Product Designer - Footwear Developer I

Portland, OR

We are a leading safety footwear company, with solutions marketed primarily under the brands Avenger Work Boots and Nautilus Safety Footwear.  We are proud to be part of a growing global company with distribution all around the world. We owe our success to our innovative safety products, our commitment to our people, and the incredible connections we make with our entire distribution base.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Footwear Developer I at our Portland, Oregon office. Under direction of VP of Product Management, the Developer I will develop product specifications and coordinate all aspects of product development from concepts to product confirmation for assigned models and manage development of new footwear from initial concept through production.   This role will be a part of the Product Development team which oversees the creation and commercialization of performance work products ensuring that they exceed the expectations of the intended end user, meet the required quality standards and meet or exceed all industry safety standards.  The Developer I is responsible in attaining our high product and quality standards. This position will collaborate with all team members in bringing a vision into reality.  

The role is a fulltime permanent role with the office located in Portland, Oregon.  We can offer a hybrid role with a three day in office and two-day home-based program with the flexibility to drop into the office when required outside the normal work program, the choice is yours.

A day in the life:

• Manage with oversight development of seasonal products launches across multiple manufacturing partners.
• Provide continuous and detailed progress reports to the VP of Product Management.
• Work continuously to enhance current product portfolio through design, features, color, comfort, etc.
• Work to maximizing best practices, new methods and concepts & functional expertise.
• Organize daily workflow that adheres to Go To Market deliverables & development timelines, overseeing commercialization of product from sketch to order placement.
• Assist in the development and creation of tech packs and communicate requirements for design aesthetic, cost, and construction engineering.
• Participate in sample review meetings and help drive conversations to align cross functional teams on style, cost, and development goals.
• Ensure construction and consistency across product class according to established brand guidelines.
• Build vendor & cross-functional relationships through effective email correspondence and meetings.
• Manage the testing of the finished product sample via third party agencies.
• Manage Fit and Wear testing for all products and incorporate feedback into the design process.
• Effectively present sample changes, challenges, and solutions at Go To Market meetings.
• Own special projects and help the Development Manager prepare for commercialization; finalize & roll out to greater team.
• Provide information and assistance to other footwear personnel concerning the sample/shoe making process, materials, color and style.
• Participate in Trade Shows and field sales calls.
• Ability to travel internationally.

Education and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline (textiles, fabrics, color and design) or equivalent professional experience.
• Working knowledge of textile materials and components industry.
• 2 - 5 years industry experience in product development and innovation.
• 2 - 5 years working with manufacturers from overseas factories.
• Organized approach to daily tasks.
• Use considerable tact, sound judgment, and discretion in all contacts.
• Passionate about product design and innovating the function, design of performance work products.
• A technical knowledge for product and function; specifically in performance product and function.
• Approaches problem solving with conceptual and out of the box thinking.
• Assist in building BOMs, production friendly construction details, and technical package creation.
• Detailed understanding of product creation calendar and working under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in MS office (Excel/Word/Outlook), Adobe Design Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Team player able to work easily with others.
• High attention to detail, data accuracy, and prioritization.

Essential Requirements

• Driven by the technical aspect of the product creation process.
• Attention to detail, initiative, organization, strong verbal & written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks & competing priorities.
• Self-motivated, strong sense of urgency, collaborative mindset.
• This is a small team and requires a hands on detailed collaborative style.
• Ability to work in a cross functional team environment.
• Curiosity for change & learning, capable of managing ambiguity.
• Fosters connection by putting people first and building trusting relationships.

Application Process

We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Our company will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

We offer a competitive compensation and benefit package. If you are interested in this opportunity, please forward your resume via e-mail complete with a cover letter.   We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity, however, only those who qualify will be contacted.