Footwear and Accessories Design and Development Manager

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!

We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

Peter Millar was founded in 2001 with a single cashmere sweater offered in 24 colors. Based in Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina, the American lifestyle brand has grown to include luxury performance sportswear, seasonal resort and country club apparel, sophisticated classics, casually refined tailored clothing and sartorial accessories.

We strive to capture timeless style upgraded with signature innovations, in designs that are in tune with modern life. We embrace working hard, being kind and doing right by our customers, aiming to set a higher standard for the apparel industry.

The Footwear and Accessories Design and Development Manager is responsible for designing market leading footwear and accessories, overseeing style setup, technical documentation, and year-round prototype and sample development.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

• Partner with design leadership to drive concepts for Footwear and Accessories categories.
• Execute footwear designs from concept through development, maintaining design integrity and quality
• Research market trends, materials, and competitive analysis
• Create and maintain detailed design sketches, CADs, and technical packets to ensure accuracy and clarity throughout the design process
• Build, maintain, and own style information and tech packs in our PLM system including BOM and construction details.
• Manage all Style Setup communication from design to production to ensure there is a seamless transition from teams.
• Track and communicate product updates to internal cross-functional team members.
• Manage material approvals from lab dips to bulk submits alongside Design Category owner.
• Collaborate with design, merchandising, and production teams to ensure cohesive execution of product assortment.
• Manage seasonal design calendars, ensuring milestones and deadlines are met.
• Maintain design documentation, technical packages, and libraries.
• Troubleshoot product for construction or trim quality concerns including snaps, buttons, labels and overall craftsmanship with careful attention to detail
• Manage competitor product comparisons, internal product comparisons and other ongoing projects.

COMPETENCIES:

• Working knowledge of footwear constructions, tooling, and technical development
• Proficiency in digital and hand sketching
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Thrives at working as part of a highly collaborative team, contributing excellent analytical and critical thinking skills
• Has a keen attention to detail, with an eye for quality
• Self-motivated independent worker who will speak up when needed, using exceptional communication skills.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional and overseas partners.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with meticulous attention to detail
• Proven ability to handle a large volume of styles while meeting deadlines

DESIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Must have 4+ years of experience in footwear design and development
• Bachelor’s degree in footwear design, industrial design, or related field
• Strong portfolio of creative design work and technical proficiency
• Understanding of footwear construction, materials, and manufacturing process
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Suite.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills.
• Willingness to travel both in the US and globally if required to meet with vendors
• Experience with PLM systems preferred.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

Peter Millar & G/FORE are equal opportunity employers. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. Both Peter Millar & G/FORE prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and they afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, genetic information, marital status, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Both Peter Millar & G/FORE comply with applicable state, county and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment.