Footwear Product Development Manager, Innovation, Asia

About the role

At Brooks, we believe movement is the key to feeling more alive. That's why we're driven to create gear and experiences that take people to the place that makes them feel more alive - whether it's a headspace, a feeling, or a finish line. Everyone who works at Brooks is propelled by a company culture that sparks excitement, fuels collaboration, inspires creativity, and ignites innovation. Our brand values help bond us together and drive our success: Runner First We act in the best interest of the runner Word is Bond We do what we say we'll do Champion Heart We give our all in everything we do There is no "I" in Run We stay generous with our humanity Keep Moving We find ways to move every day, because joy is kinetic! We welcome everyone from every walk of life looking to inspire others through the power of movement - because we're all moving towards something. Let's run there. Your Job: The Brooks Innovation team is a group of world-class innovative minds collectively focused on improving the performance running experience through product, experiential and biomechanical innovation. They constantly challenge assumptions of how products are made and together they shape the future of running footwear. They stretch the limits of science and human performance with every innovation and are relentlessly focused on changes that benefit the Brooks runner. They forge relationships with manufacturing partners and suppliers, uncovering new partnerships with global industry leaders to develop groundbreaking products and bring new Brooks innovations to life. The Innovation team operates across the full range of product creation, merchandising, brand strategy, sourcing, and new business development to relentlessly pursue methods to make better-performing, higher-quality and sustainable products faster and more efficiently than ever before. As the Footwear Product Development Manager, Innovation Asia, you will be a key development leader in Vietnam, driving innovation across high-performance athlete projects and the advancement of new shoe technologies. Utilizing your extensive product and process expertise, you will oversee the entire product development lifecycle-from insight collection and research through prototyping, validation, and in-line technology transfer or commercialization-ensuring the delivery of groundbreaking products that exceed runner expectations. You will work with cross-functional and global innovation creation teams, leading the exploration, research and adoption of new materials, technologies, designs, and manufacturing methods to create cutting edge footwear that runners will love. You will manage and cultivate strategic partnerships with both internal teams and external collaborators, to unlock impactful innovation opportunities that can reach any part of Brooks' product range. You will be responsible for generating and communicating ideas, concepts and project status to managers and the Innovation Lead Triad. Your impact will be measured by the successful execution of innovation projects, the establishment of robust partner relationships, and the introduction of new technologies that shape the future of Brooks Running. In this role you'll partner closely with more junior members of the Footwear Innovation team to hone their technical footwear expertise At Brooks, we celebrate diversity & equity. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment, and encourage people of all backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, and skills to apply. Brooks is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, two-spirit identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, the presence of a physical, mental, or sensory disability, marital status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), caste, citizenship or immigration status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, actual or perceived victims of domestic violence, harassment, sexual assault or stalking, HIV or Hepatitis C infection, political ideology, use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability, or on any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, or any other non-merit based factors.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Material Science, Biomechanics, or other applicable technical degrees or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• 7+ successful years of experience leading the product development of high-performance footwear projects, including 5+ years of footwear innovation experience.
• Technical expertise in footwear product development with an advanced knowledge across the full footwear construction process (upper pattern engineering, midsoles/outsole design and technical drawing, material construction, testing and costing).
• Strong understanding of shoe and component manufacturing processes, with the ability to anticipating issues, problem solving with timely resolution.
• Proficient in project/program management, including planning, organization, effective communication with internal and external stakeholders, and seamless project transfer to other teams. Strong attention to detail through planning and execution, while maintaining awareness on how all parts interconnect.
• Proven ability to lead and influence in a collaborative, team oriented and complex global environment without direct authority to meet strategic objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to develop highly productive relationships with individuals and teams across diverse disciplines and cultures resulting in effective working relationships to both US-based and Asia-based teams.
• Experience establishing and managing relationships with T1, T2 and T3 suppliers. Capable of communicating complex ideas and promoting innovative thinking in our partner network.
• Innovation and curious mindset. Proven track record of bringing creative ideas to the table and exploring innovative ways to build technically complex prototypes. Looking to improve Brooks' products and processes.
• Ability to anticipate how a decision made can affect our customers, our partners, our products or other departments' operations and/or morale; "connecting the dots."
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an advanced ability to communicate new ideas, concepts, and functional expertise to varied audiences.
• Strong computer skills (Illustrator, MS Office) and professional knowledge with presentation/collaboration tools (PowerPoint, Miro, Keynote); technical writing capability a plus.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed, as well as organizing development and exploration trips.
• Passionate participation in Brooks' sports activities a plus, overridden by the ability to understand and empathize with the runner to develop loyal, engaging relationships with our customers and the Brooks community.
• Embraces and lives the Brooks values!

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