Director Technical Development at Skechers

Manhattan Beach, California, United States

Apply Now

Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Footwear, Apparel, Consumer GoodsIndustries

Requirements

Experience leading technical development of footwear projects from concept through sales samples, confirmation, and basic fit
Strong project management and technical leadership skills for domestic and Asia-based product teams
Knowledge of performance running footwear, including materials, processes, components, techniques, and innovations
Awareness of market developments to improve competitiveness and brand equity
Ability to work with design, development, fit/wear test, product testing, material, costing, merchandising, and marketing teams
Willingness to travel to manufacturing locations

Responsibilities

Lead and manage daily activities for assigned Performance Division Technical Running footwear projects to meet calendar milestones
Communicate project details to USA and Asia teams to achieve objectives related to performance, manufacturing, costing, and aesthetics
Lead upper development for manufacturability, fit, function, pre-cost, and aesthetics; collaborate with fit/wear test team
Lead mold development from initial drawings to confirmation, considering manufacturability, fit, function, pre-cost, and aesthetics
Execute strategy for components (compounds, construction, mold type) with Design and Development Leads
Coordinate and maintain material and structural specifications for quality, durability, and performance standards
Participate in planning and execution of forward engineering for commercialization and production timelines
Plan, coordinate, order samples for, and facilitate product testing (fit, wear, biomechanical)
Manage assembly of approved designs into 2D/3D tech packages using feasible manufacturing techniques
Maintain documentation and communication to keep teams aligned and support design transfer to Asia developers and factories
Manage costing objectives with Product Manager and costing team, providing info for pre-costing, tech packs, and final pricing
Initiate and oversee Lasts development based on aesthetic, performance, comfort, and fit
Work with material team for selection, testing, and setting standards; approve final specs
Work with costing to achieve target costs
Develop lasts and molds
Assist in confirmation of production samples and Basic & Extreme-Fit approval process
Document the development process; update specs and processes
Recommend manufacturing improvements

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

project managementtechnical leadershipproduct developmentfootwear designmanufacturabilityfit testingmold developmentR&Dmaterials innovationperformance runningwear testingcostingaesthetics

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the employment type for this Director Technical Development role?

This is a full-time position.

Is this role remote or does it require working from an office?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What key skills and experience are required for this position?

The role requires strong technical leadership in footwear development, project management for domestic and Asia-based teams, expertise in manufacturability, fit, function, materials, mold development, and product testing.

What is the company culture like at Skechers?

Skechers emphasizes comfort innovation at the core of everything they do, focusing on stylish, high-quality products at great value as a complete lifestyle brand, with a commitment to improving marketplace competitiveness and brand equity.

What makes a strong candidate for this Director Technical Development role?

Strong candidates will have experience leading footwear projects from concept to sales samples, managing cross-continental teams in USA and Asia, and expertise in technical aspects like manufacturability, fit, mold development, and product testing to meet performance and commercialization timelines.