Product Development Engineer (Footwear)

**** Prefer candidates who have experience in Mold Construction in Footwear.
*BASIC FUNCTION:
- The Product Development Engineer will manage factory allocated development from the early Discovery process to the completion of sales samples ensuring all developments meet key milestones and critical key dates whilst meeting or exceeding engineering challenges.
- The Product Development Engineer will provide technical direction and engineering recommendations to using their own in-depth industry knowledge and experience with footwear engineering and development.
- The Product Development Engineer will use their advanced insights and knowledge in product development, commercialization, manufacturing processes to influence early decisions both internally and with external Timberland development hubs that positively affect quality and process speed decisions.
- The Product Development Engineer role will also be a technical adviser role that overlaps and partners in Design,Development and Commercialization over the calendar development process.
*KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators):
•Manage and guide the local Engineering Development process ensuring product meets/exceeds specifications including fit standards through technical evaluation and product construction, within the agreed seasonal calendars.
•Ensure the fit process is managed correctly with all internal and external partners.
•Manage local APD/PE wear trial system with all partner teams.
•Lead and manage multiple projects maintaining development and commercialization schedules, key milestones, sign-off check points.
•Work with local and off shore vendors to improve process and cooperation in all technical areas that include development of CAD-3d-Digital rendering alternatives.
*ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
•Translate the technical performance and communicate development progress into documents, guidance and other formats as teams require feedback.
•Generate and maintain project schedules and meet associated key milestones.
•Maintain, develop and uphold Timberland technical and VF CSR standards.
•Review Fit trial and Wear Test trial outcomes with required internal and external team, provide suggestions and recommendations for improvements.
•Build strong working relationships with all Vendors and internal departments and stakeholders.
•Works with in-line Manager to Identify advantages in strategic supplier and second tier relationships.
•Actively critique all technical documentation, standards and files associated with each new development prior to commercialization to anticipate production issues.
•Create a collaborative working relationship and environment between Stratham / EMEA development hubs.
•International and Domestic travel to various factory and office locations.
*TEAMWORK / LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work respectfully and be empathetic with team and offshore team, maintaining CSR responsibility.
- Be active incorporating the latest technical approaches and innovative concepts into Timberland PD /PE.