WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

The Lead Footwear Product Developer partners with PHK Product Development, PMO Product Engineering, Material Development and PCC (Product Creation Center), and closely work with PMO and factory functional teams to lead new creation projects from brief to ready for commercialization, with a focus on performance, meeting the design intent, optimizing consumer value and sustainability efforts.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for a Trailblazer, an experienced Lead Footwear Product Developer, focusing on Energy product to join our Product Development team in Guangzhou, China, where you can grow, think, dream and create, bringing skills and passion to a challenging and constantly evolving game. You have led innovative, complex projects and models with great project management skills, effective teamwork, collaborative and influencing skills. This person blends deep technical knowledge with creative instincts, acting as the bridge between aesthetic vision and manufacturing reality. They can interpret lab data, navigate complex timelines, and evaluate risks before they become roadblocks. They lead with clarity, communicate with purpose, and thrive in environments where innovation meets execution.

Required Skills & Experience

• 5+ years of experience in product development.
• Bachelor’s degree in science or a related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience, and training
• Proficient project manager with critical thinking & analytical skills towards problem solving.

• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills with an ability to clearly articulate goals and objectives.
• Strong influencing skills and ability to champion complex projects both cross functionally and vertically within the organization.
• Demonstrated leadership capability, including ability to motivate and mentor other Developers in the function.
• Demonstrates advanced level understanding of Consumer Product and knowledge:
  • of footwear pattern engineering, lasts, tooling or manufacturing processes.
  • to identify & manage cost effective solutions.
  • of materials, test methods, and properties and application.
  •  to proficiently read and interpret technical drawings, sketches and/or 3D digital files.
  • of general footwear chemistry

• Experience collaborating with external partners, vendors, or suppliers
• Proven ability to mentor others and lead through influence

Key Responsibilities

• Manages the product creation process from initial concept through to commercialization and production for assigned models to lead to on time delivery and development according to critical dates, product specification, sustainability, performance, and profitability goals.
• Collaborates with PHK Sports team, PMO creation and functional teams and PCC and vendors to effectively execute on product development goals and deliverables
• Creates and revises appropriate documentation for assigned products; ensures all appropriate development documentation is maintained including product specs and prototype notes.
• Tracks and facilitates sampling and prototyping for products; identifies and addresses key issues and challenges in construction/manufacturing and plans accordingly to deliver proven and tested product.
• Monitors and communicates progress and challenges throughout the product testing process to meet product integrity requirements.
• Keeps abreast of market trends, category goals, new technology and consumer needs throughout the development process and engages appropriately to ensure projects are completed within corporate guidelines and goals for all facets of product creation.
• Serves the athlete* through in depth knowledge of what they need.  Driving the team to decisions with consumer first mindset.