Director of Footwear Development

Valid8 Financial, Inc.; Auburn (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Valid8 Financial, Inc. seeks a Director of Footwear Product Development to lead product lifecycle management from market analysis to launch. You will oversee seasonal development, coordinate with designers and factories, and manage product costs while ensuring quality execution.

The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in footwear development and demonstrate strong collaboration and communication skills. This role requires relocation to the greater Seattle/Auburn area and may involve international travel.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of footwear industry experience in product development.
• Successful track record of multi-season launches.
• Ability to manage a large catalog and complex timelines.

Responsibilities

• Conduct ongoing market and competitive analysis.
• Lead seasonal line reviews and manage product lifecycle.
• Transmit final designs to manufacturing partners.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Effective communication

Detail-oriented

Job description

Director of Footwear Product Development

ABOUT US

For over 40 years, Propét Footwear has crafted high-quality shoes that put foot health first. We believe comfort starts with the perfect fit, which is why we offer stylish, supportive footwear in a full range of sizes and widths. Our products are designed to help people move comfortably—whether they’re walking the dog, running errands, hiking, or playing pickleball. At Propét, we create footwear that fits real life.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Propét Footwear is seeking a Director of Footwear Product Development to own the full product lifecycle—from market analysis and seasonal planning through factory-level execution and launch. This role is the connective point between brand vision, sales intelligence, and manufacturing reality.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct ongoing market and competitive analysis to inform seasonal product direction
• Monitor sales performance of launched products and manage portfolio assortment to hit revenue targets
• Partner with sales and marketing leadership on product ideation and brand alignment

Seasonal Development & Lifecycle Management

• Lead seasonal line reviews and manage the full product lifecycle from concept through retirement
• Develop and maintain product and design briefs aligned to brand standards
• Coordinate with designers and overseas factories to develop new styles, colorways, and materials

Factory & Technical Execution

• Transmit final designs to manufacturing partners; evaluate and approve pullover and fit samples
• Negotiate product costs with overseas factories and revise designs as needed to hit target price points
• Coordinate on final dimensions, materials, and fit specifications
• Drive fit-testing procedures, synthesize feedback, and update development specs accordingly
• Manage quality issues in partnership with Quality Assurance and manufacturing

QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years of footwear industry experience in product development, with a track record of successful multi-season launches
• Demonstrated ability to manage a large catalog and complex seasonal development calendars
• Strong cross-functional collaborator—comfortable engaging directly with senior sales, marketing, and factory partners
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage competing timelines and priorities
• Willingness to relocate to the greater Seattle/Auburn area
• Ability to travel up to 8 times per year, including internationally
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Effective Communication
• Ability to bring vision and facilitate tactical execution