Sr. Footwear Developer

  • BCorp Certified- We care about the trails we wear our footwear on.
  • Join us as we continue to grow our brand globally!
  • Great work environment with amazing office perks- ask us for more details

About Obōz…
Obōz Footwear is a hiking footwear brand founded in 2007. Bozeman, Montana is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise and it’s our home. It's what motivates us to lace up daily and explore the 18 million acres of Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem that surround us. A vast and breathtaking landscape just waiting to be explored on two feet. Bozeman is where it all started and it’s what inspired our name. Outside + Bozeman = Obōz. 

About the role…
The role of Sr. Footwear Developer, reporting directly to our Director of Development based in our office in Bozeman, Montana.

The Sr. Footwear Developer will support the product creation and confirmation process from design stage through sales samples. This role will collaborate and partner with the product creation triad—product management, design, and development—to create functional, performance footwear solutions that support and strengthen product initiatives. This position must be a hands-on, creative problem solver experienced in managing a large number of projects in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will have the ability to work seamlessly with others, meet deadlines, communicate transparently and effectively across multiple cultures and locations, balance multiple priorities, take initiative, and pay close attention to detail.

Responsibilities:

  • Own product development projects from brief and design stage through prototyping and sales samples.
  • Guide and execute timely approval of production confirmation samples to ensure a smooth transition into commercialization.
  • Initiate development projects according to critical timelines and pre-planned dates.
  • Support the Product Creation Coordinator to ensure all agreed upon product creation testing objectives and brand milestones are met.
  • Evaluate test results to diagnose and resolve fit, wear, and performance issues prior to commercialization and mass production.
  • Generate and maintain detailed, accurate BOMs for all projects.
  • Problem solve design tech packages prior to hand-off to factories for potential performance, construction, material, cost, fit, and quality concerns.
  • Analyze technical drawings, lab test results, patterns, components, and lasts to identify and resolve any potential issues.
  • Facilitate the timely creation, delivery, and approval of all relevant technical information (shell patterns, 2Ds, 3Ds, lasts, patterns, blue-prints, cost sheets, lab testing, etc.).
  • Effectively use tools of the trade including calipers, hardness gauge, tape measure, profile gauge, Brannock device, etc.
  • Proactively problem solve by identifying issues and presenting solutions to teammates.
  • Provide product line managers and designers with alternatives in constructions, materials, costing, duties, etc.
  • Review and evaluate project status with the product creation triad with increasing mastery of patterns, mold processes, materials, pricing, yield and cost analysis, and manufacturing processes.
  • Take responsibility for owned projects at sample teardown meetings with the product creation triad to evaluate performance, construction, material, fit, comfort, cost, and quality concerns.
  • Communicate clearly, concisely, and transparently with internal and external stakeholders, including overseas partners.
  • Support objectives for continuous process improvement and efficiency throughout the product creation process.

Requirements: 

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
  • 5+ years' experience in footwear product creation (footwear supply chain experience also considered).
  • Thorough experience building footwear product specifications.
  • Footwear costing experience.
  • Strong knowledge of upper and bottom material applications and processes.
  • Strong knowledge of footwear constructions, leather, materials, lasts, molding, compound development, and foot anatomy.
  • Ability to work in a complex, fast-paced global organization.
  • Ability to satisfy the needs of diverse constituents with competing deadlines and priorities.
  • Positive, open-minded team member.
  • Ability to effectively prepare and present information and transparently respond to questions from management and other employees of the organization.
  • Ability to plan with foresight and anticipate impact of expected results.
  • Exceptional attention to detail.
  • Enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
  • High level of curiosity.
  • Drive for excellence and a self-starter with proven problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office program suite and Adobe Applications.
  • Travel to development centers, production factories, supplier facilities, trade shows, and brand events as necessary.

How to apply…
Obōz has a small but growing family-feel team. We care about our customers, the outdoors and each other. We love the outdoors and are passionate about doing the right thing for a more sustainable world for us all to share. Are you in? Obōz is committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. APPLY HERE.