We have a reputation
At Columbia Sportswear, we’re known for our innovation, quality and value. Our family of footwear brands now includes Columbia, Montrail, and Sorel.

Columbia develops performance and lifestyle footwear from sandals, water shoes, running shoes, hiking boots, to heated boots. Columbia’s BugaTrek Omni-Heat has been selected as a top pick for snow shoeing by Outside Magazine (February 2011), Ravenous Editor’s Choice by Trail Runner Magazine (May 2010), Best Stability Shoe Women’s Running (May/June 2010)

Sorel is a lifestyle fashion brand and has been showcased in Elle, Instyle, Lucky and on Oprah. The Sorel Helen of Tundra II – Outside Magazine, Buyer’s Guide Winter 2011 – Après Boot Category and Sorel Alpha Pac – Outside Magazine, Buyer’s Guide Winter 2011 – Winter Boot Category.

Montrail delivers premier trail running and hiking footwear for outdoor athletes around the world that expect excellence from themselves and their products. Montrail is synonymous with the best fitting, cutting-edge outdoor footwear. In 2009 Mountain Masochist Wins Outside Magazine's "Gear of the Year" Award , the Hardrock 09 named "Best Run/Hike Crossover" by Backpacker Magazine , and in 2007 Namche™ named "Best Fast Packing" boot by Backpacker.

Last time we checked, you didn’t get that kind of reputation without the right people making it happen. That’s where you come into the picture.

General Position Summary
Independently manage the development of new footwear from initial concept through sales samples to Production confirmation for assigned projects. Emphasis is on delivering projects and related samples according to predetermined timelines. Apply and share the full scope of product development: Project management, Timeline management, Costing analysis, Fit and Wear testing, Commercializing to production, Material knowledge, and construction methods. Keep informed of and evaluate competitive developments with an eye towards improving the competitiveness of Columbia’s footwear.

Primary workload would include: working on new project development, ability to analysis technical drawings and blue prints. Work on basic to complex and advanced level product and material development.

This is an expert level position that works on the most complex development projects requiring state of the art technical knowledge and has broad shoe making understanding & experience on many different construction types. It is to provide leadership in developing new products. They are to participate in requirements definition and implementation of development processes. They are the in-house expert on specific technologies and Shoe Making. They act as a Mentor to the rest of the development team. This level requires management skills but does not necessarily have the responsibility for management.

Essential Job Functions
1. Under direction of and in cooperation with the Product Development Manager, develop samples through product specifications and coordinate the elemental aspects of product development from concepts to product confirmation for assigned models. Works with a minimal guidance from the Product Development Manager.
2. Provide input to and help lead the design process in areas related to cost, production, and functional componentry.
3. Set up detailed development plans for assigned models using timelines with specific target dates to ensure samples are delivered to merchandising department according to schedule. Provide and helps to review continuous and detailed progress reports to the Product Development Manager.
4. Provide additional leadership to and maintain clear, timely and effective communication with the overseas development staff reviewing progress and resolving issues.
5. Teach and execute the different aspects on and review blue prints and other tech drawings to ensure accuracy and functionality of mold details. Able to review rapid prototype parts and wood models of molded components to help drive design integrity and functionality.
6. Lead the effective costing of projects and compare to other footwear. Proactively provides alternatives to address costing concerns. Assist develop team on costing issues.
7. Help set up and drive the product integrity through extensive fit and wear testing programs and material testing.
8. Provides leadership to Design and Merchandising groups identify materials, components and construction options for each project.
9. Actively works with suppliers on new materials, components, and procedures to be made available in overseas factories.
10. Maintains current files on all assigned models currently being developed or produced overseas. Model files contain all pertinent information regarding a project such as: sample request forms, latest specification sheet, specification change notices, blueprints, and other related information.

Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with course work in manufacturing or engineering.
A minimum of 10+ years experience primarily in footwear development OR equivalent work experience in the footwear industry.
Thorough knowledge of:
PC software, i.e., spreadsheets, databases, word-processing, and 2D/3D file review.
Conducting business in Asian countries.

Ability to:
Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with management, staff, factories and vendors. Emphasis on clear communication with countries where English is a second language. Use considerable tact, sound judgment, and discretion in all contacts.
Identify/evaluate problem areas and recommend effective solutions.
Effectively supervise staff, assessing performance and supporting professional development.
Use exceptional time management skills to accomplish challenging objectives and manage heavy workload. Analyze a variety of data reporting results to management.
Understand basic engineering, metric measurements, and blueprints. Use good color and texture perception to identify possible quality problems and salability of footwear.

Ability to Travel 25% to 30% of time, primarily between the US and Asia, and within Asian countries.

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