Concept Creation Lab Manager

Converse; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Converse is seeking a Manager, C4 Lab to lead the maker lab and accelerate concept development through craftsmanship and prototyping. You will steer the lab's vision, build capabilities, and lead a team of makers across footwear, apparel, and brand experiences.

The ideal candidate blends craft, leadership, and strategic thinking, with hands-on expertise in footwear construction and rapid prototyping. This role focuses on advancing concept creation across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Footwear Design, Product Design, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of experience in footwear prototyping, fabrication, industrial design, innovation, concept development, or related fields.
• Experience leading makers, technicians, or creative fabrication teams.
• Advanced expertise in footwear construction, assembly, and prototype development.
• Strong proficiency in sewing, stitching, and footwear craft techniques.
• Experience operating and maintaining 3D printing and rapid prototyping equipment.
• Expertise creating mock-ups, concept models, and proof-of-concept prototypes.
• Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills.
• Experience within footwear, consumer products, innovation labs, apparel, or design consultancy environments.
• Knowledge of CAD, digital modeling, and prototyping workflows.
• Understanding of emerging fabrication technologies and maker space operations.
• Passion for creativity, culture, self-expression, and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the long-term vision and capabilities of the Converse Concept Creation Center.
• Build a best-in-class maker environment that fuels experimentation and concept storytelling.
• Champion a culture of curiosity, learning, and hands-on creation.
• Lead training and workshops to teach and elevate making capabilities for creators.
• Explore emerging tools, materials, and fabrication technologies to advance concept development.
• Transform concept and design visions into physical prototypes, mock-ups, and demonstrations.
• Partner with Concept, Design, Innovation, Product Creation, and Brand teams to make future ideas tangible.
• Build proof-of-concept products and rapid prototypes that accelerate learning and decision-making.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of makers and fabrication specialists.
• Establish priorities, workflows, and project plans across multiple initiatives.
• Foster a culture that balances creativity, craftsmanship, speed, and quality.
• Manage resources, equipment utilization, and project execution.
• Oversee day-to-day lab operations, equipment maintenance, and workspace optimization.
• Ensure a safe, organized, and efficient working environment.
• Manage budgets, vendor relationships, materials inventory, and equipment investments.
• Establish standards and processes that support consistent execution and scalability.
• Lead hands-on fabrication and prototype development across footwear construction, industrial sewing, pattern making, material experimentation, rapid prototyping, 3D printing, and sample finishing.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Fabrication

Hands-on making

Problem solving

Team mentorship

Strategy development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design

Tools

CAD

3D printing

Prototyping equipment

Job description

Converse is seeking a Manager, C4 Lab to lead the maker lab and accelerate concept development through craftsmanship and prototyping. You will steer the lab's vision, build capabilities, and lead a team of makers across footwear, apparel, and brand experiences.

The ideal candidate blends craft, leadership, and strategic thinking, with hands-on expertise in footwear construction and rapid prototyping. This role focuses on advancing concept creation across the organization.