Product Developer - Footwear
Columbia Sportswear CompanySalary not specified
Full Time
Mid-level (3 to 4 years), Senior (5 to 8 years)
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Footwear, SportswearIndustries
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Industrial Design, Engineering, Physical Sciences, or equivalent education and experience
- 6+ years of experience in Footwear Development or Engineering across diverse styles and sports
- Deep understanding of footwear creation tools and processes, including lasts, patterns, materials, tooling, costing, testing, and manufacturing
- Proven ability to lead product initiatives and strategy across footwear divisions
- Exceptional communication and influencing skills, adept at engaging cross-functional teams and senior leadership
- Skilled in tailoring messaging to audience needs, balancing detail and clarity
- Highly organized, resilient, and adaptable to shifting priorities and ambiguity
- Collaborative leadership style that builds trust and empowers teams
- Knowledge of production planning, forecasting, and scheduling for timely, high-quality delivery
- Willingness to travel up to 10%
- Self-led, entrepreneurial, problem-solver, teammate who contributes to team culture
- Passionate product creator who obsesses over product craft, pushes boundaries of creation capabilities, and moves with decisive speed
- Represents values of authentic, accountable, collaborative, and courageous
- Able to act independently and be self-driven
Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively with key functional partners throughout the Product Development process, including Product Management, Material Design and Development, Product Design, Sourcing and Costing, and Operations
- Help manage relationships with overseas partners – both internal and external to NIKE
- Report to the Sr. Director of Footwear for APLA GEL based in WHQ
- Represent the team in key Global Development meetings
- Navigate the Nike matrix to ensure processes model and match Footwear Development standards for product excellence
- Serve as the key point of contact for factory partners and ensure clear and accurate communication during the product development process
- Convert project briefs and 2D design CADs into actual product that serves fast-moving consumers
- Drive and lead the end-to-end (E2E) product creation process, including sampling and prototyping
- Partner with WHQ to align and evolve processes that lead to on-time product confirmation and sample delivery
- Execute development according to critical dates and performance/profitability goals
- Ensure manufacturability of product concepts and utilize footwear knowledge and instruments to achieve project designs
- Recommend and specify material, component, and construction options to meet key features and product performance goals
- Engage in all phases of the product process to ensure projects are completed on time, can be commercialized, and manufactured
Skills
Key technologies and capabilities for this role
Questions & Answers
Common questions about this position
What experience is required for the Lead Product Developer role?
Candidates need a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Industrial Design, Engineering, Physical Sciences, or equivalent, plus 6+ years of experience in Footwear Development or Engineering across diverse styles and sports.
What key skills are needed for this position?
A deep understanding of footwear creation tools and processes including lasts, patterns, materials, tooling, costing, testing, and manufacturing is required, along with exceptional communication and influencing skills, and knowledge of production planning and forecasting.
Who will I be working with in this role?
You will work collaboratively with key functional partners including Product Management, Material Design and Development, Product Design, Sourcing and Costing, and Operations, and manage relationships with overseas partners while reporting to the Sr. Director of Footwear for APLA GEL.
What is the company culture like for this team?
The team values self-led, entrepreneurial, problem-solving teammates who contribute to an amazing team culture, represent authentic, accountable, collaborative, and courageous values, and are passionate product creators who obsess over product craft while moving with speed.
What makes a strong candidate for this Lead Developer position?
Strong candidates have proven ability to lead product initiatives and strategy, exceptional communication skills to engage cross-functional teams, a collaborative leadership style that builds trust, and the ability to act independently while adapting to shifting priorities.
Nike
Designs and sells athletic footwear and apparel
About Nike
Nike designs, manufactures, and sells a variety of footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories aimed at athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and everyday consumers. Their products are created to be stylish and performance-oriented, catering to the needs of a diverse clientele. Nike operates through multiple sales channels, including retail stores, online platforms, and third-party retailers, and enhances its brand image through endorsements from well-known athletes and sports teams. A key aspect of Nike's approach is its membership program, which offers exclusive access to products and content, fostering a deeper connection with consumers. Unlike many competitors, Nike places a strong emphasis on sustainability and corporate responsibility, integrating these values into its operations and product development. The company's goal is to continue growing by creating products that resonate with consumers while promoting positive social and environmental impact.
Beaverton, OregonHeadquarters
1964Year Founded
IPOCompany Stage
Consumer Software, Social Impact, Consumer GoodsIndustries
10,001+Employees