Senior Manager, Development Footwear

Who We Are

Reebok is a global fitness brand inspired by its American roots and a passion for movement. With a strong heritage in sport and innovation, we design footwear for athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide. Our mission is to help people be their best—physically, mentally, and socially—through the power of movement. We believe that when individuals move freely and confidently, they can fully express their authentic selves.

General Summary

Lead the footwear product development process for assigned Category Units by bridging the gap between design vision and manufacturing reality. This role serves as the critical link between HQ and Tier 1 supply partners, ensuring a seamless transition from prototype to production. You will balance high-volume price point project management with the leadership and cross functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Vision Translation: Convert design concepts and consumer insights into functional, marketable products that align with category strategies

• Engineering & Quality: Create workable prototypes that balance aesthetics, function, and manufacturability while strictly adhering to quality and testing standards
• Project Management: Own the end-to-end development lifecycle, ensuring all milestones—including BuyRead and BOM accuracy—are met according to the product calendar
• Supplier Collaboration: Manage direct development with Tier 1 partners, fostering a results-oriented relationship to resolve critical technical or business issues
• Innovation: Drive the integration of new materials and components into finished footwear
• Financial Accountability: Take ownership of model-level costing, collaborating with Design and Marketing to hit GP% targets without compromising product integrity
• Data Integrity: Oversee technical package creation and PLM systems to ensure seamless information flow between HQ and suppliers

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Technical Expertise: Advanced knowledge of footwear engineering, material construction, and testing protocols
• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of product costing and the ability to negotiate effectively
• Leadership: Proven ability to manage, motivate, and develop a professional team
• Problem Solving: Proactive approach to anticipating roadblocks and developing solutions in a fast-paced environment
• Communication: Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills; ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
• Adaptability: Comfortable navigating ambiguity, risk, and organizational change

Requirements

• Education: Four-year college or university degree
• Experience: 5–7 years of progressive experience in the athletic footwear industry (Development, Design, or Marketing)
• Leadership: Demonstrated experience in people management or team supervision
• Track Record: A proven history of successful product launches and technical accomplishment in footwear
• Logistics: Proficient in MS Office, Excel, PowerPoint; willing to travel domestically and internationally as needed
• Performance Management: Lead and develop a high-performing team by fostering a collaborative culture, managing performance, strategically allocating resources, mentoring talent, and partnering with senior leadership to drive operational improvements and scale team impact

Additional Job Details:

• This is a full-time position
• This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring on-site presence at the Boston office at least three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday)
• 25% of Domestic and International travel
• Ability to lift boxes/bags/packages 25 lbs. and above

Benefits

The salary range for this position is $105,000 – $160,000, depending on the candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications. Total compensation may also include a discretionary company performance bonus and a comprehensive benefits package featuring medical, dental, retirement, wellness, and voluntary benefit options, as well as employee product discounts.