Engineer, Footwear Product Development

Role & Responsibilities:

Position Definition (Key Purpose of the Position): 

• Ensure quality of development samples and meet milestone dates according to the published product creation calendar
• Maintain and track the commercialization timeline and additional reporting needs, and share out with FTW functional teams
• Ensure T2 activities are carried out at the assigned factories with a focus on engineering for best productivity, product quality consistency, product integrity and performance in accordance with the brands policies and best practices.
• Executes VF Product strategic initiatives captured on OGSTM.

Key Result Areas:

• Carry out development related activities within his/her assigned factory to ensure that production quality is being maintained to VF standards and that “on time performance” obligations are being met.
• Delivers the job goals by developing strategic relationships and effective communication with VF's cross functional departments such as QM, GMS, Engineering, SO, CSR, Planning and Costing organizations as well as related factory departments/teams to execute Costing and commercialization on time and in accordance with VF's policies and procedures.

Product Development/Commercialization:

• Manage the development process with Tier 1 and Tier 2 vendors across prototype, line close, salesman samples, Tech 1 confirmation samples and SMU requests.
• Responsible for inspection of all development samples, including sales samples at various COO’s
• Conduct core related footwear activities around New Bottoms (TNs) / New Uppers / Color Ups including but not limited to project history, model fit approval, raw material testing, full shoe testing, wear testing, material swatch signoff and cost approval
• Plan Buy Ready process by SKU
• Communicate product and performance requirements to Tier 1 vendors to adhere to VF standards
• Responsible for problem solving around construction / performance / costing / process and SOP sequences to enable consistent production at the highest level
• Coordinate development factory capacity and material purchasing according to needed production creation calendar milestones.  Balance capacity needs with allocations on an ongoing basis
• Review Brand PD tech package information before conducting Tech 2 trials / check and confirm Tier 1 vendor pattern grading is to Industry and/or brand standards
• Confirm raw material and product testing meets Industry or brand standards before conducting Tech 2 trials.  Review and confirm acceptance of raw material or shoe overrides received from Brand PD.
• Confirm sample size pattern and molds before conducting salesman sample making. Confirm Tech 2 tooling for handover to production
• Assist on building production specifications
• Propose and implement ideas around cost savings, efficiency, automation and process & quality improvements
• Conduct Tech 2 trials according to the SOP to confirm the manufacturing process
• Confirm fit and wear testing is best in class and fit for purpose
• Introduce new product and cascade potential quality risks to downstream teams during the tear down and NPI  meetings.

Pre-Production/Production:

• Associate to assist where needed

Competency Requirements:

• Possess deep understanding and technical knowledge/know-how of all footwear categories/constructions as well as material physical properties.
• Basic knowledge of Automation/Computer stitching for upper pattern construction, grading/pattern interlocking for the convenience of Automation/ Computer stitching operation.
• General knowledge/skills of last making and measurements.
• General knowledge of molds/bottom checking to find potential issues during pre-production trial for new developments.
• Integrate the best possible technical application for product without compromising on design specification and cost allowance.
• Seek potential cost savings.

• Must have branded footwear experience.
• Establish and maintain relationships effectively with partner factories and VF cross-functional Teams.
• Ability to identify product quality and integrity risks, provide recommendations for CAP

Experience

Minimum Relevant Experience:

PD/Commercialization, Pre-production & Production experience in footwear or related field with a multinational company. Good command of English language and excellent communication skills. Good computer skills in Windows operating environment (Office, Word, Excel, etc.).