Product Developer - Footwear

Brand Collective; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pet-friendly workspace

Product allowance & Generous discounts

Exclusive LK Group discounts

Access to sample sales

Leave when it matters

Novated leasing

Loyalty rewards

Well-being matters

Job summary

Brand Collective’s Designworks division is seeking a Product Developer – Footwear to lead end-to-end development from concept to finished product. You will collaborate with design, sourcing, production and account teams to ensure footwear ranges meet brand vision, quality and commercial targets.

Ideal candidates bring hands-on footwear construction knowledge, experience with offshore suppliers, and the ability to manage multiple development timelines while maintaining cost targets and schedules.

Qualifications

• Experience in footwear product development or similar role.
• Strong knowledge of footwear materials, construction, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience working with offshore suppliers and manufacturing partners.
• Ability to manage multiple development timelines and projects simultaneously.
• Proficient in PLM systems, Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development of footwear products from concept through to production.
• Translate design direction into commercially viable footwear ranges.
• Collaborate with design, sourcing and production to meet quality, cost and timeline targets.
• Manage development timelines and critical paths to keep samples and approvals on schedule.
• Work with offshore factories to manage sampling, materials and production challenges.
• Lead fit sessions and wear testing to ensure comfort and quality.

Skills

Footwear development

Materials knowledge

Offshore suppliers

PLM systems

Adobe Creative Suite

MS Office

Tools

PLM software

Job description

ABOUT DESIGNWORKS

Designworks is Brand Collective’s product development powerhouse, bringing globally recognised brands to life through innovative design, technical expertise and strong commercial execution.

Working across apparel, footwear and accessories, the team partners with leading international and local brands to create product that resonates with consumers and performs in market. From concept through to production, Designworks combines creative thinking with deep product knowledge and global sourcing capability to deliver ranges that balance style, function and commercial success.

ROLE IN A NUTSHELL

As Product Developer – Footwear, you will lead the end-to-end development of footwear products from initial concept through to finished product. Working closely with design, sourcing, production and account teams, you’ll ensure footwear ranges are developed to meet brand vision, quality standards and commercial targets.

This role combines creative product development with strong technical expertise in footwear construction, materials and manufacturing, ensuring every product is market relevant, commercially viable and delivered on time.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Leading the end-to-end development of footwear products from concept through to production
• Translating design direction and seasonal concepts into commercially viable footwear ranges
• Collaborating with design, sourcing and production teams to ensure products meet quality, cost and timeline requirements
• Managing development timelines and critical paths to ensure samples, approvals and production stay on schedule
• Working closely with offshore factories and suppliers to manage sampling, materials and production challenges
• Leading fit sessions and wear testing to ensure comfort, performance and quality standards are met
• Sourcing materials, components and trims that align with brand requirements and cost targets
• Managing licensor submissions and approvals where applicable
• Conducting market and competitor research to inform product development and innovation
• Identifying opportunities to optimise costs while maintaining product integrity and performance

ABOUT YOU

You’re a detail-oriented product developer with a strong understanding of footwear construction and a passion for bringing commercially successful products to market.

You’ll likely bring:

• Experience in footwear product development or a similar role
• Strong knowledge of footwear materials, construction and manufacturing processes
• Experience working with offshore suppliers and manufacturing partners
• The ability to manage multiple development timelines and projects simultaneously
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Experience using PLM systems, Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office
• A strong interest in footwear trends, innovation and consumer behaviour

JUST SOME PERKS WE OFFER

• Pet-friendly workspace – Yes, your furry friend can join you at work!
• Product allowance & Generous discounts – Up to 50% off top brands like Reebok, Superdry, and Elka Collective!
• Exclusive LK Group discounts – Treat yourself to savings at Daniel’s Donuts, Hommey, Snooze & more!
• Access to sample sales – Exclusive to Brand Collective team members only.
• Leave when it matters – Celebration leave, paid parental leave, volunteer leave.
• Novated leasing – Drive your dream car with ease.
• Loyalty rewards – We celebrate your milestones with generous service awards!
• Well-being matters – Corporate Discount on Health Cover, Free access to Mental Health Professionals through our Employee Assistance Program.

READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT?

Bring your footwear product development expertise to a team that creates innovative, market-leading products and helps bring globally recognised brands to life.

ABOUT BRAND COLLECTIVE

Brand Collective is one of Australia's most prominent apparel, footwear & sport groups, operating our omnichannel offer across 300+ stores with over 3,000 team members, a comprehensive online business and an extensive wholesale network. Our portfolio ranges from iconic heritage to timeless contemporary, from street culture to considered craftsmanship, and from private label to international luxury fashion brands. We bring brands to life!

At Brand Collective our customers come from all walks of life, and so do we! We value diversity and inclusion in all forms, thus hire based on capability and performance.