The Role
Lead end-to-end development of global skate and lifestyle footwear from concept to commercialization. Manage development calendars, PLM product data, factory relationships in Asia, prototypes, testing, cost targets, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver on-time, on-cost, high-quality products while improving processes and mentoring the footwear development team.
Summary Generated by Built In
NDK Skateboarding is looking for a passionate and experienced Footwear Development Manager to join our Global Brand team. Based in Rolle, Switzerland, you will play a key role in shaping the future of our iconic brands: etnies, éS, and Emerica.
NDK Skateboarding, part of the Nidecker Group, is home to some of the most authentic and influential brands in skateboarding. With deep roots in skate culture and decades of innovation, etnies, éS, and Emerica have helped shape the history and progression of skateboarding and footwear worldwide.
Headquartered in Rolle, Switzerland, NDK Skateboarding operates on a global scale while staying true to the independent spirit of skateboarding. As part of the Nidecker Group, one of the world’s leading action sports companies, we combine the authenticity of rider-driven brands with the resources, expertise, and ambition of a global organization.
As Footwear Development Manager, you will drive the development of our footwear collections from concept through commercialization, working closely with Product Merchandiser, Design, Sourcing, and our Manufacturing partners. Beyond leading product development, you will contribute to the continuous evolution of our product creation processes and help shape the future of our Footwear Development Department.
Tasks
As Footwear Development Manager, you will lead the development of our global skate & lifesyle footwear portfolio while contributing to broader product development initiatives across the organization.
You will be responsible for managing the end-to-end product development process, from concept through commercialization, ensuring products are delivered on time, on cost, and to the highest standards of quality, performance, and authenticity.
This role requires a strong understanding of footwear construction, materials, manufacturing, and product creation processes. Working closely with Product Mechandiser, Design, Sourcing, Marketing, and our manufacturing partners, you will play a key role in bringing innovative products to market while continuously improving the way we work.
Beyond footwear development, this position offers the opportunity to contribute to the evolution of our broader Footwear Development Department, helping shape processes, best practices, and future organizational growth.
* Lead the footwear product development process from concept through commercialization.
* Manage seasonal product development calendars, milestones, planning and capacity with manufacturers.
* Manage all product specs in the PLM system and be the key owner of any product data for the rest of the organization
* Partner closely with Product Merchandiser and Designers to transform product briefs into commercially successful products.
* Collaborate directly with factory partners and suppliers to develop innovative materials, constructions, and manufacturing solutions
* Review, evaluate, and approve prototypes, ensuring alignment with design intent, performance requirements, quality standards, and FOB cost targets.
* Drive product testing, validation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
* Manage relationships with manufacturing partners and suppliers across Asia to drive consistent product performance, quality standards, and regulatory compliance across all markets
* Identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency improvements, and cost optimization throughout the development process.
* Maintain accurate development documentation and ensure all milestones are achieved on schedule.
* Support cross-functional collaboration between Product, Design, Sourcing, Marketing, and Operations teams.
* Contribute to the continuous improvement of product creation processes and development workflows.
* Support the growth and evolution of the Footwear Development Department through knowledge sharing, mentorship, and process leadership.
Requirements
* Proven experience in footwear product development, ideally within skateboarding, action sports, or lifestyle footwear.
* Extensive experience working directly with footwear factories and suppliers in Asia.
* Strong knowledge of footwear construction, materials, manufacturing processes, costing, and commercialization.
* Ability to balance creativity, product integrity, commercial objectives, and operational realities.
* Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
* Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
* Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and international environment.
* Experience driving process improvements and operational efficiencies is highly desirable.
* Previous experience mentoring team members or leading projects across functions is a strong advantage.
* Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.
* Willingness and ability to travel internationally, including regular visits to manufacturing partners in Asia.
Benefits
GROWTH OPPORTUNITY
This role offers significant long-term growth potential for the right candidate. While initially focused on leading the development of our footwear portfolio, the successful hire will have the opportunity to contribute to broader organizational initiatives, process development, and team leadership as the Footwear Development Department function continues to evolve.
WHY JOIN US?
* Work with some of the most authentic and influential brands in skateboarding
* Join a passionate team deeply rooted in skateboarding culture.
* Be part of a global action sports group with ambitious growth plans.
* Collaborate with talented professionals across Product, Design, Marketing, and Operations. Help shape the future of etnies, éS, and Emerica footwear and contribute to the continued evolution of our Footwear Development Department.
NDK Skateboarding, part of the Nidecker Group, is home to some of the most authentic and influential brands in skateboarding. With deep roots in skate culture and decades of innovation, etnies, éS, and Emerica have helped shape the history and progression of skateboarding and footwear worldwide.
