Timberland: Associate Developer, Footwear

At Timberland, we’re a force of nature.  We’re a team that steps outside, works hard together, and moves the world forward.  The brand is widely recognized as the arbiter of boot culture.  With a rich heritage of craftsmanship and an eye toward the future, Timberland has a decades-long commitment to make products responsibly, protect the outdoors, and build community. 

So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us – our values and our culture.  If you can see yourself working side-by-side with a team of fun, adventure-loving people, Timberland just may be the place for you.  

To learn more about our values and our culture, visit Timberland Careers or www.timberland.com.

Associate Developer, Footwear (Timberland)

What will you do?

A day in the life of an Associate Footwear Developer at Timberland looks a little like this. 

You will ensure on-time and accurate prototype samples throughout seasonal milestones which meet cost targets and are suitable for production environment.  You will maintain all required documentation and product integrity with respect to last development, upper development, mold development, and material and component development.

Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.

• Project Management 

• Manage assigned color up and low complexity new upper and totally new projects. 
• Execute all details from line start to commercialization to achieve on-time buy-ready   
• Concentrate on low- to medium-complexity projects with the opportunity for exposure to increasingly complex projects.  
• Pre-cost assigned projects

• Sample Management - Monitor, track, organize and distribute development samples, including fit samples   
• Manage assigned projects in accordance with the seasonal development calendar and commercialization calendar  
• Shadow team members for totally new and future concept/platform development to increase knowledge 
• Participate in overseas handover meetings
• Work with the 3D CAD, development and engineering teams to learn and understand the mold development process
• Fit - shadow engineering to learn and understand the fit process along with the blueprint and last development process 
• Testing - review material testing reports to educate yourself on Timberland’s quality requirements under the guidance of the engineering, product development, and materials teams

• Assist team with submitting, monitoring and learning about finished shoe performance testing

• Lasts - Develop an understanding of last development in conjunction with Development and Engineering  

• Fully support team with accurate product line management (PLM) data entry   
• Maintain and update SharePoint/One Note seasonal tracking files with accuracy

How you will do it:

• Work with the development team as needed on all aspects of product creation. 
• Participate in product-related meetings including cross-functional team meetings, product reviews, seasonal materials, and tear-down meetings    
• Develop competitive intelligence and market awareness  
• Participate in all fit trials 
• Partner with the development team and engineering on seasonal last development as assigned 
• Shadow the development team and engineers to learn the development cycle, blueprints and last development process and relevant constructions.  
• Demonstrate desire, motivation and a passion to increase depth of knowledge and become an asset to the team
• Shadow and engage with team on projects in The Shed and participate in required VF professional development classes
• Develop strong internal connections with the greater Product Creation organization: Costing, Materials, Production, the VF Asia organization, Quality Assurance, Customs, Design, Merchandising, Ace, Engineering, Lab, and CAD

What do you need to succeed?

We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day.  For this role, there are foundational skills you’ll need to succeed and excel.  Additionally, while formal education in a related field such as a bachelor’s degree, preferably in Fashion Merchandising, Engineering, Industrial design or a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 1-3 years of footwear development experience and professional achievements. 

The foundational skills you will need in this position are:

• The agility and enthusiasm to work in a fast-paced environment with cross-functional teams while handling multiple tasks  
• Strong analytic and problem-solving skills  
• Flexibility, open to change  
• The competence to work independently
• A collaborative interaction style across multiple functions
• A strong desire to increase your footwear development knowledge
• Quantitative and PC skills, product line management experience preferred 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills  
• The capability to organize information and effectively communicate with our multi-lingual teams
• An interest in hands-on footwear-making is a plus; you’ll have access to our Maker Space to allow for learning and building alongside the design team
• The ability to travel as required to:
  • Overseas manufacturing facilities to shadow other Product Development team members to learn the development/production conditions
  • Trade shows/Market visits

What do we offer you?

At Timberland, we know you expect as much from us as we do from you.  That is why we make a commitment to support and grow our people.  We offer extensive development and growth opportunities for your current and future positions, a competitive compensation package, and a strong benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).

Our commitment extends beyond this and into your daily work life.  We strive to foster a diverse and inclusive culture based on respect, connection, and authenticity.  Our focus on DEI is at the foundation of who we are and what we do.  

To learn more about Timberland’s benefits package, follow this MyVFBenefits.com and click “Looking to Join VF.”  

To learn more about Timberland’s Diversity and Inclusion efforts, go to Timberland.com. 

Now WE have a question for YOU.

Are you in?

#LI-DD1

Hiring Range:

$60,000.00 USD - $75,000.00 USD annually

Incentive Potential: This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.

Benefits at VF Corporation: You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com  and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.

Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.

At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at peopleservices@vfc.com. VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law.

Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.