Director, Product Development - Wrangler

The Ideal Candidate

The Director of Product Development is responsible for the execution of technical development related to last / outsole development and construction. You will be responsible for technical issues related to development and commercialization, including but not limited to Fit and Confirmation Sample approval. Additionally, you will be responsible for the direct line of communication with manufacturing partners pertaining to product development for Wrangler. Your primary focus is the timely delivery of footwear that has been developed, commercialized and manufactured to GBG (Genesco Brands Group) quality standards.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Participate in seasonal concept review, design presentations, line finals and customer pre line meetings
• Provide leadership to development team to develop and commercialize products that meet product briefs and brand vision.
• Guide relationships with design, merchandising, and manufacturing partners to sustain a competitive advantage and provide an open line of communication across functional areas.
• Assist design team with the delivery of timely, correctly executed samples by:
  • Evaluating patterns for efficiency and cost
  • Evaluate lasts for dimension and proper fit
  • Review technical blueprints for outsoles and footbeds

• Interact with GBG sourcing to continually identify and develop new factories, following the established alternative sourcing process.
• Manage the Confirmation Sample process to ensure that Final Development Samples and production are within tolerance.
• Travel to manufacturing / development locations to ensure the execution of design/development packages with manufacturing partners through the prototype, final sample and commercialization stages.
• Interact with manufacturing partners to develop new constructions, manufacturing techniques and technologies appropriate to Wrangler footwear.
• Participate in seasonal pricing reviews and ensure compliance with target margins.
• Ensure completion of PIM records to effectively handoff each season to Sourcing and Commercialization.

Experience and Skills You'll Need to Have

• Bachelor's degree in related field of study or equivalent work experience
• 10 + years of experience focused on footwear product development, commercialization or quality control. Safety and/or western experience a plus.
• Must possess broad knowledge of footwear development and commercialization process.
• Must have a thorough knowledge of manufacturing process for all types of footwear constructions. Experience with direct attach, Goodyear welt and waterproof constructions a plus.
• Highly organized and able to adapt quickly to changing priorities
• Effective communicator and team player with ability to work closely across functional areas
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to build effective development and manufacturing partnerships globally.
• Ability to travel seasonally (including overseas)