Product Development Manager For Open Footwear Category

Job Title: Product Development Manager Open Footwear Category

Location: Bahadurgarh, Haryana

Category: Open Footwear

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Product Development Manager with deep

expertise in the open footwear category to lead end-to-end development of

innovative, high-quality products. The ideal candidate should have hands-on

knowledge of pattern making, sample development, materials, lasts, and

costing. This role demands strong technical understanding, attention to detail, and

the ability to work closely with design, merchandising, and production teams.

Key Responsibilities

1. Product Development

• Lead the development of new styles in the open footwear category from concept to final approval.

• Translate design briefs into feasible product solutions while ensuring brand alignment.

• Oversee pattern creation, upper design, and technical specifications.

2. Sample & Pattern Making

• Guide and review pattern making and sample development processes.

• Ensure samples meet design intent, sizing accuracy, comfort standards, and quality benchmarks.

• Collaborate with sampling teams to troubleshoot fit, construction, and comfort issues.

3. Material & Component Knowledge

• Evaluate and finalize materials, components, and accessories for open footwear.

• Assess durability, comfort, performance, and cost-effectiveness of materials.

• Work closely with vendors to source new materials and innovations.

4. Last & Fit Understanding

• Work with last makers to develop and maintain accurate lasts for various open

footwear categories.

• Ensure fit consistency across styles, sizes, and categories.

• Conduct fit trials and implement necessary improvements.

5. Costing & Feasibility

• Develop accurate material consumption sheets and costing for each style.

• Identify opportunities to optimize cost without compromising quality.

• Evaluate technical feasibility and efficiency of proposed designs before

development.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Design, Merchandising, Quality, and Production teams to ensure product readiness.

• Liaise with vendors, factories, and sample rooms for smooth development cycles.

• Ensure timelines for development, sampling, and approvals are met.

• Manage vendor relations, especially with Tier-1 suppliers (T1s), to get samples developed efficiently and on time.

7. Process Improvement

• Implement best practices in product development, pattern accuracy, costing, and documentation.

• Continuously explore new technologies, materials, and methods to improve product performance.

Requirements

• Strong technical knowledge of pattern making, sample making,

construction methods, and lasts.

• Solid understanding of materials such as EVA, PU, rubber, textiles, synthetics,

and molded components.

• Experience in material costing, consumption planning, and vendor

coordination.

• Ability to analyze product issues and offer practical solutions.

• Strong communication, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration

skills.

• Detail-oriented with a passion for product innovation and quality.

• Experience working with fast-paced or fashion-forward footwear brands is preferred.