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Senior Footwear Developer, Innovation

Brooks Running

Brooks Runningbrooksrunning.com

Senior Footwear Developer, Innovation

Posted 3 months ago

This job is still taking applications, but it's been up a while.

About the job

Brooks specializes in designing innovative, high-performance running footwear. As a Senior Footwear Developer, you will drive innovation from concept to market, focusing on technology, sustainability, and quality, in a collaborative environment passionate about movement and inspiring runners.

Requirements

  • 9+ years in footwear development
  • Leadership in high-performance shoe projects
  • Experience with process and manufacturing
  • Strong project management skills
  • Innovative mindset

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s in Biomechanics or related
  • Experience in athletic footwear innovation
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Strong problem-solving ability
  • Ability to work cross-functionally

Full job description

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:
As the Senior Footwear Innovation Developer at Brooks, you will be a key leader in the Footwear Innovation Team to drive execution of innovation projects through all phases of the project Phase Gate process. You will drive the innovation development process from concept to in-line technology transfer and commercialization. You will work with cross-functional and global innovation creation teams to research and develop new technologies, explore new design processes, constructions, and methods to create cutting-edge footwear that runners will love, with the lowest environmental impact possible. You will be part of the Footwear Innovation process, including sample material acquisition, prototype building and validation, factory collaboration, and driving process improvement. This role will act as a positive driving force in the innovation process and impact business results by discovering new potentials in footwear performance and manufacturing, and contributing to our long-term innovation strategy. You will be responsible for generating and communicating ideas, concepts, and project status to managers and the Innovation Lead Triad. In this role, you’ll partner closely with more junior members of the Footwear Innovation team to hone their technical footwear expertise.


Your Responsibilities:

  • Execute the innovation product development role by delivering on Brooks’ Fit, Feel, Ride, and Crafted Beauty principles on multiple, concurrent projects via an unwavering dedication to always deliver excellence.
  • Provide leadership to Design and Product Line Management teams to uncover new ways that innovative materials and designs can be manufacturable and meet project goals and performance, sustainability, cost, and quality objectives.
  • Ensure product performance integrity by working with Product Validation teams to determine testing needs/criteria, explore new test methods, understand results, and make decisions based on learnings.
  • Identify and partner with vendors, factories, and the Sourcing team to discover and advance new manufacturing techniques that enhance the overall performance of product.
  • Partner with Sustainability teams to discover new materials and manufacturing processes that meet and exceed brand goals.
  • Identify, recommend, and specify to project team the material, component, and construction options to meet pricing targets and the product’s functional goals, as well as ensure product performance integrity through product testing (physical and field testing).
  • Partner with legal teams to initiate Intellectual Property reviews and drive positive working and contractual relationships with new partners.
  • Own sample management for assigned projects, including receipt and distribution of all samples, sample checking, and communicating updates to all teammates.
  • Assist Asia Innovation Development team in creating and maintaining technical packages
    and Bills of Materials (BOM’s) for assigned projects.
  • Ensure product quality by collaborating with Engineering and Quality Assessment teams at all stages of the creation process.
  • Critique, adjust, and evaluate technical blueprints (outsole/ midsole/ upper), upper patterns, and materials from a performance, manufacturing, and functional perspective.
  • Participate in development trips, 3 – 4 per year, to work with manufacturers and suppliers on existing and current development projects.
  • Create and build a knowledge base and stay informed about vendor capabilities and performance, factory relationships, quality issues, materials pricing, and lead times.
  • Own project management role for multiple complex Blueline, Athlete, Advanced Development, and Future Concepts projects from Brief Phase through Design, Development, and delivery to In-line, Commercialization, or other Innovation teams.
  • Lead team execution of innovation projects from Briefing to Tech Transfer.
  • Plan and execute projects according to project critical dates that lead to on–time delivery of project goals.
  • Effectively communicate with Factory and Asia Development teams to share product expectations and product details that lead to on-time delivery of samples.
  • Lead and ensure good communication between core innovation team members, subject matter experts, external partners, and leadership.
  • Initiate and lead meetings with project teams during various phases of development to review, evaluate, update and ultimately drive the decision-making process that leads to on– time project delivery and cost goals.
  • Understand when to bring in additional support to continue to drive product decisions forward.
  • Lead and run assigned research and development programs from concept through design, development, testing, validation, and confirmation of new technologies, products, and programs.
  • Execute high-level, complex innovation programs to deliver state-of-the-art technologies and products, complete with best practices and technology transfer documentation to facilitate seamless transitions into the in-line process.
  • Continuously grow knowledge of the product creation and manufacturing processes, allowing for new ideas that will enhance product performance.
  • Identify opportunities to streamline or improve current operations and create, implement, and communicate new processes and techniques to the cross-functional teams.
  • Keep abreast of market trends, new technologies, and consumer needs to ensure that products incorporate the functional needs of our consumers’ demand.
  • Training of more junior team members and Asia Innovation Development on our innovation processes.
  • Act as an expert resource for other Footwear Team members with an aptitude for coaching and mentoring.
  • Display an expert understanding of the manufacturing process with the ability to modify the process to advance and achieve new manufacturing techniques that improve the overall performance of product.
  • Anticipate downstream effect of decisions as they relate to product and project management. Be proactive in solutions to mitigate delays.
  • Act as an expert resource for other Footwear Team members with an aptitude for coaching and mentoring.
  • Lead large-scale, complex projects with significant business impact or projects incorporating new technology/ manufacturing techniques (franchise product, new technology, etc.).
  • Act as a proxy for the Development Manager as needed.
  • Continuous learning of Brooks Fit, Feel C Ride manufacturing best practices.

