Footwear Product Developer

Talented Recruitment; Durban; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Talented Recruitment in Durban, South Africa, seeks a skilled Footwear Product Developer to design and develop sneaker-type footwear and oversee the sourcing process from trend research to production. You will interpret technical design packs and work with international suppliers to ensure prototypes meet concept quality and style.

The role requires 6–8 years of footwear development experience, proficiency in Illustrator and Photoshop, and a degree in a related design field.

Qualifications

• 6–8 years of experience as a footwear developer in supply/manufacturing.
• Proficient in Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Degree-level qualification in a related design field.
• International experience preferred.
• Strong technical understanding of footwear constructions, materials, and processes.
• Ability to manage design to delivery through critical path with director.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Creative Director, designers and international suppliers.
• Oversee sourcing from trend research to production.
• Track prototypes and samples for quality, fit and style.
• Attend product meetings from prototype to shipment.
• Document sample fitting and corrections with Shoe Technologist.
• Travel to Portugal & Italy may be required.

Skills

Footwear development

Trend analysis

Project management

Communication

Timelines management

Education

Degree in design field

Tools

Illustrator

Photoshop

Job description

Footwear Product Developer

Reference: DBN002540-JB-1
A leading provider of handcrafted luxury accessories and footwear, renowned for their commitment to quality craftsmanship and exquisite design, is seeking a skilled Footwear Product Developer with a keen technical eye and a passion for luxury footwear.

The ideal candidate will possess expertise in designing and developing sneaker-type footwear, as well as the ability to interpret technical design packs and oversee the sourcing process from initial trend research to production.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Creative Director and designer, as well as all international suppliers.
• Act as key liaison for product development, material development, sample tracking, and fitting.
• Ensure prototypes and samples reflect the concept and design in quality, construction, materials, fit, and style.
• Research new technologies, components, and manufacturing techniques suitable for footwear manufacturing.
• Maintain a keen interest in sustainability within the footwear industry.
• Manage samples, liaising with suppliers to create prototypes and samples at workable prices and within specific deadlines for all footwear and accessories.
• Plan, detail, and specify all designs, commissioning and tracking the development of prototypes and ultimately approving salesman samples.
• Attend product meetings from first prototype to shipment samples.
• Liaise daily with factories and agents in Portugal.
• Manage and communicate effectively with a busy Creative Director who works part-time.
• Contribute actively to ongoing brand identity development and evolution.
• Control courier costs for samples within company policy and procedure.
• Work with the Shoe Technologist and Creative Director to document sample fitting and corrections on design and constructions.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties identified by the Creative Director; travel to Portugal & Italy may be part of this.

Required Skills and Experience

• 6 - 8 years of experience as a fully-fledged Footwear Developer within a supply and manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in Illustrator & Photoshop.
• Degree-level qualification in a related design field.
• International experience is preferred.
• High level of technical understanding in footwear.
• Familiarity with constructions, materials, manufacturing processes, commercialization, and offshore sourcing.
• Keen interest in past and future trends, including evolving footwear technologies.
• Excellent work ethic with the ability to work to tight deadlines and manage a busy Creative Director.
• Strong organizational skills, planning, and communication.
• Ability to see a product from design to delivery, following it through the different stages of the critical path with the Creative Director and Designer.