Vice President, Product Development

We have a simple saying on the wall of our Innovation Center at our World Headquarters in Greenland, New Hampshire: Respect Tradition Enough to Reinvent it.

The Vice President of Product Development will report to the Chief Product Officer and will be responsible for leading the development efforts for all product categories. This role will act as the product champion by continuously evolving physical and digital development strategies, improving product performance and execution all while delivering exceptional products and business results.

You will bring a passion for product and combine it with our passion for innovation to create products that are as beautiful as they are functional. You will honor the tradition of fine shoemaking while helping to bring inventive thinking to create extraordinary products for customers who seek style, versatility and comfort.



 

CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES:

  As a key member of the product creation team, lead the development of innovative products that are worthy of the Cole Haan brand, and achieve marketplace excellence and business objectives Set the vision and strategic direction for both physical and digital development; Continuously improve processes and tools to optimize performance based on evolving consumer, business, supply chain and product requirements Lead and mentor a team of development experts and drive proper structure and processes to maximize team productivity and results; Collaboratively and proactively work daily with the development team as well as with cross-functional partners within design, merchandising, product operations and the business units Ensure that the tech pack creation and sampling process results in delivery of confirmed samples that meet the product brief, business requirements and are engineered for immediate commercialization and production Oversee the selection of materials, components and construction options to meet costing targets and product's functional goals while maximizing the price to value of each product

 

CANDIDATE PROFILE: You are a seasoned product creation leader with strong business acumen and a strong desire to continuously improve performance. You have a passion for footwear, innovation, consumer trends, and a desire to rethink conventional models. You are a natural leader with an open, direct, and non-hierarchical management style, with excellent verbal and written communication skills. You have a proven track record in quickly gaining credibility and partnering collaboratively with business leaders at all levels of management. You value dedication, drive, and stamina and are energetic, resourceful, and hands-on. You are a highly motivated person who creates an atmosphere in which people work together effectively to produce superior results. You will want to assure that Cole Haan leads, not follows.



COMPANY EMPLOYEE ATTRIBRUTES INCLUDE: Accountability: You make informed commitments and keep your promises. You align goals and work to obtain business and development objectives. You base actions on desired outcomes to achieve measurable business results. You hold yourself and others accountable. Model Integrity: You tell the truth. Always. You demonstrate professional, ethical and transparent behavior in all activities and decisions. You courageously model upstanding behaviors consistent, even in the face of difficult challenges. Value Individuality & Diversity: You recognize and value differences and seek inclusiveness. You are inviting and accepting of different viewpoints. You leverage the rich background and abilities of others. Inspire Teamwork: You work collaboratively towards a common goal and care as much about the success of others as you do about your success. You model the behaviors of an effective team member/leader. Encourage Creativity: You encourage intellectual curiosity. You believe there is a better way and push for it. You challenge conventional thinking/assumptions. You fail fast-you take calculated risks and accept failure as a learning opportunity.
Bachelor's Degree in related field 10+ years' experience in Footwear Product Development (preferably dual gender experience) with previous experience managing a team of developers Strong technical knowledge of blueprints, pattern making, materials, costing and tech pack creation Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and sourcing Complete understanding of pattern engineering, costing engineering, model making, part drawings, drafting, 2D documentation, 3D technologies, mold making, materials, customs and the manufacturing processes. Complete understanding of the working methods and cultural norms of source countries. Have a strong understanding of the marketplace competition Flexible to travel both internationally and domestically

 

This position is not available to be performed in Colorado.