R&D Tooling Engineering Manager

As R&D Tooling Engineering Manager, you will lead, mentor, drive and execute all tooling in collaboration with Product Development, Commercialization, Tooling, T2 vendors and factories, and provide the highest technical services to deliver the outmost tooling quality, on-time delivery and price, in-line with the FitFlop Product/Brand Standards.

This position is based in Dongguan, China, with travel as necessary.

• The role is a critical bridge between Design, R&D, PD, Commercialization and Mass production.
• Working directly with UK R&D, PD, Designer to create the physical tools that transform 2D/3D into a manufacturable Mold for production.
• Responsible for the design, development, procurement, and validation of the Molds.
• Receive tech pack from the UK R&D team, verify the tech pack with the UK team, and handover comprehensive tech pack to the Factory and Mold maker.
• Create Tooling Development process and Tooling Standard.
• Build the Mold shop vendor assessment to ensure vendors meet adequate technical capability, quality and delivery timeline.
• Ensure the tooling is precise, cost-effective, and capable of producing high-quality components for finished products.
• Drive innovation in the manufacturing process.
• Manage the Mold development process to meet quality and efficiency for production requirements.
• Ensure the development Mold and determine the best Mold construction for injection, compression, rubber, TPU any moulded components, and Mold Cavity/Recess.
• Lead the evaluation of any new tools, check dimensions, stock-fitting, finish, and functionality with the original design specification.
• Problem-solving skills to analyse and resolve Development and Production issues related to the tooling.
• Hand over the new tooling tech pack for commercialization to grade out new tools for production.
• Manage production Molds inventory and oversee all production Molds.
• Standardise with outsole supplier for Mold maintenance to ensure Molds are stored in good condition for production.
• Research and implement new tooling technologies and materials (3D print Molds, sustainable moulded materials, etc.).
• Create complex new designs and performance features tooling that define the brand’s competitive product in the market.
• Function effectively in a fast-paced, multi-project environment with extensive expert use of machining principles including tooling practices, methods, standards and techniques relating to design, machining, tooling, fixtures and prototype part production.
• Ownership of all stages in mould making from Sample to Production Molds: BP, Mold creation, Stock fit approval, Grading and Production Mold.
• Lead stock fitting trials for Samples & Production Molds.
• Support Product development and commercialization teams by providing technical expertise regarding mould making process and mould construction.
• Create and maintain FitFlop Tooling Data Base.
• Shorten tooling creation and manufacturing lead time with the implementation of Lean Manufacturing and forecasting & planning tools.
• Lead the transition from innovation to development and production.
• Provide feedback with options and suggestions to ensure the highest level of product functionality and manufacturability are met.

• At least 5-7 years’ experience working in the footwear industry in a tooling capacity.
• 5-8 years’ experience in CAD/CAM for creation of complex injection/compression molds.
• Deep knowledge of mold engineering: mold structure, air hole location, partition.
• Good English skills with experience in working with a multi-national company, fluent in verbal and written English.
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence in English.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from counterparts, teammates, factory partners and vendors.
• Be able to lead the process end to end.
• Have presentation skills and be able to create a project and present and follow up with FF Asia, UK Headquarters and T1-T2 vendors.
• Previous experience in Mold Shops and work in a similar role managing direct communication with HQ Design, PD and Innovation/R&D dept.
• In-depth understanding of material/compounds performance.
• Detailed knowledge of supply chain planning & lead-time processing.
• Ability to create consensus and work cooperatively with a team.
• Frequent travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• Effective interpersonal communication skills.
• IT skills: MS Office mandatory with advanced Excel, PLM / PDM knowledge preferred.

We’re all about giving people the tools to be the best they can be. Our benefits include medical and social insurances, pension contribution, holiday, free pairs and product discounts, FitFlop Feel-Good program (including everything from mindfulness to financial wellbeing) and a full blended learning and development calendar.

FitFlop is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, neurodivergence, ethnicity, religion or belief, or any other characteristic protected by law. We actively encourage neurodivergent candidates and individuals with disabilities to apply. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know. We are committed to providing an accessible and supportive recruitment experience.