Head of Maker Lab and Concept Creation

Converse, Inc.; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 109,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Converse, Inc. is seeking a visionary Manager, C4 Lab to lead the maker lab and accelerate concept development through craftsmanship, prototyping, and experimentation.

You will define the lab’s vision and build capabilities across footwear, apparel, and brand experiences. The ideal candidate is a craftsperson, innovator, and leader with expertise in footwear construction, stitching, material exploration, 3D printing, and fabrication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in design or engineering; 8+ years in footwear prototyping or related roles.
• Proven experience leading makers, technicians, or fabrication teams.
• Expertise in footwear construction, assembly, and rapid prototyping.
• Strong organizational and cross-functional collaboration skills.

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, sample finishing.
• Explore new methods of making that accelerate learning and inspire breakthrough thinking.

Skills

Leadership

Visionary

Project management

Hands-on fabrication

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design or related field

Tools

CAD

3D printing

Prototyping equipment

Footwear fabrication equipment

Job description

Converse, Inc. is seeking a visionary Manager, C4 Lab to lead the maker lab and accelerate concept development through craftsmanship, prototyping, and experimentation.

You will define the lab’s vision and build capabilities across footwear, apparel, and brand experiences. The ideal candidate is a craftsperson, innovator, and leader with expertise in footwear construction, stitching, material exploration, 3D printing, and fabrication.