Director, Product Development - Footwear

Michael Kors; New York (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Paid Time Off

Summer Fridays

Internal mobility across brands

401k Match

Thrive Wellness Program

Job summary

A leading fashion brand in New York is seeking a Director of Product Development for Footwear. This role involves leading the development process, managing a team, and collaborating with design and merchandising to deliver high-quality products. A bachelor's degree and extensive experience in the footwear industry are required. Competitive salary range is offered, along with various benefits including generous paid time off and a wellness program.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive product development experience in the footwear industry.
• At least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Deep understanding of the luxury or contemporary fashion market.

Responsibilities

• Drive the footwear product development strategy from concept through to production.
• Lead and manage the product development team.
• Collaborate with Design and Merchandising.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Product Development

Organizational Skills

Fashion Knowledge

Vendor Management

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or related field

Tools

PLM systems

Excel

Adobe Illustrator

Job description

Director, Product Development - Footwear

This range is provided by Michael Kors. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$140,000.00/yr - $165,000.00/yr

Overview

The Director of Product Development is responsible for leading the end-to-end development process for the footwear division. You will partner closely with Design, Merchandising, Raw Material, and Production teams to ensure the successful execution of seasonal assortments aligned with brand strategy, cost targets, and market calendars. And you’ll play a key part in delivering high-quality, trend-right products that elevate the Michael Kors customer experience.

Responsibilities

• Drive the footwear product development strategy from concept through to production.


• Lead and manage the product development team, ensuring timelines, quality standards, and cost targets are met.


• Collaborate with Design and Merchandising to translate creative vision into executable, commercially viable product.


• Partner with materials and overseas partners to identify and develop components, trims, and manufacturing solutions that support design intent and financial goals.


• Ensure adherence to the seasonal calendar, overseeing proto sampling, line reviews, and fit sessions.


• Resolve product costing issues with vendors, design and PD to ensure margin targets are achieved without compromising quality or brand integrity.


• Analyze product performance, sales feedback, and market trends to inform future development decisions.


• Foster vendor relationships supporting allocations, innovation, efficiency, and scalable growth.


• Lead product risk assessments and problem-solving across the development process.


• Ensure cross-functional alignment through regular communication with global teams and internal stakeholders.


• Ensure the timely and accurate management of BOM specs in the system.


• Drive continuous process improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Product Development, Merchandising, or related field.


• 8+ years of progressive product development experience in the footwear industry, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.


• Strong knowledge of footwear construction, materials, costing, and manufacturing processes.


• Experience working with international vendors and factories.


• Excellent organizational, communication skills, and leadership.


• Proven ability to manage multiple categories and product calendars simultaneously.


• Deep understanding of the luxury or contemporary fashion market, preferably with experience in a comparable footwear brand.


• Strong proficiency in PLM systems, data management, Excel, Adobe Illustrator, 3D knowledge+.


• Willingness to travel overseas 2-4 times per year.

Benefits

• The ability to think strategically, drive results and build a high-performance organization.


• Proven ability to be strategic and tactical in a demanding, fast-paced environment.


• Entrepreneurial, resourceful, out-of-the-box thinker.


• No task too big or too small type of mentality.


• Generous Paid Time Off & Holiday Schedule


• Summer Fridays


• Internal mobility across Versace, Jimmy Choo and Michael Kors


• Cross-brand Discount


• Exclusive Employee Sales


• Fav 5 Cards (MK Discount for friends and family)


• 401k Match


• Thrive Wellness Program

At Capri, we are all responsible for creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We try to inspire change and growth within each other and believe success is a result that comes from our differences. Capri is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusivity regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic characteristics, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship, disability, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or any other legally-recognized protected basis prohibited by applicable law. M/D/F/V

At Capri Holdings Limited, our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility begins with the candidate experience. If you require a reasonable accommodation for the interview or application process, please contact our Diversity and Inclusion team at [e-mail].

In compliance with certain Pay Transparency laws, employers are required to disclose a salary range. The salary for this position will vary based on role requirements, skill set and years of experience.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Industry

• Retail


• Retail Apparel and Fashion


• Retail Luxury Goods and Jewelry