Developer II (Footwear)

Job Title: Footwear Developer II

Location: Irvine, CA

Department: Product / Merchandising

About the Role:

As a Footwear Developer II, you'll play a central role in transforming creative concepts into tangible footwear products. You’ll partner closely with design, merchandising, sourcing, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless execution of seasonal and SMU (Special Make-Up) footwear lines. Your expertise in materials, color, construction, and fit will ensure products are not only brand-right, but also performance-ready, consumer-focused, and production-viable.

This position operates at the intersection of creative vision and technical feasibility—supporting the delivery of on-time collections that balance innovation with cost efficiency and quality. Ideal candidates will have a keen eye for detail and a collaborative mindset, ready to help elevate sneaker and franchise assortments.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Manage the development and execution of seasonal footwear programs and SMU initiatives, ensuring flawless quality, fit, and brand alignment.

Translate design concepts, CADs, and tech packs into execution-ready specs, facilitating prototype, fit, and sample stages.

Collaborate with merchandising to validate consumer, channel, and account needs; ensure commercial viability and assortment relevance.

Work alongside sourcing and vendor partners to ensure cost targets, material feasibility, and production readiness are met.

Own sample reviews and physical fit sessions, identifying opportunities to enhance product fit, performance, durability, and aesthetic impact.

Maintain meticulous development documentation, including sample tracking, deviations, and change control logs.

Support preparation of SMUs with specialized graphic, color, and material treatments.

Qualifications, Skills, Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Development, Engineering, or a related field.

Approximately 7-10 years of footwear development experience—ideally within performance, sneaker, or lifestyle categories.

Proven track record in managing footwear product creation from concept through commercialization.

Solid understanding of footwear construction, lasts, pattern development, materials, and manufacturing processes—especially for sneaker products.

Demonstrated experience with color, graphic, and material application in SMU or seasonal styling programs.

Strong communication and collaboration skills across design, merchandising, sourcing, and production teams.

Detail-oriented with high organizational skills—adept at handling multiple projects, timelines, and samples simultaneously.

Proficiency with development and PLM tools; familiarity with CAD and tech pack systems.

Passion for sneakers, innovation, and performance-driven footwear excellence.