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- Tasks: Lead the technical development of innovative sports trainers from concept to market.
- Company: Rapidly growing sports performance brand with ambitious global plans.
- Benefits: Collaborative team environment and freedom to innovate in footwear design.
- Why this job: Join at a pivotal moment and shape the future of performance footwear.
- Qualifications: Experience in footwear development, strong technical skills, and commercial awareness.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a dynamic industry.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Manchester
Industry: Sports Performance / Footwear
Reports to: Head of Product / Product Director
About the Brand
Our client, a highly successful and rapidly scaling sports performance wear brand, is expanding into the sports trainer and performance footwear market. With exceptional momentum and ambitious global growth plans, this is an exciting opportunity to join the team at a pivotal moment in their evolution.
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Footwear Product Developer with a strong technical background in sports trainers / athletic footwear. This role requires deep expertise in the full technical development process—including last creation, moulds, measurements, pattern engineering, and working closely with factories to bring products from concept to market. This individual should be a technically minded footwear specialist with an eye for design—particularly in shaping outsoles, midsoles, uppers, patterns, and functional details—and possess strong commercial awareness of the sports trainer landscape and consumer trends.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the technical development of sports trainers from concept through final production.
- Create, review, and refine lasts, moulds, patterns, outsole and midsole constructions, ensuring precision and performance integrity.
- Own all technical specifications, including tech packs, measurements, fit standards, and material selections.
- Oversee product testing, wear trials, durability assessments, and performance validations.
- Work alongside product designers to ensure technical feasibility and performance optimisation.
- Contribute creatively to sole unit design, pattern engineering, and upper constructions, ensuring the final product aligns with brand aesthetics and functional needs.
- Translate concepts into technical requirements for suppliers and factories.
Commercial & Market Insight
- Maintain a strong understanding of the sports trainer market, emerging technologies, and consumer expectations.
- Provide insight on materials, pricing, construction methods, and competitive benchmarking.
- Balance performance innovation with cost efficiency and commercial viability.
- Partner with manufacturers and material suppliers to ensure product quality, accuracy, and timely delivery.
- Manage the development calendar, ensuring all milestones are met from prototype to final confirmation.
- Troubleshoot technical issues throughout sampling and production.
Skills & Experience Required
- Proven experience as a Footwear Product Developer, specifically in sports trainers, running shoes, or performance footwear.
- Strong technical skill set, with hands‑on expertise in:
- Last development & mould creation
- Sole tooling (outsoles/midsoles)
- Fit, measurement, and construction techniques
What We Offer
- Opportunity to play a key role in building a new category for a fast‑growing performance brand.
- Freedom to innovate and shape future footwear collections.
- Collaborative, energetic team environment.
FOOTWEAR PRODUCT DEVELOPER (TECHNICAL SPORTS) in Manchester employer: House Of Fashion Associates
Contact Detail:
House Of Fashion Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land FOOTWEAR PRODUCT DEVELOPER (TECHNICAL SPORTS) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the brand and their products. We want to see your passion for sports trainers shine through, so be ready to discuss trends and innovations in the footwear market.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your technical skills! Bring along a portfolio of your previous work, including any last creations or moulds you've developed. We love seeing tangible proof of your expertise in action.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make an impact in the performance footwear world.
We think you need these skills to ace FOOTWEAR PRODUCT DEVELOPER (TECHNICAL SPORTS) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills: Make sure to highlight your technical expertise in footwear development. We want to see your experience with lasts, moulds, and patterns, so don’t hold back on the details!
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Footwear Product Developer role. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs, so make it personal!
Be Creative Yet Precise: While we’re looking for someone with a strong technical background, don’t forget to showcase your creative side too! Share examples of how you’ve balanced innovation with functionality in past projects.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at House Of Fashion Associates
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge about footwear development. Be ready to discuss last creation, moulds, and pattern engineering in detail. This is your chance to showcase your expertise, so prepare examples of your past work that highlight your skills.
✨Stay Ahead of Trends
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the sports trainer market. Research emerging technologies and consumer expectations. Being able to discuss these insights during your interview will show that you're not just technically skilled but also commercially aware.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your critical thinking and project management skills, which are crucial for this position.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role involves working closely with designers and manufacturers, so be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you've successfully partnered with others to bring a product from concept to market, highlighting your communication skills.
