Development Manager - FTW & ACC

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER - Footwear & Accessories

RUDIS is seeking an experienced and detail driven individual to join our team as a Development Manager for Footwear and Accessories. This role collaborates across categories with all product development teams to assure on-time delivery from initial concept to final samples and production confirmation. The Developer will work collaboratively with cross-functional leaders in Project Management and Design to deliver the successful implementation of products that drive innovation and quality, strengthen market position, and deliver on time and at cost.

COMPETENCIES

Leadership                                  Collaboration and Developing Others

                                                               Managing and Building Relationships

                                                               Leading through values and integrity

Business/Management                    Organizational Skills

                                                              Solution Based Thinker

                                                              Driving Execution / Accuracy

Interpersonal                               Communication & Collaboration

                                                              Cultural Effectiveness

                                                              Innovative & Adaptable Thinking

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

CALENDAR - Works within the product development seasonal calendar and milestones deadlines. Collaborative team efforts to deliver through each phase of the development cycle with attention to company initiatives, technology development, materials costing, problem-solving, and quality. Drive development excellence through exploring processes and procedures for each milestone, which help improve and streamline expectations and deliverables. This role is highly dependent on a set development calendar and is responsible for specified deliverables from Seasonal Kick-Off to Product Production Confirmation.

COMMUNICATION - Responsible for alignment and execution of direction throughout the development teams as well as factory/vendor suppliers.  Clear and direct communication through written and verbal skills. Is able to understand and co-create process and standards for timely communication as well as evaluating feedback. Able to identify potential issues during development and is adept at solving and communicating needs and solutions. Possesses a keen sense of listening skills and can execute through a solution-based thought process

PROCESS - Maintain a clear structure for process with procedures and standardizations for multiple product development necessities: Advanced Development, Material Suppliers, Compound Formula: Fit Testing, Wear Testing, Project Tracking and Reporting, Costing Evaluations.  Provide assistance and leadership in Fit and Wear testing programs through existing and future resources. Work with Elite athletes to capture performance, fit and executional needs for customized products.

INNOVATION - Drive innovation through execution, interpretation and collaboration with Design, PM, Leadership and athletes. Responsible for turning 2D expressions and ideation into viable 3D prototypes that graduate to market leading products. Utilize industry experience and resource knowledge to push the boundaries of traditional product development. Research and maintain a forward-leading development position for new ideas, materials, construction, and cost savings initiatives.

DEVELOPMENT - Expected to have strong working knowledge of the footwear development role and experience working within multiple process structures. Possesses an understanding of company direction and how development supports the brand and business. Lead cross-functional teams through the decision-making processes encountered in product creation.  Provide support and collaboration with external departments in Marketing, Merchandising and Sales. A linear and direct thinker when applicable and an adaptable progressive thinker when necessary. 

REQUIREMENTS

- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent; Engineering background preferred., or a related field 

-3-5 year’s experience within sports industry in product development

-Experienced working knowledge of footwear Development, Commercialization and Manufacturing

-Strong technical understanding of shoemaking and engineering

-Familiarity in sourcing, commercialization and manufacturing processes

-Experience working with global manufacturers and suppliers.

-Excellent organizational skills, with the experience to build and create new process

-Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple teams and stakeholders.

-Strategic problem solver and with a results-oriented mindset.

-Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.