Research And Development Manager

Superhouse Group; Unnao District; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Superhouse Group is seeking an experienced R&D lead for fashion footwear in India. The role spans from concept design to final sample approval, overseeing development, prototyping and commercialization of seasonal collections.

You will steer footwear development per buyer specs and fashion trends, ensuring materials and components meet required standards while coordinating with cross-functional teams for timely delivery.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of footwear construction, pattern making, last development, materials and sampling.
• Experience handling international buyers and export-oriented footwear development.
• Good understanding of fashion footwear trends, product costing and production processes.
• Strong leadership, technical problem-solving and team management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the complete R&D process for fashion footwear from design concepts to final sample approval.
• Oversee new product development, sampling, prototyping, and commercialization of fashion shoe collections.
• Develop footwear per buyer specs, international trends and market requirements.
• Ensure proper selection of leather, soles, lasts, components and other materials.
• Coordinate with design, merchandising, production, quality and sourcing for timely sample development.
• Monitor sample quality, fitting, comfort, construction and technical specs.
• Manage the R&D team, sample room operations, timelines and productivity.
• Ensure timely development and submission of samples per buyer requirements and seasonal collections.

Skills

Footwear construction

Pattern making

Last development

Sampling & prototyping

Export experience

Leadership

Team management

Job description

Role & responsibilities

• Lead the complete research and development process for fashion footwear, from design concepts to final sample approval.
• Oversee new product development, sampling, prototyping, and commercialization of fashion shoe collections.
• Develop footwear as per buyer specifications, international fashion trends, and market requirements.
• Ensure proper selection of leather, soles, lasts, components, and other footwear materials.
• Coordinate with design, merchandising, production, quality, and sourcing teams for timely sample development.
• Monitor sample quality, fitting, comfort, construction, and technical specifications.
• Manage the R&D team, sample room operations, development timelines, and departmental productivity.
• Ensure timely development and submission of samples as per buyer requirements and seasonal collections.

Preferred candidate profile

• Strong knowledge of footwear construction, pattern making, last development, materials, and sampling.
• Experience in handling international buyers and export-oriented footwear development.
• Good understanding of fashion footwear trends, product costing, and production processes.
• Strong leadership, technical problem-solving, and team management skills.
• Candidates with experience in fashion shoes will be preferred over those having experience only in safety footwear, sports shoes, or other footwear categories.