Footwear Fit and Wear Technician

We have a lifestyle
A suit and tie aren’t even an option at Columbia Sportswear. Our offices and retail locations are casual, team orientated and, above all, energizing – just like the people who wear our products. It’s the kind of place that encourages new ideas and forward thinkers like you.

This job description is not meant to be an all inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.

 

General Position Summary:

Augment the development process by working closely with all footwear departments including Design, Merchandising, Development, Production, Quality Assurance, and the Branch Office (BO) Development and Commercialization teams.  The main focus will be delivering world class fit, comfort, and durability to all of the Columbia Sportswear footwear brands.  This world class status will be achieved by implementing industry leading fit and wear test protocol standards; then providing accurate and timely data (guidance) to the category team members so both material, construction and manufacturing practices can deliver world class fit and wear attributes.



Remain positive, flexible, and sensitive to the creative directions of Design, Merchandising, and Development while maintaining the highest industry quality, fit, and wear standards for product development.  Balance the category business, development lead times, and margin requirements without sacrificing fit and comfort initiatives. 



Specific Job Skills:

Must have a comprehensive working knowledge of footwear construction methods and manufacturing operations; particularly last making, grading, and upper marking processes.  Have the desire to learn senior level technical knowledge of last and pattern making systems.  Possess strong organizational skills as well as strong written and verbal communication skills to deal with various levels of management and employees within the organization as well as vendors and overseas counterparts.  Ability to motivate individuals involved in the production process.  Must have mental capability to troubleshoot and solve problems of a moderate complexity or difficulty.  Must be physically able to sit for extended periods of time, bend, stoop, kneel, and operate computer hardware/software including keyboarding.  Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.  Ability to work effectively under deadline pressure.  Must be able to thrive in a dynamic and constantly changing environment.

 Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Business and a minimum of 1 to 2 years related experience in footwear manufacturing or development.  Knowledge of footwear fit & wear, basic product development process.  Previous experience with Microsoft Windows, Word, Power Point and Excel required.  



When you’re ready to embark on a new adventure, take the plunge and apply online. Columbia Sportswear is an equal opportunity employer.