Altra: Senior Footwear Developer

At Altra, we are on a never-ending journey to seek out opportunities to unlock potential in ourselves and others and to create a more diverse and inclusive running community. When we’re all working together as the best versions of ourselves, we can feel empowered both individually and as a community.

Before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us – our values and our culture. If you can see yourself working side‑by‑side with a team of people driven to discover more about ourselves and the world around us, Altra may be the place for you.

Position
Sr. Product Developer (Footwear). A Senior Product Developer for Footwear is responsible for driving the development, engineering, fit, margin adherence and specifications for new and existing Footwear from Final Design Review to Commercialization with a focus on project‑based management.

How You Will Make a Difference

Help bring the consumer insight and design vision to life for the runner through the end‑to‑end product creation process

Strong team player with excellent cross‑functional skills and communication

Understand and manage the development process end to end

Help mentor and be a resource for other developers on the team

Plan and track the development schedule of all products to ensure timely completion and adherence to stage gates following the seasonal product development calendar

Ensure quality, fit and construction meet the runner’s needs and Altra’s high standards

Develop products, recommend materials and construction techniques that meet the consumer insight and design expectations

Coordinate all phases of development utilizing the available resources of Product Line Management, Design, Lasts, CAD, Costing, Material and Product Testing, Fit and Wear Testing and Planning

Partner, communicate and meet regularly with VF Asia Development to ensure product meets design intent, production best practices, predetermined margin targets and timely completion of stage gate milestones in the seasonal product development calendar

Create product BOMs/specifications, publish and maintain all records, files and samples associated with the products as assigned

Serve as technical support and manufacturing resource for Product Line Management, Design and other members of the Product team

Ensure execution of fit through clear analysis, documentation, communication, adherence to fit standards and partnering with VF Asia Development and Commercialization teams

Partner with VF Asia Product Supply, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers to develop new materials, construction techniques, processes and samples used to create innovative and technically superior products each season

Interact in a dynamic team environment with the US Product team, VF Asia Product Supply, Quality Assurance, Marketing and Sales to ensure the accuracy and integrity of all product performance claims

Required international (twice per calendar year) and domestic travel (2‑3 times per calendar year) to achieve a high level of product and component development, including visits to manufacturing countries/factories and off‑site material and trade shows

What do you need to succeed?
We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role, there are foundation skills you’ll need to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal education in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 5+ years of experience in Footwear Product Development, ideally with a focus on performance running or performance product.

Team player, positive outlook, high tolerance for ambiguity

Self‑driven and able to independently manage highly complex products through the development cycle

Detail oriented with a strong work ethic and superior organizational skills

Demonstrates superior interpersonal skills, including the ability to create trust and build partnerships with cross‑functional teams

Demonstrates superior communication skills, both written and verbal

Advanced knowledge and understanding of fit, pattern engineering, tooling processes, mold and upper construction expertise and knowledge of manufacturing processes

Ability to drive high quality product and fit optimization through interpretation of wear and fit test feedback from the Altra athlete teams and third‑party testing labs

Proficient in technical 2D designs

Contributes to development process/timelines and calendar optimization

Ability to proactively troubleshoot and solve highly complex problems

Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, 3D design, 2D/3D tooling processes, project management/development systems and Microsoft Office suite

Overseas and domestic travel required on a seasonal basis

What do we offer you?
At Altra, we know you expect as much from us as we do from you. We make a commitment to support and grow our people, offering extensive development and growth opportunities, a competitive compensation package, and a strong benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and 401(k). Our focus on DEI is at the foundation of who we are and what we do.

Hiring Range
$99,360.00 USD – $124,200.00 USD annually

Incentive Potential
This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive or commission potential. Specific details will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.

Benefits at VF Corporation
General overview of each benefit program offered, including this year’s medical plan rates, can be reviewed on MyVFBenefits.com. Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.

EEO Statement
At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at peopleservices@vfc.com. VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law. Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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