Associate Product Operations 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 

• Assist 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 ​  

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

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

• Assist in supporting close to vendor and production teams by reviewing production issues and collaborating with CFT to resolve  ​  

• Help establish and enhance product development guidelines and standards by category and brand ​  

• Shadow Technical Development Team’s vendor training, onboarding, assessments and accreditation  ​  

• Assist in building and maintaining last library 

• Performs other duties as required/assigned by manager 

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

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. 

• 0-4 years’ experience in footwear product development, or other related industry 

• Knowledge of footwear fit, construction, molds/blueprints, and lasts, not required, but valued 

• Proficient 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 ​