Join the Altra Family

We want everyone who is capable of running to experience the thrill of finishing their first race, setting a new personal record and shattering limits they never thought they could overcome. We use our run-improving footwear, unmatched education and inextinguishable passion for running to inspire everyone to lace up, hit the open road or tail, and start running. Our mission to get everyone who is able out and running may be bold, but we won’t stop trying until it’s a reality.

Position: Product Engineering Manager

How You Will Make a Difference

The Manager, Product Engineering - Footwear will be responsible for driving the development, engineering, fit, margin adherence and specifications for new and existing Footwear from Final Design Review to Commercialization with a focus on project-based management. Accountable for engineering the highest level of producible, innovative, and quality products which meet the needs of the Company. Manages projects to the product development timeline in conjunction with the timelines of the Company’s business strategies.

What you will do:

• Develops seasonal innovation products with the Asia team that meet or exceed predetermined gross margin targets and communicates the specifications and engineering best practices for cross category expansion to the Sourcing organization, Denver team, and Altra Suppliers.

• Owns the tech review approval processes (CFM sample and Extreme Sizes) which includes fittings, dynamic wear testing, checking of all standards to ensure they are within tolerances and that materials/constructions match BOM specs.

• Will lead the wear testing program from 1st prototype to Buy Ready in collaboration with the development team. This includes tester selection, survey creation, soliciting feedback, evaluating results and proving recommendations for improvements.

• Owns fittings of pullovers and prototypes at every stage to ensure the fit is true to size and to provide feedback to development on adjustments needed. Part of this will be utilizing our Aetrex foot scanner and recruitment of a fit model per foot shape. This will also include educating the fit testers (workshops/trainings).

• Collaborates with product, operations, planning and sourcing leadership to build out the product creation calendar.

• Manages tooling best practices and reviews from the US side and will collaborate with the VFA development tooling teams.

• Will own and lead last revisions and new last development as needs are identified by the product team.

• Responsible for implementing a Top of Production review process and communication to VFA development team and factories of critical processes.

• Responsible for executing the ECN – Engineering Change Notification process in collaboration with key stakeholders.

• Manages the development of key seasonal innovations and company product lines as assigned.

• Plans and tracks the development of products, new compounds and technologies, and innovative ideas to ensure a timely completion following the predetermined product development calendar.

• Able to create short- and long-term strategies for midsole and outsole compounds. (Initial testing thru to seasonal product implementation).

• Ensures both the technical superiority and the product quality/integrity of all products falling under their responsibilities.

• Works with Asia Development & Sourcing, Product Management, Design, Development, GIC, GMS, suppliers, and factory groups to establish technical engineering Best Practices for our various product types, technologies, lasts, fit, foams and compounds, and other technical aspects of our products.

• Creates the specifications for the products, publishes, and maintains all records, style files, and samples associated with the product and related programs.

• Ensures both the technical superiority and the product quality/integrity of all products falling under their responsibilities.

• Will manage and mentor a junior developer educating them on the knowledge and expertise of technical footwear engineering.

Free To Be, Inclusion & Diversity

As a purpose-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

Skills for Success

• Professional Experience : 7+ years of experience in Footwear Product Development/Design/Innovation in a medium or large size company, preferably in performance athletic footwear.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Footwear/Textile Design, Biomechanical/Industrial/ or Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing or Certification in Footwear Design, construction, and/or patternmaking; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

What we expect you already know:

• Lead the development of new materials, construction techniques, and processes, to create innovative and technically superior products each season in conjunction with the timelines of the Company’s business strategies.

• Able to lead meetings and implement new plans and policies with optional supervision.

• Self-starter with the ability to independently manage moderate to highly complex product projects while adhering to the product creation calendar.

• Strong and proactive problem solving and decision-making skills.

• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal with domestic and international cross functional teams.

• Detail oriented with a strong work ethic, project management, organizational and teamwork skills.

• Demonstrates outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to create trust and build partnerships with cross functional teams.

• Demonstrates a complete understanding of the product creation process.

• Demonstrates an advanced knowledge and expertise of development including an understanding of fit, pattern engineering, tooling processes, mold and upper construction and manufacturing processes.

• Ability to interpret results and apply wear and fit test feedback from the Altra athlete teams and 3rd party testing labs to drive product improvement.

• Proficient in reading technical blueprint designs.

• Leads and manages special/long-term projects as they arise in collaboration with the Innovation team.

• Advanced competency in Adobe Illustrator, Product Management/Development systems (FLEX PLM & Basecamp) and Microsoft Office program suite.

• Irregular working hours should be expected during peak periods when deadlines are present.

• Required international (China: 2-3x per calendar year) and domestic travel (2-3x per calendar year) as required to achieve a high level of product development, including visits to manufacturing countries / factories, and off-site material trade shows.

What’s in it For You

We’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package. Go to MyVFBenefits.com and click on “Looking to Join VF?” to learn more.

Our Parent Company, VF Corporation

VF is one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies connecting people to the lifestyles, activities and experiences they cherish through our family of iconic outdoor, active and workwear brands. At the heart of our journey lies our company-wide purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It’s the reason we come to work every day. It’s a commitment shared by our global associates across all brands. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together. This is our calling. Learn more at vfc.com

We just have one question. Are you in?

Hiring Range :

$95,040.00 USD - $118,800.00 USD annually

Incentive Potential : This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.

Benefits at VF Corporation : You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.

P lease note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.

At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at peopleservices@vfc.com . VF will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.

Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

VF Diversity Vision Statement VF is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our associates, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we live and conduct business. The continued success and growth of VF is enhanced through initiatives that promote diversity throughout VF around the world.VF is an equal employment opportunity/ affirmative action employer of minorities, females, protected veterans and the disabled. VF is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, and treating our VF associates and VF applicants without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, HIV/AIDS status, or any other legally protected factor.