Technical Developer, Footwear   

About us:    
Target is an iconic brand, a Fortune 50 company and one of America’s leading retailers.    
     
At the heart of one of the world’s best loved and most recognizable brands is an impeccable Owned Brand Sourcing & Development organization. We thrive on the magic of discovering that just-right thing, and we infuse everything we do with our passion for affordable chic. We develop, make and deliver the stylish new favorites that Target guests expect and deserve. We stay ahead of the curve, proactively identifying our market’s needs and exceeding them, every time. Join one of our dynamic and inventive teams to influence the quality and value that decisively position Target above the competition. Your input will have a direct and positive effect. Here, you’ll be close to the action of dreaming up and bringing to life the Target-owned brands that surprise and gratify guests, wherever and whenever they love to shop.    

   
A role with the Footwear Development team means a big opportunity to start from scratch and create something truly original. Are you a footwear product development expert who can support your business by staying one step ahead of the industry? Can you demonstrate the utmost attention to detail and develop products that are unprecedented in the marketplace for their value? Then you’ll have success on our Footwear Development team who owns the development of all Target-owned brands. In close partnership with our design, merchant and sourcing counterparts, you’ll drive brand cohesion and continuity, ensuring that our products meet the merchant line plans, assortment strategies, price points and guest expectations.  

Responsibilities 

• Collaborate with CFT to research and develop guest-focused Owned Brand product from concept through production ​  

• Partner with Sr. Technical Designer, Designer, Merchandising, Sourcing and Vendors to deliver on product objectives and business strategy while adhering to calendar timelines 

• In partnership with overseas technical design teams and vendors, create, maintain and complete accurate specifications and approvals in PLM system ​  

• Communicate daily with internal and external partners to ensure high-quality execution in materials, components, and fit  

• Perform fit evaluation on samples for fit, construction, and quality 

• Conduct in-cycle technical research, wear testing, quality analysis, innovation and product solutions ​  

• Partner proactively with overseas technical designers, production engineers and vendors to alleviate potential manufacturing, quality, and fit concerns within the product development cycle ​  

• Conduct market research of competitors, benchmarks, and new opportunities to engineer value and drive development of cost viable quality products.  ​  

• Partner with guest insights and product testing teams to drive guest research and wear testing to build products that foster inclusivity ​  

• Support close to vendor and production teams by reviewing production issues and collaborating with CFT to resolve  ​  

• Establish and enhance product development guidelines and standards by category and brand ​  

• Conduct vendor training, onboarding, assessments and accreditation ​  

• May include Travel internationally and domestically to support business 

• Hind-sighting on quality execution, guest feedback and partner connections with Quality Assurance team​  

• Assist in building and maintaining last library 

• Performs other duties as required/assigned by manager 

• This role is performed 4 days/week in office from our Downtown MN campus. This role is not eligible for remote work.

About you: 

• Bachelor’s degree, AA, or certification in technical design, product design, industrial design, or related field; equivalent hands-on experience in the footwear industry will also be considered. 

• 5-8 years’ experience in footwear product development with Full knowledge of total production timeline 

• Strong knowledge of footwear fit, construction, molds/blueprints, and lasts 

• Current in industry standard technical knowledge of footwear development and manufacturing processes, in both man-made and genuine leather materials 

• Proficient in use of relevant computer applications (Photoshop, Illustrator, Microsoft Office Suite, PLM system, 3D CAD experience is a plus) 

• Attention to detail, problem solving and decision-making skills 

• Drive to learn and retain new technology and software as it pertains to role  ​  

• Strong multi-tasking ability while being detail oriented with excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills ​  

• Ability to proactively trouble shoot and problem solve in a fast-paced, often changing, highly collaborative environment.  ​  

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with ability to effectively influence. ​  

• Committed to continuous learning, diversity, equity, and inclusion ​