Headquartered in Rolle, Switzerland, NDK Skateboarding operates on a global scale while staying true to the independent spirit of skateboarding. As part of the Nidecker Group, one of the world’s leading action sports companies, we combine the authenticity of rider-driven brands with the resources, expertise, and ambition of a global organization.
As Footwear Development Manager, you will drive the development of our footwear collections from concept through commercialization, working closely with Product Merchandiser, Design, Sourcing, and our Manufacturing partners. Beyond leading product development, you will contribute to the continuous evolution of our product creation processes and help shape the future of our Footwear Development Department.
Tasks
As Footwear Development Manager, you will lead the development of our global skate & lifesyle footwear portfolio while contributing to broader product development initiatives across the organization.
You will be responsible for managing the end-to-end product development process, from concept through commercialization, ensuring products are delivered on time, on cost, and to the highest standards of quality, performance, and authenticity.
This role requires a strong understanding of footwear construction, materials, manufacturing, and product creation processes. Working closely with Product Mechandiser, Design, Sourcing, Marketing, and our manufacturing partners, you will play a key role in bringing innovative products to market while continuously improving the way we work.
Beyond footwear development, this position offers the opportunity to contribute to the evolution of our broader Footwear Development Department, helping shape processes, best practices, and future organizational growth.
* Lead the footwear product development process from concept through commercialization.
* Manage seasonal product development calendars, milestones, planning and capacity with manufacturers.
* Manage all product specs in the PLM system and be the key owner of any product data for the rest of the organization
* Partner closely with Product Merchandiser and Designers to transform product briefs into commercially successful products.
* Collaborate directly with factory partners and suppliers to develop innovative materials, constructions, and manufacturing solutions
* Review, evaluate, and approve prototypes, ensuring alignment with design intent, performance requirements, quality standards, and FOB cost targets.
* Drive product testing, validation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
* Manage relationships with manufacturing partners and suppliers across Asia to drive consistent product performance, quality standards, and regulatory compliance across all markets
* Identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency improvements, and cost optimization throughout the development process.
* Maintain accurate development documentation and ensure all milestones are achieved on schedule.
* Support cross-functional collaboration between Product, Design, Sourcing, Marketing, and Operations teams.
* Contribute to the continuous improvement of product creation processes and development workflows.
* Support the growth and evolution of the Footwear Development Department through knowledge sharing, mentorship, and process leadership.
Requirements
* Proven experience in footwear product development, ideally within skateboarding, action sports, or lifestyle footwear.
* Extensive experience working directly with footwear factories and suppliers in Asia.
* Strong knowledge of footwear construction, materials, manufacturing processes, costing, and commercialization.
* Ability to balance creativity, product integrity, commercial objectives, and operational realities.
* Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
* Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
* Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and international environment.
* Experience driving process improvements and operational efficiencies is highly desirable.
* Previous experience mentoring team members or leading projects across functions is a strong advantage.
* Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.
* Willingness and ability to travel internationally, including regular visits to manufacturing partners in Asia.
Benefits
GROWTH OPPORTUNITY
This role offers significant long-term growth potential for the right candidate. While initially focused on leading the development of our footwear portfolio, the successful hire will have the opportunity to contribute to broader organizational initiatives, process development, and team leadership as the Footwear Development Department function continues to evolve.
WHY JOIN US?
* Work with some of the most authentic and influential brands in skateboarding
* Join a passionate team deeply rooted in skateboarding culture.
* Be part of a global action sports group with ambitious growth plans.
* Collaborate with talented professionals across Product, Design, Marketing, and Operations. Help shape the future of etnies, éS, and Emerica footwear and contribute to the continued evolution of our Footwear Development Department.
Skills Required
- Proven experience in footwear product development, ideally within skateboarding, action sports, or lifestyle footwear.
- Extensive experience working directly with footwear factories and suppliers in Asia.
- Strong knowledge of footwear construction, materials, manufacturing processes, costing, and commercialization.
- Ability to balance creativity, product integrity, commercial objectives, and operational realities.
- Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and international environment.
- Experience driving process improvements and operational efficiencies.
- Previous experience mentoring team members or leading projects across functions.
- Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.
- Willingness and ability to travel internationally, including regular visits to manufacturing partners in Asia.
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The Company
What We Do
Nidecker Group is a family-owned Swiss company and the home of iconic board sports and lifestyle brands, including Nidecker, Jones Snowboards, Bataleon, Rome, etnies, éS, Emerica, and ThirtyTwo. They focus on creating and accelerating industry-leading brands internationally, aiming to inspire athletes and enable them to lead the progression of snowboarding and skateboarding.
