Footwear Product Developer, Sport

Become a member of the International Footwear Development Team at PUMA North America’s Boston office.  The position reports directly to the Group Manager: Sports & Technical Services.  Interact with Design, Business Management, Wear Test Coordinator, Model Manager and World Cat development staff. Job Description The Footwear Product Developer will be responsible for the research and development of new footwear from the approved design through the confirmation stage.  Coordinate all phases of development utilizing the available resources of Design, Product Line Manager, Model Shop, Wear Testing and World Cat Far East Development. Work within a team oriented structure consisting of all disciplines necessary and available to develop a product line achieving product objectives within the established timelines. Support and mentor Product Development team members.  Be proactive in working with suppliers to generate new ideas, materials and components for enhanced product creation and innovation. Assist on production quality issues when necessary.  Follow up with the Wear Test Coordinator on all fit and wear testing from early prototypes to final confirmed wear testing, implement revisions as necessary.  Follow up with fit and wear test of commercialized extreme sizes for production confirmation. Be aware of competitors’ products and positioning. ·  Assist and contribute ideas for product design, construction, materials, compounds and components to enhance functionality, aesthetics, fit, and profit margin.  Serve as the technical & manufacturing resource for product line management and design members of project teams.·  Generate a technical development package to communicate intended construction and aesthetic details of each project to overseas development partners.·  Sign off on all blueprints prior to opening sample molds.·  Examine all prototypes to assure all specifications are correct and within product cost target.·  Prepare and update project status reports and the product range management system.·  Achieve timeline milestones to assure development process and prototypes are progressing properly. ·  Coordinate the fit and wear testing at appropriate prototype stage with the wear test coordinator. Evaluate the feedback and implement revisions to World Cat.·  Confirm final production confirmation samples.·  Seasonal competitor analysis chart and samples.·  International and domestic travel as required to achieve a high level of product and component development, including visits to manufacturing countries / factories to assist and review commercialization and production on key product.·  Travel domestically and internationally. Projects should meet or improve upon industry standards for perceived quality and value, profit margin, biomechanics, performance, and aesthetics.  Tooling efficiency and manufacturability are key in this role with a design-led brand. We Expect  Applicable technical degree preferred - manufacturing, mechanical, or chemical engineering, product design, biomechanics, etc.·  Five years experience in footwear development-- lifestyle/fashion and sport footwear experience preferred.·  Experience in footwear development is ideal along with strong organizational and communication skills, work ethic, and teamwork.  ·  Should have footwear competitive market awareness combined with technical problem solving ability at the micro level.  Current industry standard technical knowledge of footwear development and manufacturing processes. Strong communications skills with experience communicating product details. APPLY THROUGH PUMA'S ON-LINE APPLICATION.CLICK TO APPLY:  http://about.puma.com/EN/2/72/72/jobtype=1&countryid=1&jobid=1630  Job Title: Footwear Product Developer, Sport Location: Boston, MA 02210 Status: Full Time, Employee Job Category: Full Time, Employee