Lead Developer, Kids Chuck Global - Converse

Converse; Boston, Northern (MA, KY); On-site; USD 114,000 - 232,000; Full time

Job summary

Converse is seeking a Lead Product Footwear Developer to drive the development of footwear products from concept to production. You will collaborate with design, engineering, materials, and manufacturing teams to ensure prototypes meet quality and production timelines.

The role demands deep knowledge of upper construction, molds, lasts, and patterns, with strong communication and mentoring abilities to influence cross-functional teams. Domestic and international travel is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Industrial Design, Engineering, Physical Sciences or related field.
• Minimum 5 years development experience in the FTW industry.
• Understanding of product specs and advanced construction instructions.
• Knowledge and familiarity with footwear production factories and methods of make.
• Ability to act as a technical resource, mentor others and lead initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to excel in a deadline driven environment.
• Proficiency with MS Office programs and confident using Adobe Illustrator with familiarity with CAD Pattern Design software. Ability to travel 20% (domestic and international).

Responsibilities

• Work within the Converse Kid's Sportswear team, managing assigned styles collaboratively with cross functional partners.
• Review protos and samples, shepherding styles through the creation process and meeting gates and dates.
• Participate in proto review sessions and assess quality, craftsmanship, and feasibility.
• Raise awareness of manufacturing risks and influence triad partners to resolve before prototype creation.
• Track prototypes and communicate progress and challenges to the team.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Industrial Design, Engineering, Physical Sciences or related field

Tools

MS Office

Adobe Illustrator

CAD Software

Job description

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $113,900.00 in our lowest geographic market to $232,400.00 in our highest geographic market. Actual salary will vary based on a candidate's location, qualifications, skills and experience.

Information about benefits can be found here.

WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH

The Lead Product Footwear Developer will collaborate with Technical Design, Product Management, Engineering, Materials, Quality, Color and our factory partners to effectively execute product development deliverables.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We're looking for a Lead Product Footwear Developer who is an experienced Product Footwear Developer and has a deep understanding of upper construction, molds, lasts, and patterns to be part of our creative team within the Converse brand. A key part of this role is understanding the full scope of product creation from design concept to production. The Lead Product Footwear Developer is a highly creative problem solver, versatile, and forward-thinking who thrives in a fast-paced environment. They are an active participant in cross functional discussions, leading the team with technical recommendations and creating and/or implementing innovations into products that will enhance and inspire athlete* performance. Our ideal candidate can communicate effectively in varied settings and is able to influence the team when needed, while demonstrating credibility and reliability.

We are looking for someone who is optimistic, self-aware, embraces change, holds their decisions and actions accountable, will actively seek feedback to grow and develop, values and respects the opinions of their teammates and embraces the diversity of people, ideas, and cultures. You will be a technical resource and mentor to other Product Footwear Developers as well as members of the triad. You will participate in proto review sessions and comment on the quality, craftsmanship, and manufacturing feasibility of your assigned styles. You will raise awareness of potential quality or manufacturing risks and influence triad partners to resolve prior to prototype creation. You will track prototypes for your styles, meet your calendar target dates, attend meetings that relate to your product’s development and communicate progress and challenges to your team as needed.

What you bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Industrial Design, Engineering, Physical Sciences or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training
• Minimum 5 years development experience in the FTW industry, which includes the FTW development process from inception through production including upper and bottom construction, materials, costing, print / graphics, manufacturing and quality.
• Understanding of product specs and advanced construction instructions along with interpreting design intent and offering alternative solutions.
• Knowledge and familiarity with footwear production factories and methods of make.
• Ability to act as a technical resource, mentor others and lead initiatives through high energy and positive influence.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to excel in a deadline driven environment. Ability to manage multiple projects.
• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills with attention to detail and process orientation.
• Proficiency with MS Office programs and confident using Adobe Illustrator with familiarity with CAD Pattern Design software.Ability to travel 20% (domestic and international).

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON

You will work within the Converse Kid's Sportswear team, managing your assigned styles collaboratively with your cross functional partners to bring creative solutions and ensure the finished product meets or exceeds the required end use. You will review protos and samples, shepherding the styles through the creation process while meeting gates and dates to ensure on-time production.

We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.