Footwear Product Development Manager, Innovation, Asia

Who We Are: 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.    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. country: VN all locations: [Ho Chi Minh City] commitment: Full Time department: Footwear location: Ho Chi Minh City team: Footwear Research & Development Your Responsibilities: : INNOVATION Lead, oversee, and manage end-to-end complex innovation development projects (Brief & Exploration through Design, Development & Validation and into Commercialization & Manufacturing), serving as Asia or Global lead as needed. Build and execute integrated project plans and timelines aligned to critical deadlines; drive decision-making, and risk mitigation to ensure on-time delivery of samples, reviews, validation, and technology transfer and final product or technology approval. Drive prototyping, testing and validation of concepts through your advanced problem-solving and product creation skills: pattern engineering and construction techniques; blueprints revisions (technical packages), mold creation and midsole/ outsole making; Lab, fit, wear and biomechanical testing. Display an in-depth knowledge of the manufacturing process with the ability to manipulate the process to advance and achieve new manufacturing techniques which enhance the overall performance and efficiency of product. Define and execute performance integrity plans with Product Validation teams, including test criterias, test method exploration, results interpretation, and data-informed decisions. Own sample management creating and maintaining technical packages and Bills of Materials (BOM’s) for assigned projects in collaboration with our Product Systems teams. Stay current on market trends, runner insights, and emerging materials/technologies and translate learnings into actionable innovation opportunities and improved development approaches Independently drive the innovation initiatives, exploring and validating new materials, processes and manufacturing technologies to ensure state-of-the-art shoe creation with the objective of maximizing runner experience and performance for Elite Athlete racing. Identify opportunities to streamline ways of working; create, implement, and communicate improved tools, processes, and best practices across cross-functional teams. INTERNAL & EXTERNAL INFLUENCE AND PARTNERSHIP Partner cross-functionally with Design, Product Line Management, Engineering, Validation, Sourcing, Quality, and Manufacturing to deliver Brooks Fit/Feel/Ride and Crafted Beauty. Own project management, ensuring strong cross-functional and external partner communication, leading phase meetings and decision-making, and managing Factory and Asia Development relationships to deliver on-time samples, project milestones, and cost targets. Proactively identify, recommend, and specify to Design, PLMs and Product teams materials, components, and construction options to meet product’s functional goals, price targets, and quality requirements. Act as a key counterpart to the US-based Developer as a liaison to Tier 1 and Tier 2 partners, engineering, costing, materials, testing lab, and manufacturing to ensure that products are manufacturable and meet performance and quality expectations. Manage and explore strategic relationships with existing and new partners.  Participate in vendor selection decision assessment as well as improvement process including corrective actions. Promote innovative thinking and approach within our external network.  Create and build a knowledge base and stay informed about latest vendor capabilities and performance, factory relationships, quality issues, materials pricing and lead times. Partner with legal teams to initiate Intellectual Property reviews and drive positive working and contractual relationships with new partners. Lead and participate in frequent research and development trips to work with manufacturers and suppliers on current projects and innovation explorations. Act as an expert resource for other Footwear Team members with an aptitude for coaching and mentoring. Train junior team members and Asia Innovation Development teammates in technical product development skills and innovation processes. Act as proxy for Development Manager as needed. Manage up to one junior developer as needed. Your Qualifications:: 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!