Footwear Developer I

Job Summary 

The Footwear Developer works on the technical product development process for various product initiatives within the organization.

Essential Functions

• Works on projects throughout the development process into commercialization in line with the agreed corporate calendar. 
• Follows up on decisions needed to meet agreed-upon stage gates so that the project finishes on time. 
• Applies technical solutions for last, sole and mold Evaluates last development and specifications alongside the Fit and Wear team.
• Ensures models are fit and wear tested at appropriate times.
• Manages tasks within the PLM systems.
• Confirms information and timelines are correct for the product.
• Documents fit and wear testing, engineering, grading, and approval processes.
• Runs assessment reports.
• Delivers prototypes on time and participates in prototype meetings with the category team.
• Ensures that prototypes are developed according to best practices and worked through to the agreed-upon timeline and deliverables, including costing and fit approval.
• Ensures samples are manufactured according to documented process and product standards before production starts.
• Reviews last, line review samples, sales samples, and production confirmation samples prior to production start-up.
• Adheres to predetermined costing and margin requirements at each stage of the development cycle.
• Proposes optimization and engineering changes.
• Contributes ideas for product design, construction, materials, compounds, and components to achieve performance and margin targets.
• Responsible for using 3D software to render and publish colorways.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business or Design-related field required.
• Minimum Three (3) years of footwear development experience. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong business orientation, analytical aptitude, computer skills, and acumen for “retail math”.
• Full understanding of the product creation process and ability to collaborate and work within the seasonal calendars.
• Understanding of US and global markets with proven success in global range planning and forecasting.
• Understanding of the significance of pricing and its impact on profitability.
• Understanding of the millennial consumer and the footwear industry. 
• Demonstrates ability to independently utilize resources to increase knowledge.
• Proven ability to successfully work in a lean, entrepreneurial, highly cross-functional matrix environment.
• A thorough understanding of global consumer markets and trends. 
• Strong organizational, analytical, and time management skills. 
• Exceptional oral and written communication and presentation skills. 
• Proficiency in using Adobe Illustrator for editing text, color, and shapes. 
• Proficiency in Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word.

Travel -  No

Base Salary: $96,030.00  - $99,231.00 yearly
This range represents the low and high ends of this position's anticipated base salary range. The actual base salary will depend on numerous factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, and location. Our base salary is just one component of our competitive total rewards strategy, which includes numerous benefits and perks as well as specific health and welfare benefits.

Why Work at KEEN:  Driven by a passion for life outside, KEEN is a values-led, independently owned brand from Portland, Oregon, that’s on a mission to create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire outside adventure. Founded in 2003, KEEN launched a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport adventure sandal and has donated more than $18 million to non-profit organizations and causes around the world to promote responsible outdoor recreation, including conservation efforts to protect open spaces. KEEN strives to show the world through its products and its actions that a business for good can actually be good for business. By giving back, reducing impact, and activating communities and individuals to protect the places where we work and play, KEEN puts its values in motion and takes action to leave the world a better place.  

At KEEN, we believe in a more just and equitable future for all people. As a global brand, we acknowledge that our business, buildings, and daily lives exist within the traditional territories of indigenous peoples. We strive for a future that recognizes the knowledge, rights, and resilience of these peoples.

Fuerst Group, KEEN, and Chrome are equal opportunity employers.  We value an inclusive and diverse community. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.