Footwear Developer II
Innovation
Posted on 1/20/2023
INACTIVE
Brooks Running

1,001-5,000 employees

Running shoes and apparel
Company Overview
Brooks Running's goals are simple: everyone who wants to run feels welcome to run, and everyone who runs has a place to do it. They're working toward meaningful change the same way we run — by tapping into the limitless positivity of the run and then putting one foot in front of the other.
Consumer Goods

Company Stage

M&A

Total Funding

N/A

Founded

1914

Headquarters

Seattle, Washington

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

6%

2 year growth

20%
Locations
Seattle, WA, USA
Experience Level
Entry
Junior
Mid
Senior
Expert
Requirements
  • Bachelors' degree in in Biomechanics, Engineering, Kinesiology or other applicable technical degree; may be substituted with relevant experience
  • 5+ successful years' experience leading the development of high performance, technical running footwear projects
  • Expertise in technical running footwear product development, process, project management, costing and manufacturing of product from conception to retail
  • 3+ years experience in innovation of athletic footwear desired
  • Must be optimistic that a solution to difficult challenges can be found, with the perseverance to keep investigating options until it is
  • Curious and open minded; always open for a challenge, inventive, and seeking creative solutions. With the ability to challenge the status quo - always looking at improving our products and processes while also displaying a willingness to dive into the details
  • Ability to work in new arenas of footwear development where specific direction and solution path is unclear at the start
  • Proven ability to drive a decision in a collaborative, cross-functional group without command/control to meet strategic objectives
  • Demonstrated ability to develop productive relationships with individuals and teams that are made up of diverse disciplines and cultural backgrounds resulting in effective working relationships across the company
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with and good ability to communicate new ideas, concepts and functional expertise within project teams and to external stakeholders
  • Keen attention to detail in planning, organization and execution of tasks (self and through others), while seeing the big picture with support and understanding how all of the pieces fit together and affect one another
  • High level of independent work ethic and ability with the instinct to know when to reach out for support
  • Keen attention to detail in planning, organization and execution of tasks. Willingness to dive into the details to better understand the “why”
  • Early ability to anticipate how a decision made can affect our customers, our partners, our products or other departments' operations and/or morale; “connecting the dots.”
  • Excellent interpersonal skills that inspire and build trust resulting in effective working relationships across the company
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed
  • Passionate participation in Brooks' sports activities a plus, overridden by the ability to understand and empathize with the runner in order to develop loyal, engaging relationships with our customers and the Brooks community
  • Embraces and lives the Brooks values!
Responsibilities
  • Execute the innovation product development role by delivering on Brooks' Fit, Feel, Ride and Crafted Beauty principles as related to specific projects via an unwavering dedication to always deliver excellence
  • Provide leadership to Design and Product Line Management teams to uncover new ways that innovative materials and designs can be manufacturable and meet project goals and performance, sustainability, cost and quality objectives
  • Be responsible for product performance integrity by working with Product Validation teams to determine testing needs/criteria, understand results and make decisions based on learnings
  • Partner with vendors and factories in the manufacturing process to discover and advance new manufacturing techniques which enhance the overall performance of product
  • Partner with Sustainability teams to ensure materials and manufacturing processes are meeting and exceeding brand goals
  • Identify, recommend and specify to project team the material, component and construction options to meet pricing targets and product's functional goals, as well as ensure product performance integrity through product testing (physical and field testing)
  • Responsible for Asia Development team members being aware of technical details, development challenges and are engaged in finding solutions
  • Connect with legal teams to initiate Intellectual Property reviews and create contracts with new partners
  • Own sample management for assigned projects, including receipt and distribution of all samples, sample checking, and communicating updates to all teammates
  • Create and maintain technical packages and Bills of Materials (BOM's) for assigned projects
  • Ensure product quality by collaborating with Engineering and Quality Assessment teams at all stages of the creation process
  • Critique, adjust and evaluate technical blueprints (outsole/ midsole/ upper), upper patterns and materials from a performance, manufacturing, and functional perspective
  • Participate in development trips, 3 - 4 per year, to work with manufacturers and suppliers on existing and current development projects
  • Create and build a knowledge base and stay informed about vendor capabilities and performance, factory relationships, quality issues, materials pricing and lead times
  • Own project management role for multiple Blueline, Athlete and Advanced Development projects from Brief Phase through Design, Development, and delivery to In-line or Commercialization teams
  • Lead team execution of innovation projects from Briefing through Tech Transfer
  • Plan and execute projects according to project critical dates that lead to on-time delivery of project goals
  • Effectively communicate with Factory and Asia Development teams to share product expectations and product details that lead to on time delivery of samples
  • Lead and ensure good communication between core innovation team members, subject matter experts, external partners and leadership
  • Initiate and lead meetings with project teams during various phases of development to review, evaluate, update and ultimately drive the decision-making process that leads to on-time project delivery and cost goals
  • Understand when to bring in additional support to continue to drive product decisions forward
  • Utilize your knowledge of the product creation and manufacturing processes to identify new ideas that will enhance product performance
  • Keep abreast of market trends, new technologies and consumer needs to ensure that products incorporate the functional needs of our consumers' demand
  • Partner with more senior members of the team to support their projects as needed and mentor more junior team members
  • Continuous learning of Brooks Fit, Feel & Ride manufacturing best practices
Desired Qualifications
  • Strong computer skills including experience with Illustrator, Smartsheets, and MS Office software. Flex PLM knowledge is a