Lead Developer - Footwear

RUDIS is seeking an experienced and dynamic individual to join our team as the Lead Developer for Footwear. This role manages the development team and processes from initial concept to final samples and production confirmation. The Lead Developer will work collaboratively with cross-functional leaders in Project Management and Design to drive the successful implementation of products that drive innovation and quality, strengthen market position, and deliver on time and at cost. This role reports to the Director of Footwear and is the primary owner of footwear development with direct reports within the development department. 

COMPETENCIES
Leadership                                          Coaching and Developing Others
Managing and Building Relationships
Leading through values and integrity

Business/Management                      Building Talent
Organizational Skills
Solution Based Thinker
Driving Execution / Accuracy

Interpersonal                                      Building Partnerships & Trust
Communication & Collaboration
Cultural Effectiveness
Innovative & Adaptable Thinking

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
CALENDAR - Oversee product development through seasonal calendar milestones. Manage team and deliverables through each phase of the development cycle with attention to company initiatives, technology development, materials costing, problem-solving, and quality. Drive development excellence through setting processes and procedures for each milestone, which clearly defines expectations and deliverables. This role owns the development calendar dates and is responsible for specified deliverables from Seasonal Kick-Off to Product Production Confirmation.

COMMUNICATION - Responsible for communicating direction and decisions to the development team and factory/vendor suppliers.  Clear and direct communication through written and verbal skills. Creates a 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 - Build and manage 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 Evaluation. Create process mapping and sourcing recommendations for sustainability and best practices while collaborating with Supply Chain to problem solve and implement company initiatives. Manage 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 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, ensuring proper costing is maintained throughout the development of projects. 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

• 7-10 year’s experience within sports industry in product development

• First hand working knowledge of footwear Development, Commercialization and Manufacturing

• Strong technical understanding of shoemaking and engineering

• Strong knowledge in sourcing, commercialization and manufacturing processes 

• Experience building relationships and 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 while managing a team