Job Description

JOB TITLE Senior Product Developer

DATE CREATED/ REVISED 2/12/2021

REPORTS TO TITLE Senior Manager Product Development

BRAND Altra

LOCATION (CITY, STATE) Denver, CO

DEPARTMENT Product Development

POSITION SUMMARY

Altra was founded in the backroom of a small specialty running store in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. Since the beginning, the goal has been to create innovative and purposeful running shoes that help people run more naturally with fewer injuries. Altras unique Core3 includes a Footshape toebox that allows the toes to relax and spread out naturally which enhances stability and encourages natural running form. A Balanced Cushioning platform that positions the heel and forefoot at an equal distance from the ground, cultivating optimal alignment, better form and a low-impact landing. Lastly an innovative Fit4Her technology that builds shoes on a female-specific platform to address the anatomical differences between mens and womens feet.

A Senior Product Developer at Altra is responsible for driving the development, engineering, fit, margin adherence and specifications for new and existing Footwear from Final Design Review to Commercialization with a focus on Project based management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Understands and manages the development process of products as assigned.
* Plans and tracks the development schedule of all products to ensure timely completion and adherence to stagegates following the seasonal product development calendar
* Ensures both the technical superiority and the product quality/integrity of all products falling under their responsibilities
* Develops products, recommends materials and construction techniques that meet Design expectations and meet or exceed predetermined gross margin targets
* Coordinate all phases of development utilizing the available resources of Product Line Management, Design, Lasts, CAD, Costing, Material and Product Testing, Fit and Wear Testing and Planning
* Partner, communicate and meet regularly with VF Asia Development to ensure product meets design intent, production best practices, predetermined margin targets and timely completion of stagegate milestones in the seasonal product development calendar
* Creates product BOMs/specifications, publishes and maintains all records, files and samples associated with the products as assigned.
* Serves as technical support and manufacturing resource for Product Line Management, Design and other members of the Product team.
* Ensures execution of fit through clear analysis, documentation, communication, adherence to fit standards, and partnering with VF Asia Development and Commercialization teams.
* Partners with VF Asia Product Supply, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers to develop new materials, construction techniques, processes, and samples used to create innovative and technically superior products each season
* Interacts in a dynamic team environment with Senior Director of Product, Senior Manager of Development, Product Manager, Design, VF Asia Product Supply, Quality Assurance, Marketing and Sales to ensure the accuracy and integrity of all product performance claims.
* Required international (China: 2-3 times per calendar year) and domestic travel (2-3 times per calendar year) as required to achieve a high level of product and component development, including visits to manufacturing countries / factories, and off-site material and trade shows.
* Assist in the documentation of Footwear materials testing requirements
* Performs these and other duties as assigned.

JOB & SKILL REQUIREMENTS

* Professional Experience: 5-10+ years of experience in Footwear Product Development with a focus on technical running product
* Educational Position Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Design or related field of equivalent experience
* Self-driven and able to independently manage highly complex product through the Development cycle
* Detail oriented with a strong work ethic and superior organizational skills
* Demonstrates an advanced knowledge and understanding of fit, pattern engineering, tooling processes, mold and upper construction expertise and knowledge of manufacturing processes
* Ability to drive high quality product and fit optimization through interpretation of wear and fit test feedback from the Altra athlete teams and 3rd party testing labs
* Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, 3D design, 2D/3D tooling processes, Project Management/Development systems and Microsoft Office program suite
* Proficient in technical blueprint designs
* Demonstrates an advanced knowledge of product categories, materials, and product development cycle
* Demonstrates superior interpersonal skills, including the ability to create trust and build partnerships with cross functional teams
* Leads and manages special/long-term projects, contributes to Development process/timelines and calendar optimization
* Able to proactively troubleshoot and solve highly complex problems
* Demonstrates superior communication skills, both written and verbal
* Irregular working hours should be expected during peak periods when deadlines are present

Special Physical and/or Mental Requirements:

2-3 seasonal development trips to Asia (China, Vietnam) required. Domestic travel to trade and material shows also required.

Travel Required:

Yes

If yes, percent of time spent traveling:

15%

Salary Range:

$80,000.00 USD - $120,000.00 USD annually

Annual Incentive Eligibility:

This position is eligible to participate in VF's Annual Incentive Plan. Incentive Plan awards are contingent upon (1) achievement of your individual objectives and (2) VF achieving its' Corporate and business level financial objectives.

Long Term Incentive Eligibility:

This position is not eligible for long term incentive.

Benefits at VF:

You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com and clicking, Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during your onboarding process.