Product Development Manager

• Act as a liaison between PDA’s and PDM’s.

• Stay up to date with all new “Common” product processes and learnings and communicate them to PDM’s effectively.

• Is involved in smaller product meetings and decision-making exercises - local Design Reviews, Line Reviews, etc.

• Work with Designers and Development Engineers on leather development, including determining the color palette, placing leather orders for prototyping and conducting leather testing.

• Work with Designers on Product specifications, providing input on materials, components, trim etc.

• Work with Development Engineers to conduct tests and support preparation of technical packages

• Uses the corporate calendar to ensure BU Directors, Designers, Development Engineers and junior PDM’s adhere to timelines

• Provide a single point of contact between factories and business unit, tracking all shoes from prototype, samples and production and acting as a liaison for any change requests

• Timely delivery of all samples in the right

• Order and manage delivery of all samples for internal use, tradeshows, sales teams, and key meetings etc.; utilize support from PDAs where necessary

• Connect with UK product teams to ensure that all global product is accurately flagged and specified in both PLM and Range Tracker and that timelines are adhered to across both development teams.

• Support trade shows and sales team through tracking samples and providing product information as necessary. Attend material/component trade shows.

• Manage handover to commercial engineering and ensure timely hand-off of all programs, including global adoptions, for implementation

• Review and approve (or reject) shoe and material confirmation standards against specifications

• Review Product cost sheets, analyzing information related to product costs and target margins. Relay updates to Business Unit Directors/Finance for weighted margin calculations.

• Respond to information requests from other parts of the business on a daily basis in conjunction with the PDAs

• Provide additional ad hoc support to the business unit where needed

• An effective and constant line of communication so that all product changes are communicated in a timely and effective manner.

• A strong foundation of knowledge about Global processes which can be effectively taught and continually refined to improve efficiency throughout the development season.

• Comprehensive leather development process with agreement on color palette, accurate leather orders and tracking of prototypes

• Working with our team in Street to coordinate leather ordering and development.

• Up to date product specifications with input/reflection from previous seasons, and guidance on feasibility in terms of timelines

• Complete technical packages

• Accurate specifications which PDAs can enter into and update within Range Tracker and excel specs. 

• All deadlines are met!

• Efficient liaising between business unit and factories, and effective resolution of change requests where necessary

• Timely delivery of all samples in the right quantities to the right place. Execution of sample P.O. placement.

• Enter all product specs of into PLM and Range Tracker

• Well informed sales team and effective support to aid the smooth running of trade shows, sales journeys and account meetings.

• Schedule timely and comprehensive hand- off of all programs for implementation

• Comprehensive review of confirmation standards and appropriate approve/reject decision

• Accurate analysis on costing to inform Directors / Finance on target margins

• Timely responses to information requests from the wider business and use of PDAs to optimize efficiency in response rates

• Proactive support to the business unit where necessary

• Ability to manage people effectively and delegate responsibly

• Knowledge of the product development process and corporate calendar

• Ability to prioritize, organize, and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment in order to meet changing demands and timeline

• Contribute to a team-oriented, collaborative environment

• Knowledge of working and managing shoe development process

• Experience of working with teams offshore.

• Detailed knowledge of Excel, Power Point, Microsoft Office®, E Copy, & Range Tracker

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Keen attention to detail

• Proactive and self-motivated

• Ability to prioritize and multitask

• Ability to manage and motivate a team

This document describes the general nature and level of work only. It is not designed to cover an exhaustive list of all skills, activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Other activities, duties, and responsibilities may be added at any time. This description may be changed at the company’s discretion at any time, with or without notice.