Product Development Manager - Footwear

Job Description

Job Description

Why Kizik :

Be part of the Hands-free movement

At Kizik, we’re redefining footwear with innovative, hands-free design—and we’re just getting started. We believe work should be meaningful, fun, and full of energy. Here, your ideas matter, your impact is real, and your future is full of possibility. If you're passionate about creativity, collaboration, and doing work that makes people say “wow,” Kizik is the place for you.

About the role…

As the Product Development Manager at Kizik, you will support the footwear product creation process from design stage through commercialization with an emphasis on delivering products on spec, on time, and on margin.

You will collaborate and partner with the wider product creation team of designers, product line managers, and developers to create functional, step-in footwear solutions that reinforce and strengthen Kizik brand initiatives.

Responsibilities :

• Manage product development processes from product brief stage through prototyping and commercialization with a focus on bringing products to market on-spec, on-time, and on-margin.
• Provide fit, wear, and biomechanical testing support, using results to resolve performance and quality issues.
• Manage the on-time approval of production samples and transition products seamlessly into commercialization.
• Create and maintain accurate BOMs while evaluating tech packs for performance, construction, and material risks.
• Create seasonal product development critical process calendars that support the GTM process.
• Manage the seasonal product costing process from the pre-costing stage to production cost confirmation.
• Analyze patterns, technical drawings, prototypes, and lab test results to identify and resolve development issues.
• Coordinate timely creation, evaluation, and approval of technical information including costs, lasts, and lab tests.
• Utilize specialized tools to validate product specs and performance.
• Track project progress and collaborate with the product creation triad to deliver seasonal products on-spec, on-time, and on-margin.
• Schedule and lead teardown meetings to review and action product design, fit, construction, material, manufacturability, performance, and cost concerns.
• Provide actionable alternatives in materials, constructions, and costs to meet design, performance, and financial targets.
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying process inefficiencies and proposing solutions.
• Communicate clearly with internal teams and international partners throughout the development and commercialization lifecycle.
• Leverage management skills to align performance goals and objectives with department and brand goals.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, empowerment, and continuous improvement within the organization.
• Manage departmental operations, budgeting, and performance metrics to support strategic objectives.

Requirements :

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