Footwear Materials & Product Developer

Zachary Daniels Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency seeks a Footwear Materials & Product Developer in Manchester to shape a new high-visibility footwear launch. This role combines creative ambition with technical expertise in material innovation and product excellence. Candidates need 4+ years in footwear development, a passion for footwear, and strong collaborative skills. The position ensures precision from concept to final production while emphasizing sustainability and performance in materials. Ideal for strategic thinkers ready to make an impact.

Qualifications

• 4+ years in footwear product development or materials specialization.
• Strong understanding of materials, design, construction, and performance.
• Meticulous eye for detail across the product creation journey.

Responsibilities

• Drive the sourcing and development of cutting‑edge materials.
• Ensure materials meet sustainability benchmarks.
• Identify new opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce impact.
• Translate findings into meaningful product innovations.
• Own the product lifecycle from concept to final production.

Skills

Footwear Obsession

Creative & Strategic Vision

Collaborative Mindset

Job description

Footwear Materials & Product Developer | North West | UK Based | Lifestyle & Performance Business

Why This Role Matters :

You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping an iconic, high‑visibility footwear launch‑one that redefines innovation, pushes performance boundaries, and sets a new standard for the industry. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and bring groundbreaking ideas to life, we’d love to hear from you.

This is for someone who blends creative ambition with deep technical expertise, pushing the boundaries of what footwear can be. This role is at the heart of material innovation, product creation, and performance excellence, shaping the next generation of high‑profile, industry‑defining footwear, working very closely with a designer.

Key Responsibilities :

• Drive the sourcing and development of cutting‑edge materials that elevate product performance and unlock new design possibilities.
• Ensure every material meets their sustainability benchmarks – champion integration of sustainability and performance targets into all material decisions.
• Identify new opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and unlock enhanced product capabilities.
• Stay ahead of the curve. Track industry movements, attend global trade shows, and explore emerging technologies.
• Translate your findings into meaningful product innovations that launch this brand at the forefront of the footwear landscape.
• Evolve and maintain a material library and digital toolbox.
• Cultivate strategic supplier relationships and ensure agility for both long‑term development needs and short‑lead special projects.
• Oversee rigorous QA standards across all materials. Leverage your expertise in yarns, polymers, and material structures to diagnose issues, guide improvements, and collaborate with suppliers and internal teams.
• Own the product lifecycle with your designer – from concept and prototyping to final production.
• Ensure every design is executed with precision while balancing creativity, functionality, and manufacturing feasibility.
• Work hand‑in‑hand with marketing, sales, and brand teams to ensure product direction aligns with consumer insights and brand vision.
• Provide deep expertise on performance, construction, and design to maximise product success.
• Lead comprehensive testing phases to guarantee each product delivers exceptional comfort, durability, and performance—while looking incredible.

What We’re Looking For :

• Footwear Obsession : A genuine passion for footwear and a strong understanding of materials, design, construction, and performance.
• Proven Experience : 4+ years in footwear product development or materials specialization, ideally within a performance‑driven or innovation‑focused environment.
• Creative & Strategic Vision : A future‑focused thinker with the ability to generate bold ideas, develop refined solutions, and lead design strategies that connect with the consumer.
• Precision & Craft : A meticulous eye for detail with an ability to think holistically across the full product creation journey.
• Collaborative Mindset : Strong communication skills and the ability to partner seamlessly across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Trust & Discretion : A high level of professionalism and confidentiality, given the exclusive nature of this project and upcoming product launch.