Footwear Product Development and Sourcing Manager

Paragon Polymer Products; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 2,500,000 - 4,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Growth opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Professional development

Job summary

Paragon Polymer Products is seeking an experienced Retail Footwear Product Development Manager to lead the end-to-end development of our footwear range from concept to launch. You will coordinate with Design, Sourcing and QA, manage vendor relationships, negotiate pricing, and ensure on-time delivery while maintaining quality and profitability.

The role requires 7+ years in product development and buying/sourcing in retail, strong project management, and expertise in PLM systems.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in product development, buying/sourcing in a retail environment.
• Strong knowledge of product development processes from design to production.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in PLM or similar product lifecycle software.
• Bachelor's/Master's degree in Footwear manufacturing or Buying and Sourcing field.

Responsibilities

• Vendor management across footwear materials, sole and NFT.
• Develop and manage a product development calendar for timely launches.
• Range planning and building.
• Conduct market research and trend analysis for new products.
• Forecast trends seasonally.
• Collaborate with Design, Development, Sourcing and QA to refine product designs.
• Negotiate pricing with suppliers and manage production timelines.
• Develop product specifications including materials, dimensions, packaging, fit and finish.
• Conduct product testing and QA to ensure standards.
• Manage product lifecycle from maintenance to discontinuation.
• Develop and manage product budgets for cost-effectiveness and profitability.
• Stay updated on industry trends and competitor activity.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Vendor management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Footwear manufacturing or buying

Tools

PLM systems

Job description

Job Title: Manager Footwear Product Development/Sourcing/Buyer

Reports to: Retail Head

Location: [Bangalore]

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and innovative Retail Footwear Product Development Manager to join our Product Development/Buying team. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and managing a range of retail products, from concept to launch, ensuring they meet our brand's quality, style, and customer expectations. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of product development, excellent project management skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Vendor management. ( Footwear, materials, sole & NFT)
• Develop and manage a product development calendar, ensuring timely and efficient product launches
• Range Planning/ Range building.
• Conduct market research and trend analysis to identify opportunities for new products and product lines
• Trend Forecasting (season wise)
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Design and Development, Sourcing, and Quality Assurance, to develop and refine product designs
• Work closely with suppliers and manufacturers to negotiate pricing, ensure quality, and manage production timelines
• Develop and manage product specifications, including materials, dimensions, packaging, Product Fit and Finish
• Conduct product testing and quality assurance to ensure compliance with company standards
• Manage product lifecycle, including product maintenance, updates, and discontinuation
• Develop and manage product budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and profitability
• Stay up to date on industry trends, competitor activity, and emerging technologies

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in product development, Buying/Sourcing, preferably in a retail environment
• Strong knowledge of product development processes, including design, development, sourcing, and production
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in product development software, such as PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems
• Bachelor's/masters degree in a Footwear manufacturing or Buying and Sourcing Field

Nice to Have

• Experience with sustainable and eco-friendly product development practices
• Knowledge of international trade regulations and compliance
• Familiarity with data analytics and market research tools
• Certifications in product development, such as CPD (Certified Product Developer)
• Experience with agile product development methodologies

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to work with a growing and successful retail brand
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment
• Professional development and growth opportunities