Footwear Product Developer

Talented Recruitment; Durban; On-site; ZAR 650 000 - 850 000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury accessories firm in Durban seeks a Footwear Product Developer to design and develop high-quality footwear. This role involves managing the product development process, collaborating with suppliers, and ensuring prototypes reflect design quality. The ideal candidate has 6-8 years of footwear experience and is proficient in Illustrator and Photoshop. A degree in a related design field is essential, along with strong organizational skills to manage a busy Creative Director.

Qualifications

• 6 to 8 years of experience in footwear development.
• Experience with supply and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to manage a busy Creative Director.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Creative Director on product development.
• Research new technologies suitable for footwear manufacturing.
• Manage and track the development of prototypes and samples.

Skills

Footwear development

Illustrator

Photoshop

Project management

Communication

Education

Degree in related design field

Job description

Footwear Product Developer Reference : DBN

JB-1A 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.