Product Development Administrator (Footwear)

Urban Shoemakers; Saint Kilda Junction; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Urban Shoemakers based in Melbourne seeks a Product Development Administrator (Footwear) to support end-to-end development of footwear collections. You will work closely with designers, developers, suppliers and cross-functional teams to bring new products from concept to market.

The role requires hands-on footwear development, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage timelines and quality standards.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years experience in footwear/apparel product development or production.
• Strong Adobe Illustrator skills for renderings and product documentation.
• Permanent right to work in Australia.
• In‑office role; remote work is not available.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the tracking and approval of prototypes, development and samples.
• Develop and maintain product specifications with technical requirements.
• Create digital renderings and prepare detailed tech packs for suppliers.
• Manage product data across the lifecycle with a master document.
• Coordinate seasonal range boards using Trello.
• Conduct trend analysis and competitor research to support range development.

Skills

Supplier coordination

Production timelines

Organisation

Proactive mindset

Tools

Procreate

Photoshop

Illustrator

Job description

Product Development Administrator (Footwear)

Are you a talented footwear product developer seeking a genuine opportunity to make a meaningful impact? Do you want to build something exceptional and have fun while doing it? We've a great business, and we're looking for you to join our team.

Based in Melbourne, with a subsidiary in Auckland, Urban Shoemakers is a footwear developer, wholesaler and owner of EOS and Los Cabos - two of the most exciting independent footwear brands in Australia and New Zealand. Both brands are now distributed in the USA and Canada, with Spain and Southern France launching soon.

During the last 40 years, we've crafted a fantastic business through strong creativity and design, energised strategy, and hard work. Now, we're kicking off to grow, expand, and strengthen Urban for the future. Your operational excellence is the final piece of the puzzle.

About the opportunity

As URBAN Shoemakers' Product Development Administrator, you will support the end-to-end development process of our footwear collections. In this role, you will work closely with designers, developers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to help bring new products from concept to market.

Job Description

If you live and breathe footwear product development, we want to talk to you. The ideal candidate is passionate about footwear and either brings a strong understanding of development processes or you're eager to learn fast. You'll thrive in a high-energy, collaborative environment and help drive products from concept to delivery-ensuring they hit our quality standards, timelines, and brand visions.

Based in our centrally located Level 5 loft workspace in St Kilda, you'll take the lead on:

Oversee the tracking and approval process for all prototypes, development, sales samples and production confirmation samples, including all material submissions.

Develop and maintain comprehensive product specifications that detail all technical requirements and specifications.

Create precise digital renderings using Procreate, Photoshop, Illustrator and/or similar tools, and prepare detailed tech packs for suppliers to facilitate sampling and production.

Manage product specifications across the full lifecycle

Liaise with suppliers to manage the sample and production schedules, ensuring on-time deliveries. Collaborate with the team to manage the critical path, proactively addressing any potential delays or issues.

Schedule and document fit sessions to maintain a smooth sample flow aligned with the critical path.

Manage all product data within a master document, ensuring information is clearly communicated and consistently updated. Coordinate the creation of seasonal range boards using Trello.

Keep the product team aligned and organised to meet all development deadlines.

Provide administrative and organisational support to the broader product team.

Conduct trend analysis, both local and international, and competitor research to support range development.

Here's what you'll need to be successful in this role:

This is a 100% in-office position. Footwear product development is hands-on: you'll need to see, touch, fit, and adjust samples in real time, which makes remote work impractical.

The permanent right to work in Australia - we regret that this is a non-negotiable requirement for this role.

1 or 2 years' experience in a footwear/apparel product development or production role will be an advantage.

Proven experience working directly with suppliers and managing production timelines.

Strong Adobe Illustrator skills for creation of renderings and product documentation.

Meticulous attention to detail with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset.

Excellent organisational and time management skills, with high attention to detail and a proactive attitude.

If you speak Mandarin, that's a bonus (but not essential).

Above all, you're a team player aligned with one of our 5 core values: "We value Team over Role."