Senior Footwear Product Developer

Who We Are: 

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

JOB MISSION:

Fully coordinates tasks with team members for a category or collection of products demonstrating strong project management skills by maintaining transparency and issue escalation to maintain organizational alignment.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
•    Leads and coordinates the product development for projects and monitor any associated deadlines.  
•    Responsible for maintaining open lines of communication with the sourcing, engineering, product management, design and development teams.  
•    Utilizes knowledge of shoe construction and manufacturing processes to evaluate prototypes.  
•    Identifies potential issues relating to material test data, technical wear test data, and technical drawings.  
•    Drives Product Validation process on all new models to ensure they meet all of the performance, fit, and specification requirements to ensure consistent product quality. 
•    Develops a broad understanding of competition in the global athletic marketplace.   
•    Able to engage in product teardowns and cost analysis; can make recommendations to balance cost, manufacturability, and design.  
•    Able to do color ups, material ups, new uppers, and exposure to new tools.  Maintains timelines and pro-actively identifies problems.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:
•    Bachelor’s degree, Engineering degree a plus
•    Minimum of 5 -8 years development experience; 5 years footwear; experience with problem solving tools.
•    Solid understanding of technical drawings, molding processes, materials, wear test data, footwear technology, patterns, and production processes.  Past exposure to developing and implementing new lasts.  Knowledge of grading.
•    Proven record of solving problems creatively.
•    Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
•    Domestic and international travel may be required
 

Regular Associate Benefits 

Our products are only as good as the people we hire, so we make sure to hire the best and treat them accordingly. New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K. We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks – opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs – that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally. You’ll also enjoy a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword – it’s part of our culture.

Temporary associates are provided three options for medical insurance as well as dental and vision insurance and an associate discount.

Part time associates are provided 401k, short term disability, a yearly $300 lifestyle reimbursement and an associate discount.

Flexible Work Schedule

For decades we have fostered a unique culture founded on our values with a particular focus on in-person teamwork and collaboration. Our North American hybrid model encourages rich in-person experiences, showcasing our commitment to teamwork and connection, while maintaining flexibility for associates. New Balance Associates currently work in office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Our offices are fully open, and amenities are available across our North American office locations. To continue our focus on hybrid work we have introduced “Work from Anywhere” (WFA) for four weeks per calendar year. This model will help us enhance our culture while continuing to maintain elements of flexibility.

Equal Opportunity Employer

New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran, or any other protected status.