Footwear Development Director, Wilson

Position Overview:

This position is responsible for Wilson brand for Footwear products.

The Footwear Development Director will be responsible for overseeing the technical and engineering aspects of the footwear development process in Asia, ensuring that products meet all functional, durability, and quality standards while being manufacturable at scale. The role requires deep knowledge of footwear engineering, material science, and global manufacturing processes. This position will lead the development of innovative footwear solutions, drive manufacturing efficiency, and collaborate across HQ development, sourcing, and production teams to ensure the successful delivery of products that meet the brand’s vision and performance requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management:

1) Lead and manage a cross-disciplinary team of footwear engineers and developers, to execute the footwear development strategy.

2) Foster a collaborative environment that promotes technical innovation, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.

3) Provide mentorship and guidance to team members in areas such as footwear engineering, manufacturing processes, and materials science.

4) Build and foster relationships with our Sourcing team and Factory partners.

5) Work closely with senior management to report on project status, budget adherence, and key milestones.

Footwear Engineering & Product Development:

6) Oversee the engineering aspects of product development, including material selection, prototype testing, and performance evaluations.

7) Drive best practices creation and implementation.

8) Drive the integration of advanced materials and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies into footwear products to enhance performance and efficiency.

9) Troubleshoot technical issues during the development and production phases, collaborating with engineers, designers, and suppliers to find timely and cost-effective solutions.

10) Drive sustainability initiatives by incorporating eco-friendly materials and production methods into the footwear development process.

11) Ensure compliance with environmental and industry standards while continuously exploring opportunities for reducing the environmental impact of production.

Manufacturing & Production Optimization:

12) Partner with global manufacturing facilities to ensure that products are engineered for efficient mass production without compromising on quality.

13) Oversee the transition from prototype to full-scale production, ensuring smooth handoffs between development and manufacturing teams.

14) Collaborate with production teams to optimize workflows, minimize costs, and streamline manufacturing processes while maintaining high product quality.

15) Troubleshoot technical issues during the development and production phases, collaborating with engineers, designers, and suppliers to find timely and cost-effective solutions.

16) Collaborate with global product creation team, sourcing, and quality assurance teams to ensure product designs are feasible for production and meet the intended quality standards.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education & Experience:

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Footwear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar field preferred.

- Minimum of 10-12 years of experience in footwear product creation, with a strong emphasis on engineering, manufacturing, and production processes.

- At least 5 years of leadership experience, with a track record of managing technical teams and driving product innovation.

- Proven experience with footwear materials, manufacturing techniques, and product testing protocols.

Skills & Competencies:

- Strong knowledge of footwear engineering, manufacturing processes, and material science.

- Strong technical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, particularly in scaling products from prototype to production.

- Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage cross-functional teams and multiple projects simultaneously.

- Knowledge of sustainability practices and environmentally-conscious materials in footwear development.

- Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with teams at all levels and external partners.

- Fluency in English; Vietnamese or proficiency in Mandarin is a plus.

Personal Attributes:

- Detail-oriented with a strong focus on product quality and engineering precision.

- Strong leadership capabilities, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.

- Adaptable and able to thrive in a fast-paced, global environment.

- Passionate about footwear

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Opportunity to lead the technical side of footwear innovation and manufacturing.

• Be part of a company that values sustainability, engineering excellence, and continuous improvement.

• Career development opportunities in a global, dynamic company.