Product Developer - North Vietnam - Vinh Thin/Pho To - Factory Based Role

Vietnam, Vinh Thin | Supply Chain Team | Product Developer

Who is Allbirds? 

At Allbirds, we believe in using business as a force for good. We’re a global footwear and apparel brand with roots in New Zealand and our headquarters in San Francisco. Since 2016, we’ve been on a mission to prove that comfort, design, and sustainability aren’t mutually exclusive. Our commitment to creating better things in a better way is fueled by a belief that the fashion industry needs to focus less on flash and more on thoughtfulness. And as a certified B Corp, we’re dedicated to making the most sustainable products we can using premium natural materials - designed for life’s everyday adventures. 

* Where we need help 

The role of Product Developer, will be the bridge between USA product development and the factory Development, using deep technical expertise to ensure a seamless delivery of product through the product creation calendar, with all relevant stakeholder sign off. You will drive best practices and technical standards around Allbirds footwear product creation, providing technical product input, and guidance to team members to deliver product that is on time, manufacturable, cost effective and meets performance/ quality expectations of the brand and consumer. This role will support the smooth transition of our product creation process into bulk production ensuring that all appropriate sign off gates and confirmations have been delivered. 

* What does the job entail? 

• Execute and manage in-line new footwear development and continuous improvement projects to meet the goals of Allbirds product strategy. ● Work closely with US PD to finesse tech packs for prototyping + communicate with factory representatives, while keeping meticulous details in the PLM system and managing timelines. 
• Manage project load through Centric, our PLM. 
• Ensure process management and partnership to evolve processes to enable faster and more accurate prototyping. 
• Provide direction and thought partnership to all cross functional teams and factory partners. 
• Achieve product performance and sustainability goals including use of preferred materials, natural materials, and carbon targets for each project. 
• Demonstrate a strong technical understanding of footwear materials, construction techniques & applications relative to development execution. 
• Successful development of seasonal products achieving comfort, performance and sustainability targets for the Allbirds brand. 
• Bring to life new materials and innovations driving the future of sustainable products in the world.
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*What are we looking for? 

• 3-5 years of experience in footwear development 
• Be a key player in executing the product development process 
• Manage project calendars with Allbirds US PD, Commercialization and Supply Chain teams as well as factory partners 
• Ability to critically think and creatively solve complex problems with an eye for footwear construction details 
• Self starter capable of executing complex tasks without the need for in depth oversight 
• Provide creative direction, technical direction and problem solving throughout the product creation process 
• Process and systems improvements as we continue to grow and scale our operations. 
• Well versed in supply chain operations, sourcing & procurement ● Able to review detailed product costs and knowledge of cost reduction without sacrificing product quality 
• Experience working and communicating with US PD Teams 
• Experience working with sustainability and/or natural materials a plus ● Experience with flat knitting, engineered knits and knitting infrastructure specific to footwear a plus 
• Materials Development a plus 
• Tooling experience a plus 
• Working knowledge and understanding of each stage of footwear manufacturing processes 
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, adapt to changing demands, and make quick yet well thought out decisions will be essential in this role 
• Can do attitude 

More practical skills needed: 

• BA/BS or equivalent 
• Expert in Microsoft Office and Google Drive 
• PLM experience preferably CENTRIC 
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite 
• Mandarin is helpful.

More practical skills needed: 

• Experience with knitted uppers preferred 
• Mandarin would be helpful. 
• Chemical/compound experience 

What do we offer? 

• Competitive salary 
• Medical/Dental/Vision insurance 
• Paid parental leave 
• Fitness benefits 
• Free shoes 

Diversity 

Allbirds is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. Allbirds policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, marital or veteran status, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information or characteristics (or those of a family member), sexual orientation, pregnancy, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. It also prohibits discrimination based on a perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. All such discrimination is unlawful.