Footwear Product Developer II

Who We Are:

At Brooks, we believe movement is the key to feeling more alive. That’s why we’re driven to create gear and experiences that take people to the place that makes them feel more alive — whether it’s a headspace, a feeling, or a finish line.

Everyone who works at Brooks is propelled by a company culture that sparks excitement, fuels collaboration, inspires creativity, and ignites innovation.

Our brand values help bond us together and drive our success:

·       Runner First  

We act in the best interest of the runner

·       Word is Bond 

We do what we say we’ll do

·       Champion Heart  

We give our all in everything we do  

·       There is no “I” in Run

We stay generous with our humanity

·       Keep Moving

We find ways to move every day, because joy is kinetic!

We welcome everyone from every walk of life looking to inspire others through the power of movement — because we’re all moving towards something. Let’s run there.   

Your Job:

The Footwear Product Developer II utilizes advanced, technical product and process knowledge, to work with a cross-functional product creation team from the collection of insights through commercialization to deliver technical running footwear that exceeds consumer expectations. Hands-on experience and knowledge of the total footwear construction process including outsole/midsole technical 2D/ 3D, pattern engineering, material construction and properties, and costing is required for your success in this role. Other critical responsibilities include understanding manufacturing capabilities, anticipating issues, problem solving, and timely resolution. Your ideas around engineering principles that enhance product performance, product value, and your ability to communicate them across the product teams is a must for this role.

• Own leading execution of New Upper, New Tooling Projects including leading projects from creation to final confirmation with T1.

• Oversee and manage multiple projects from Insights gathering to Brief Stage, through Design, Development, Costing, and into Commercialization.

• Deliver on Brooks Fit, Feel, Ride principles and goals via an unwavering dedication to always deliver excellence.

• Plan and execute project development according to the seasonal critical dates that lead to on–time delivery of sales samples and production confirmation.

• Partner with and influence vendors and factories in the manufacturing process with the ability to steer the process to advance and achieve new manufacturing techniques which enhance the overall performance of product.

• Partner with and guide Design and Development teams to ensure that designs are manufacturable and meet cost and quality objectives for each product.

• Critique, adjust and evaluate technical blueprints (outsole/ midsole/ upper), upper patterns and materials from a performance, manufacturing, and functional perspective.

• Recommend and specify to Product team the material, component, and construction options to meet pricing targets and product’s functional goals, as well as ensure product performance integrity through product testing (physical and field testing).

• Mentor more junior team members.

• Initiate and lead meetings with product teams during various phases of development to review, evaluate, update, and drive the decision-making process that leads to on–time production confirmation and margin goals.

• Collaborate with our Research, Design and Development, Marketing and Costing teams and Color Designers to show sample materials that meet the criteria for the category based on material performance data.

• Create and build a knowledge base and stay informed about vendor capabilities and performance, factory relationships, quality issues, materials pricing, and lead times.

• Keep abreast of market trends, new technologies and consumer needs to ensure that products incorporate the functional needs our consumers’ demand.

• Participate in Asia development trips, 3 - 4 per year, to work with manufacturers and suppliers on existing and current development projects.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biomechanics, Engineering, Kinesiology, Design or other applicable technical degrees or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 5+ successful years’ experience leading the development of high performance, technical running footwear projects.

• Expertise in technical running footwear product development, process, project management, costing and manufacturing of product from conception to retail.

• Proven ability to lead and influence in a collaborative, cross-functional group without command/ control to meet strategic objectives.

• Demonstrated ability to develop highly productive relationships with individuals and teams composed of diverse disciplines and cultural backgrounds resulting in effective working relationships across the company.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an advanced ability to communicate new ideas, concepts, and functional expertise within project teams and to external stakeholders.

• Keen attention to detail in planning, organization, and execution of tasks (self and through others), while seeing the big picture and understanding how all the pieces fit together and affect one another.

• Ability to anticipate how a decision made can affect our customers, our partners, our products or other departments’ operations and/or morale; “connecting the dots.”

Compensation: The pay range for this position, based out of the Brooks Seattle HQ, is $96,358 -144,538 per year. Base pay offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  

Brooks is proud to offer a robust benefits package to our employees and their families!  

Benefits: including medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance, HSA and employer contribution, FSA, family & fertility assistance, 401K Savings Plan and match, employee assistance program, and transportation assistance.  

Paid Time Off: Brooks offers generous time off including three to five weeks of paid time off, eleven paid holidays, paid sick and parental leave. 

Bonus: in addition to base pay, Brooks employees may also be offered an annual bonus based on company performance.   

Perks: including product discounts, employee recognition, fitness discounts, volunteer and donation benefits. 

Location: You will spend 3 days per week in our Seattle offices, as we believe our organization flourishes when connections, collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and celebrations happen in person.

At Brooks, we celebrate diversity & equity. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment, and encourage people of all backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, and skills to apply. Brooks is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, two-spirit identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, the presence of a physical, mental, or sensory disability, marital status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), caste, citizenship or immigration status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, actual or perceived victims of domestic violence, harassment, sexual assault or stalking, HIV or Hepatitis C infection, political ideology, use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability, or on any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, or any other non-merit based factors.