Sr. Manager, Product Development (Footwear)

San Francisco, CA

At Rothy’s, we know there’s a better way to do business, and it starts by putting the planet and its people first. More than 225 million single-use plastic bottles and 715,000 pounds of ocean-bound marine plastic have been transformed into our signature thread, creating wardrobe staples that look just as good as they feel.

Striving for zero waste, we combine 3D knitting technology and handcrafted assembly to create machine washable styles that don’t compromise on comfort. From classic shoes to carry-everywhere bags, we create essentials for wherever you go.

At Rothy’s, building a sustainable future is at the heart of everything we do. We pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive environment at our HQ, retail stores and wholly-owned factory, and are growing our community every day.

About the Team:

Our Product Development team is always one step ahead. While many teams are responsible for responding to moments in the present, this one looks toward the future. From finessing the pattern of our silhouettes to developing new materials, our developers work hand-in-hand with our factory team, sustainability, merchandising and design partners to make sure the wheels of Rothy’s keep turning on our quest for a more sustainable future.

About the role:

Rothy’s is looking for a Sr. Manager, Product Development (Footwear) to lead footwear development end to end, from concept through commercialization. You’ll be a trusted technical expert and people leader, guiding a team of developers while driving the strategies, processes and decisions that shape how we build product.

Reporting to the Director, Footwear Product Development, you’ll help drive department strategy and partner with leaders across Product Design, Merchandising, Sustainability, Production and our factory to deliver sustainable, high-quality footwear that delights customers and lands on time and on margin. This role will require occasional meetings outside of office hours to partner with our factory and vendors across time zones.

What you’ll do:

• Own footwear development across the portfolio from concept through commercialization, delivering on aesthetic, fit, quality, cost and timeline goals

• Partner with leaders in Product Design, Merchandising and Sustainability on seasonal planning and strategy, translating design intent into technically sound, manufacturable footwear

• Make key technical decisions on bottoms, components, upper patterns, knit constructions and materials, balancing fit, performance, durability, cost and manufacturing needs

• Drive the footwear development calendar, managing milestones across all sample rounds (prototype, development, fit, confirmation, TOP) and resolving risks before they impact launch

• Lead cost strategy for the portfolio, including CBD and yield reviews and factory negotiations, and influence senior leaders on tradeoffs to meet margin targets

• Shape and uphold brand fit standards and last library practices to strengthen fit consistency and comfort across categories and seasons

• Help drive department strategy and lead the build and rollout of stage gate criteria, PLM practices and development playbooks that scale with the business

• Set long-term team objectives and strategy, manage team resources and budget, and delegate to meet goals

• Build and lead a high-performing team, knowing each person’s strengths and aspirations and creating opportunities for their growth

• Strengthen factory and supplier partnerships, keeping communication open and transparent between corporate and factory teams

• Solve significant, ambiguous development challenges and find ways to improve product integrity, efficiency, cost and speed to market across departments

You are:

• A footwear expert known across the company for deep technical insight and sought out by cross-functional partners for advice

• Able to see where trends are heading and turn complex information into clear insights and recommendations

• Confident solving significant, ambiguous problems and leading strategic work that drives lasting improvements with minimal guidance

• A trusted partner who influences and negotiates with senior leaders and navigates sensitive situations while keeping relationships strong

• A leader people want to work for, who guides teams through complexity and change

• A clear communicator who adapts to any audience, including executives

• Committed to continuous learning and keeping the team current on industry trends

• Detail oriented with strong follow-through

• Able to travel domestically (1-3 times per year) and internationally (quarterly)

You have:

• 10+ years of hands-on footwear product development experience, including experience leading teams

• A bachelor’s degree in biomechanics, engineering, kinesiology, textile science or a related technical field; equivalent experience will be considered

• Deep knowledge of footwear construction, materials, knitting, tooling, lasts, testing and costing

• Proven experience reviewing CBDs, analyzing yields and testing data, and negotiating costs to meet margin targets

• A deep understanding of the footwear development and commercialization process, with experience improving calendars, sample gates and PLM practices to support growth

• Advanced knowledge of last and fit development, including shape, proportion, grading and fit standards

• Experience working directly with Asia-based factories and vendors

• Strong systems proficiency, including PLM, BOM management and Google Workspace; Adobe Illustrator experience a plus

• Accessories or handbag experience a plus

Our benefits:

• Generous paid time off

• 401k matching

• Comprehensive health plans for you and your family

• Monthly wellness reimbursement

• Dog friendly offices

• Employee Discount Program!

Pay range:

$152,000 - $192,000 annually

Base pay is one part of the total rewards package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work. This role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, as well as a comprehensive benefits package.

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