About the role
- Receive and execute seamless hand-off of Product Development Tech Pack from HQ to KEEN Utility factory Partners, ensuring that footwear products are proven and tested, completed on time, viable for manufacturing, satisfy design intent and performance targets, and meet costing and sustainability goals.
- Manage the product creation process across factories from initial Tech Pack through commercialization and production for footwear models.
- Work to obtain consistency in technical, development and production methods across all factories.
- Collaborate with factories on product requirements and standards, including sharing corporate sustainability and cultural standards to achieve shared goals.
- In addition to daily check-ins with factory sample room, production and line managers, maintain open communication with sourcing functions, costing, materials, Planning, Product Testing, Quality Managers.
- Act as expert resource within the Product Team during the development phase.
- Make early recommendations on construction techniques and tooling solutions.
- Analyze and recommend materials, components, and construction options to the Product Team in order to meet key material and product performance goals.
- Implement plans in support of the Material Innovation Team’s needs, and ensure proven and tested readiness of new materials and fabrication methods prior to production.
- Collaborate with Creative Design Team and external suppliers to effectively execute product packaging for labor efficient, cost efficient, and on time delivery to factories.
- Create and/or revise appropriate documentation for assigned products; maintain all development and commercialization documentation, coordinate and manage production spec changes.
- Receive and execute marketing sample requests with sensitivity to sample room and production line responsibilities.
- Manage Marketing sample and Photo Shoot sample needs within product development calendar timelines.
- Collaborate with GM / AGM on product allocation.
- In Conjunction with the materials team, Research, locate New suppliers and work with approved outside suppliers to acquire new materials & components requested by Product Team.
- Understand seasonal tooling investment for assigned projects, to set up plans, select mold shops, approve 3D files, communicate mold investments, and component pricing.
- Liaise with footwear technical engineering, including pattern development, mold design, compound and materials composition, costing, and manufacturability analysis to achieve project objectives at a high level of efficiency and accountability.
KEEN is a values led, outdoor footwear brand with a mission to responsibly create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire outside adventure. Founded in 2003, KEEN ignited a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport sandal, launching the concept of Hybrid footwear into the market and setting KEEN on a path of driving consistent product innovation that exists today. As a company, we strive to live by our values, from the products we make to the actions we take, and by activating communities and individuals to protect and preserve the places where we work and play. We passionately endeavor to live fulfilling lives, challenge the status quo, do good, give back, and inspire others. Looking ahead, our vision is to be the most trusted outdoor footwear and lifestyle brand in the world. Discover more about KEEN at keenfootwear.com, facebook.com/keen and twitter.com/keen.