Lead Product Developer CTM - Converse

Become part of the Converse Team

Converse is a place to explore potential, break barriers and push out the edges of what can be. The company looks for people who can grow, think, dream and create. Its culture thrives by embracing diversity and rewarding imagination. The brand seeks achievers, leaders and visionaries. At Converse, it’s about each person bringing skills and passion to a challenging and constantly evolving world to make things better as a team.

As the pace of the global consumer is rapidly changing all around the world, the Converse RPC looks to create inspiring products closer to the consumer. Deepening consumer connection and operating with speed, the GC (Greater China) RPC team aims to serve consumers with speed and specificity with a focus.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We’re looking for a Lead Product Developer who is an experienced project manager and has a deep understanding of construction, textiles, trims, and graphics to be part of our creative team within Converse brand.  A key part of this role is understanding the full scope of product creation from design concept to production.  The Lead Product Developers is a highly creative problem solver, versatile, and forward-thinking who thrives in a fast-paced environment.  They are active participant in cross functional discussions, leading the team with technical recommendations and creating and/or implementing innovations into products that will enhance and inspire athlete performance.  Our ideal candidate can communicate effectively in varied settings and is able to influence the team when needed, while demonstrating credibility and reliability.  We are looking for someone who is optimistic, self-aware, embraces change, holds their decisions and actions accountable, will actively seek feedback to grow and develop, values and respects the opinions of their teammates and embraces the diversity of people, ideas, and cultures.  You will be a technical resource and mentor to other Product Developers.  You will participate in proto review sessions and comment on the quality, craftsmanship, and manufacturing feasibility of your assigned styles.  You will raise awareness of potential quality or manufacturing risks and influence triad partners to resolve prior to prototype creation.  You will track prototypes for your styles, meet your calendar target dates, attend meetings that relate to your product’s development and communicate progress and challenges to your team as needed.

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON

You will work within the Converse CTM team, managing your assigned styles collaboratively with your cross functional partners to bring creative solutions and ensure the finished product meets or exceeds the required end use.  You will review protos and samples, shepherding the styles through the creation process while meeting gates and dates to ensure on-time production.

WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH

The Lead Product Developer will collaborate with Design, Technical Design, Product Management, Materials, Quality, Color and our factory partners to effectively execute product development deliverables.

WHAT YOU BRING

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in product design, textile science or related field. 
• Two years’ additional product creation experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum 8 years development experience in the FTW industry, which includes the FTW development process from inception through production including construction, materials, costing, print / graphics, manufacturing and quality.
• Understanding of product specs and advanced construction instructions along with interpreting design intent and offering alternative solutions.
• Ability to act as a technical resource, mentor others and lead initiatives through high energy and positive influence.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to excel in a deadline driven environment. Ability to manage multiple projects.
• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills with attention to detail and process orientation.
• Proficiency with MS Office programs and confident using Adobe Illustrator with familiarity with CAD Pattern Design software.
• Ability to travel 20% (domestic and international).

Converse is more than a company; it’s a worldwide advocate for self-expression. This belief motivates our employees, permeates our working environment and inspires our products. No two of us look or think exactly alike. We are each one-of-a-kind. Individually and as a culture, we have the freedom to create and grow professionally. Generous benefits packages only sweeten the experience. From Boston to Shanghai, from Brand Design to Finance, Converse is a brand that celebrates the unique and creative people of the world. Together, we’re different.