Senior Product Developer, Women's Footwear

The Senior Product Developer for Women’s Footwear at Columbia Sportswear Company helps move new women’s footwear ideas from concept through commercialization. In this hybrid role based near Portland, Oregon, you’ll coordinate product development for assigned models, partner closely with overseas teams, and help ensure designs meet both functional and quality expectations on schedule.

Role Overview

Under the direction of the Product Development Manager, this position leads product specification and end-to-end development for assigned models, including product confirmation. You will deliver projects and related samples according to predetermined timelines, while evaluating competitive developments to support improvements to the company’s products.

What You’ll Do

• Develop product specifications and coordinate product development from concepts through product confirmation for assigned models.
• Provide design process input focused on cost, production, and functional componentry.
• Create detailed development plans for assigned models with timelines and specific target dates to ensure samples are delivered to the merchandising department as scheduled.
• Deliver continuous, detailed progress updates to Product Development leadership.
• Maintain close communication with overseas development staff by reviewing progress and resolving issues.
• Review blueprints, 3D files, and other technical drawings to verify the accuracy and functionality of mold details.
• Review rapid prototype parts and molded component models to support design integrity and functionality.
• Maintain current documentation for assigned models produced or developed overseas, including sample request forms, latest specification sheets, specification change notices, blueprints, and related materials.
• Collaborate with design and merchandising teams to identify materials, components, and construction options for each project.
• Provide development teams with up-to-date information on new materials, components, and procedures available in overseas factories.
• Support other footwear personnel with the sample/shoe making process, including guidance on materials, color, and style.
• Research and network with suppliers and vendors to source new and innovative materials.
• Maintain awareness of current competitor products.
• Keep strong communication channels open across management, staff, and departments to support smooth information flow and efficient operations.

Required Experience and Skills

• 5-8 years of footwear development experience.
• Thorough knowledge of administrative management and supervisory techniques.
• Proficiency with PC software including spreadsheets, databases, and word-processing.
• Strong familiarity with the lifestyle footwear industry and the ability to conduct business in Asian countries.
• Effective verbal and written communication with management, staff, factories, and vendors, with emphasis on clear communication in countries where English is a second language.
• Use tact, sound judgment, and discretion in all contacts.
• Identify and evaluate problem areas and recommend effective solutions.
• Ability to mentor junior staff by assessing work and supporting professional development.
• Exceptional time management to handle heavy workload and challenging objectives.
• Basic engineering understanding, metric measurements, and blueprint knowledge.
• Strong color and texture perception to identify potential quality and salability concerns in footwear.
• Travel 15%-25% of the time, primarily between the US and Asia and within Asian countries to manufacturing facilities.

Technologies

• Spreadsheets
• Databases
• Word-processing
• 3D files
• PC software

Benefits

• 401k plan plus a generous company match
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability
• Flexible spending accounts
• Health savings account
• Voluntary benefits (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services)
• EAP with free, confidential counseling services available 24/7/365
• Extensive wellness benefits
• Employee discounts
• Generous time off program

Hybrid Work Location

This role is designated as a hybrid position based out of Columbia Sportswear Company’s headquarters near Portland, Oregon. The expectation is to work onsite four days per week, subject to change based on business needs and at the company’s discretion.