    • Qualifications:

    • Bachelor’s degree in Biomechanics, Engineering, Kinesiology, or related technical field; equivalent combination of education and years of experience can be considered in lieu of degree(s)
    • 9+ years of successful experience leading the development of high-performance, technical running
      footwear projects
    • Proven leadership in technical running footwear product development, process, project management, costing, and manufacturing of product from conception to retail
      5+ years of experience in the innovation of athletic footwear desired
    • Must be optimistic that a solution to difficult challenges can be found, with the perseverance to keep investigating options until it is
    • Must be willing and show talent for training less-experienced teammates in footwear development, the innovation mindset, and how to lead cross-functional teams to success
    • Curious and open-minded; always open for a challenge, inventive, and seeking creative solutions; with the ability to challenge the status quo – always looking at improving our products and processes while also displaying a willingness to dive into the details
    • Ability to work in new arenas of footwear development where a specific direction and solution path is unclear at the start
    • Proven ability to drive a decision in a collaborative, cross-functional group without command/control to meet strategic objectives
    • Demonstrated ability to develop productive relationships with individuals and teams that are made up of diverse disciplines and cultural backgrounds, resulting in effective working relationships across the company
    • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a good 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 with support and understanding how all of the pieces fit together and affect one another
    • High level of independent work ethic and ability, with the instinct to know when to reach out for support
    • Keen attention to detail in planning, organization, and execution of tasks. Willingness to dive into the
      details to better understand the “why”
    • Early ability to anticipate how a decision made can affect our customers, our partners, and our products
      or other departments’ operations and/or morale; “connecting the dots”
    • Strong computer skills, including experience with Illustrator, Smartsheet, and MS Office software; Flex PLM knowledge is a bonus
    • Excellent interpersonal skills that inspire and build trust, resulting in effective working relationships across the company
    • Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed
    • Passionate participation in Brooks’ sports activities a plus, overridden by the ability to understand and empathize with the runner in order to develop loyal, engaging relationships with our customers and the Brooks community
    • Embraces and lives the Brooks values!

    Compensation: The pay range for this position, based out of the Brooks Seattle HQ, is $124,234 - $186,404 per year. Base pay offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. 

    Other:

    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 five weeks of paid time off, eleven paid holidays, and 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 4 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.

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