Associate Product Developer

Posted by Oboz Footwear on 11/17/2021

Job Basics

Industry Sector: Outdoor

Job Categories: Design & Development - Product

Company Type: HardGoods/Equipment

State: MT

City: Bozeman

Country: United States

Required Experience: 0 - 1 year

Contact Name: Kaci L Norberg

Contact Phone: 3038758101

Job Type: Full Time

Salary:

Required to Relocate: Yes

Required to Travel: Yes

Employee May Telecommute: No

Job Seeker Must Live Within: 25 miles

Job Description & Requirements

Company Overview

Oboz Footwear is a wholesale 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 = Oboz. 

True to the Trail, and the four points of our compass; our people, your foot, the community, and the experience, guide everything we do.

Position Overview

This role will collaborate and partner within the product creation triad—product management, design, and development—to create functional, performance footwear solutions that support and strengthen product initiatives. The Associate Product Developer must be a hands-on, creative problem solver experienced in managing 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.

Your Impact

The primary functions of this role include but are not limited to:

• With guidance, plan and execute product development projects from brief and design stage through prototyping and sales samples.
• Complete the approval of production confirmation samples on time to ensure a smooth transition into commercialization.
• Initiate development projects according to critical timelines and pre-planned dates.
• Partner with the Fit & Sample Coordinator to ensure all agreed upon product creation testing objectives and brand milestones are met.
• Participate in the evaluation of test results to help diagnose and resolve fit, wear, and performance issues prior to commercialization and mass production.
• Generate and maintain detailed, accurate BOMs for all projects.
• Collaborate with other development team members to problem solve design tech packages prior to hand-off to factories for potential performance, construction, material, cost, fit, and quality concerns.
• Gain and apply experience working with 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.).
• Learn to effectively use tools of the trade including callipers, hardness gauge, tape measure, profile gauge, Brannock device, etc.
• Proactively problem solve by identifying issues and presenting solutions to teammates.
• Collaborate with other development team members to 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.
• Actively contribute 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.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• 1+ years’ experience in footwear product creation. Related supply chain experience also considered.
• Familiarity with footwear product specifications.
• Ability to evaluate cost breakdown sheets.
• Basic knowledge of upper and bottom material applications and processes.
• Basic 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 recognize 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 with problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office program suite and Adobe Applications.
• Domestic and international travel to development centers, production factories, supplier facilities, trade shows, and brand events as necessary.

Company Social Responsibility

• Display an active commitment towards brand purpose and values.
• Embrace opportunities to introduce new, sustainable ideas for innovation.
• Support the promotion of human rights throughout the business.
• Acts without delay to address serious human rights and labor rights violations that threaten the safety and wellbeing of Oboz employees, customers or those working in factories as part of the Oboz global supply chain. 
• Follow all company procedures and policies as specified in the Oboz company handbook and support company efforts in all environmental, social and governance (ESG) actions.

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of being true to the trail. We love the outdoors, and the way we figure, the more trees the more outdoors for us all to enjoy; so, we plant a tree for every pair of Oboz sold. Our HQ is powered by clean wind energy – 100% of our office power comes from wind farms in Central Idaho and Washington. We carbon-offset our shoe shipments, employee travel and the office utility bill. And, the shoes we don't sell make a difference, too – we donate our unsellable (but still trail-worthy) shoes, partnering with Project Sole and local non-profits to find feet in need.

Company Culture

Oboz has a small but growing family-feel team. We are collaborative and thrive on cross-functional relationships. We care about our customers, the outdoors and each other. Our office is relaxed and non-conventional with a dog-friendly culture and we have world class trails right outside our front door. We love the outdoors, and are passionate about doing the right thing for a more sustainable world for us all to share. We are proud of our amazing brand and we aspire create the best and most comfortable footwear in the world so everyone can enjoy the outdoors with us. We want to share our success with other passionate people who enjoy working in a fast-paced industry and share our company values.

Compensation

As well as amazing footwear benefits and awesome folks to work with, Oboz offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including Medical, Dental, and vision, 401k retirement and paid time off.

Equal Opportunity

Oboz Footwear is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all applications will be reviewed based on skill and qualifications for the role. As the “True to the Trail” brand, we are committed to being true to our people and hiring a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.

Want to join us? 

Please send your resume and cover letter to careers@obozfootwear.com.  Please enter "Associate Product Developer" in the subject line of your application email to identify the role for which you are applying.  Review of resumes will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

About Oboz Footwear

Oboz Footwear is a wholesale 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 = Oboz. 

True to the Trail, and the four points of our compass; our people, your foot, the community, and the experience, guide everything we do.