, work independently, take initiative, and pay close attention to detail.
HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Support the Product Development process for the active lifestyle, sneaker, and sport inspired category.
Provide input to the design process in areas related to cost, production, and functional componentry.
Set up detailed development plans for assigned models using timelines with specific target dates to ensure samples are delivered to Merchandising Department according to schedule. Provide continuous and detailed progress reports to Product Development Manager.
Maintain close communication with the product creation teams and overseas development staff reviewing progress and resolving issues.
Execute the different aspects on and review blue prints, 3D files, and other tech drawings to ensure accuracy and functionality of mold details. Able to review rapid prototype parts and models of molded components to help drive design integrity and functionality.
Collaborate with Design and Merchandising groups identify materials, components and construction options for each project.
Provide development team with up-to-date information on new materials, components, and procedures available in overseas factories.
Maintain current files on all assigned models currently being developed or produced overseas. Model files contain sample request forms, latest specification sheet, specification change notices, blueprints, and other related information.
Research and network with suppliers/vendors to source new and innovative materials. Maintain knowledge of current competitors’ products.
Provide information and assistance to other footwear personnel concerning the sample/shoe making process, materials, color and style.
Maintain positive open lines of communication with all Columbia Sportswear management, staff and other departments in order to contribute to the smooth flow of information and efficient operation of the organization.
Lead a strong team of Product Developers with day to day tasks.
YOU ARE
A strong team player and leader.
Passionate about footwear design and development.
Able to build strong relationships and key strategic partnerships both internal and external.
Able to wear a lot of hats and have a no task is to small attitude.
YOU HAVE
5-8+ years of footwear development experience.
Strong experience in lifestyle, sport inspired, sneaker categories strongly preferred.
Thorough knowledge of administrative management and supervisory techniques, PC software (i.e., spreadsheets, databases, and word-processing), outdoor footwear industry, and conducting business in Asian countries.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with management, staff, factories and vendors with an emphasis on clear communication with countries where English is a second language.
Use considerable tact, sound judgment, and discretion in all contacts.
Identify/evaluate problem areas and recommend effective solutions.
Effectively mentor junior staff, assessing work and supporting professional development.
Use exceptional time management skills to accomplish challenging objectives and manage heavy workload.
Understand basic engineering, metric measurements, and blueprints.
Use good color and texture perception to identify possible quality problems and salability of footwear.
The ability to travel 20% of the time, primarily between the US and Asia and within Asian countries and to manufacturing facilities.
#LI-JC1
#SOREL
#Hybrid
This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.
Columbia Sportswear is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. The Know Your Rights poster is available here: https://www.eeoc.gov/poster The pay transparency policy is available here: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OFCCP/pdf/pay-transp_%20English_formattedESQA508c.pdf Columbia Sportswear is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify your recruiter. At Columbia Sportswear Company, we’re proud to offer regular full-time employees a benefits package that includes a variety of services and products to help make your life and work more rewarding. Our benefit programs contribute to overall employee well-being by aligning those programs with the fundamental elements of well-being: physical, social/emotional, financial, career and community. Benefits that can protect your family’s financial future and help you save money through our 401k plan plus a generous company match. Columbia offers medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and an assortment of voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services). In addition, Columbia offers EAP + which is free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services. We have extensive wellness benefits, employee discounts and a generous time off program available. If you need an accommodation/adjustment to successfully complete and submit your application, please reach out to AskHR@columbia.com with the Subject: Applicant Assistance Requested.