Sr. Product Developer - Footwear

At Deckers Brands, Together, Every Step is a promise kept that every employee can bring their authentic self, is valued and supported, as a whole person, at work and beyond. Together, Every Step is how we continue to deliver exceptional business results, experience an amazing place to work, and have a positive impact on the communities and world around us. 

Job Title: Sr. Product Developer - Footwear

Reports to: Sr. Manager, Product Development - Emerging Brands

Location: Goleta, CA - Hybrid

The Role

Deckers Brands is seeking a passionate and experienced Senior Product Developer to join our Footwear Product Development team. In this role, you will manage the product creation process from the initial brief stage through final prototyping and salesman samples. You will be responsible for problem-solving design tech packages, generating and maintaining accurate Bill of Materials (BOM), and ensuring the timely delivery and approval of all relevant technical information. Your expertise will be crucial in diagnosing fit/wear and commercialization issues, managing sample delivery, and striving for continuous improvement in production. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and is dedicated to innovation and excellence in footwear development.

We celebrate diversity--of your background, your experiences and your unique identity. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and equitable workplace where all of our employees can Come as They Are. We believe that when we bring our different perspectives to work, we are truly Better Together.

Your Impact

• Manage the product creation process from brief stage and design through final prototyping and salesman samples.
• Problem-solve design tech packages prior to hand-off for potential construction, material, fit & wear or cost concerns.
• Generate and maintain correct Bill of Materials (BOM) for all projects.
• Review and evaluate project status with the product creation and development teams with focus on patterns, mold processes, materials, pricing, yield & cost analysis, manufacturing processes and end use performance.
• Lead product tear-downs of samples or competitor product to evaluate construction, comfort or cost concerns.
• Pro-actively problem-solve by identifying issues and presenting solution options to team-mates.
• Provide PLMs/product design with alternatives in constructions, materials, costing, duties, etc.
• Review technical drawings, lab tests, patterns, components and lasts to identify issues.
• Plan and execute development projects according to critical timelines and pre-planned dates.
• Lead and facilitate timely creation, delivery, and approval of all relevant technical information (shell patterns, 2D’s, 3D’s, lasts, patterns, blue-prints, cost sheets, etc.).
• Manage the diagnosis of fit/wear and commercialization issues and ensure that product offerings are proven and tested successfully commercialized and mass production.
• Manage sample delivery to ensure all meeting dates are hit.
• Manage and execute timely approval of production confirmation samples to ensure a smooth transition into commercialization.
• Strive for continuous improvement in production through periodic examination of defective returns.
• Proactively seek, evaluate, and monitor new technologies relevant to the industry.
• Travel to development factories and trade shows, as necessary.
• Strong influencer, mentor, collaborator.
• Assist in training new team members.

Who You Are

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• 8+ years' experience in the footwear industry.
• Thorough experience in building product specifications.
• In-depth knowledge of material applications for product use and product constructions.
• 1-2+ years’ experience of training new team members.
• Proficient in Microsoft and Adobe applications.
• Understanding of product development with ability to mentor junior team members.
• Experience with FlexPLM or similar system.
• Capability to use the tools of the trade including calipers, hardness gauge, tape measure, profile gauge, Brannock device, etc.

What We'll Give You –

• Competitive Pay and Bonuses - We’ve created a variety of competitive compensation programs to foster career development, reward success and to show our employees just how much they’re valued.
• Financial Planning and wellbeing - No matter what financial goals our employees have set, we want to help them get there. Our plans provide powerful ways to protect income, pay for expenses and invest in the future.
• Time away from work - Sometimes we need time away to be with family, focus on our health or just simply recharge. Our plans support our employees’ needs to get out, get healthy and come back stronger than ever.
• Extras, discounts and perks - Being a valued member of the Deckers Brands team means more than just a paycheck. From generous discounts to community-based programs, we offer a variety of cool extras
• Growth and Development - Deckers Brands was built on the idea of pursuing passion. That’s why we offer extensive opportunities and support for personal and professional development.
• Health and Wellness - There’s nothing basic about our comprehensive health and wellness programs and offerings. While at work and at play, we aim to support a healthy lifestyle.
   

$130,000 - $140,000

The salary range posted reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for this role in our Goleta, CA location. Individual pay will be determined by location and additional factors, including job related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Diversity and inclusion are key to our success. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds who share a passion for our brands. We welcome qualified applicants regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, medical condition and all the other beautiful parts of your identity.