At Brooks, we believe movement is the key to feeling more alive. That’s why we’re driven to create gear and experiences that take people to the place that makes them feel more alive — whether it’s a headspace, a feeling, or a finish line. Everyone who works at Brooks is propelled by a company culture that sparks excitement, fuels collaboration, inspires creativity, and ignites innovation. Our brand values help bond us together and drive our success: · Runner First We act in the best interest of the runner · Word is Bond We do what we say we’ll do · Champion Heart We give our all in everything we do · There is no “I” in RunWe stay generous with our humanity · Keep MovingWe find ways to move every day, because joy is kinetic! We welcome everyone from every walk of life looking to inspire others through the power of movement — because we’re all moving towards something. Let’s run there.
Your Job: The Brooks Innovation team is a group of world-class innovative minds collectively focused on improving the performance running experience through product, experiential and biomechanical innovation. They constantly challenge assumptions of how products are made and together they shape the future of running footwear. They stretch the limits of science and human performance with every innovation and are relentlessly focused on changes that benefit the Brooks runner. They pioneer relationships with manufacturing partners and suppliers, uncovering new partnerships with global industry leaders to create innovations and bring new Brooks innovations to life. The Innovation team operates across the full range of product creation, merchandising, brand strategy, sourcing and new business development to relentlessly pursue methods to make better-performing, higher-quality and sustainable products faster and more efficiently than ever before. As our Footwear Product Developer, Innovation, Asia, you will utilize your product and process knowledge to support the product development process for innovation programs that will drive the future of Brooks Running. You will work with a global, cross-functional product creation team from the collection of insights through commercialization to deliver products that provide new running experiences and exceed runner expectations. You will create and manage project timelines across the innovation triad driving the research, prototyping and validation of ideas through the advanced R&D process delivering ready for in-line product and technologies. You will work with strategic partners outside of Brooks to cultivate new ideas and deliver groundbreaking products that challenge and shape the future of running.
Your Responsibilities:
- Ability to support multiple innovation projects from Brief & Exploration through Design, Development & Validation and into Commercialization & Manufacturing
- Execute project development plans/ schedules according to the strategic critical dates that lead to on–time delivery of samples in support of portfolio reviews, validation, technology transfers and final product/ technology confirmation
- Support the prototyping, testing and validation of concepts through your advanced problem solving and product creation skills which can include: pattern making and construction techniques; blueprints, mold creation and midsole/ outsole creation; Lab, fit, wear and biomechanical testing and specification; and manufacturing processes used in the creation of our product
- Partner with design, product management, engineering, manufacturing and vendor/ partners to ensure that products exceed runner expectations, are manufacturable and meet performance and quality objectives of the organization
- Display knowledge of the manufacturing process with the ability to learn how to manipulate the process in order to advance and achieve new manufacturing techniques which enhance the overall performance and efficiency of product
- Participate in regular development trips to work with manufacturers and suppliers on existing and current development projects
- Recommend and specify to product team the material, component and construction options to meet product’s functional goals, as well as assure product performance integrity through product testing (physical and field testing
- Participate in meetings with product teams during various phases of development to review, evaluate, update and ultimately drive the decision-making process that leads to on–time production confirmation and margin goals
- Create and build a knowledge base and stay informed about vendor capabilities and performance, factory relationships, quality issues, materials pricing and lead times.
Your Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Design, Biomechanics or other applicable technical degrees.
- 3+ successful years of experience leading the product development of high-performance footwear projects
- Technical expertise in footwear product development with knowledge of the total footwear construction process including; outsole/midsole drawing, pattern engineering, material construction, testing and costing.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing capabilities, anticipating issues, problem solving with timely resolution.
- Proven ability to participate in a collaborative, cross-functional group without command/ control to meet strategic objectives.
- Demonstrated ability to develop highly productive relationships with individuals and teams that are made up of diverse disciplines and cultural backgrounds resulting in effective working relationships across the company
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an advanced ability to communicate new ideas, concepts and functional expertise within project teams and to external stakeholders. Presentation skills. Professional knowledge of Power point, Miro, Keynote or other electronic means to communicate new concepts or ideas. Technical writing capability a plus.
- Keen attention to detail in planning, organization and execution of tasks (self and through others), while still seeing the big picture and understanding how all of the pieces fit together and affect one another.
- Curious and open-minded; always open for a challenge, inventive, creative. With the ability to challenge the status quo – always looking at improving our products and processes while also displaying a willingness to dive into the details.
- Strong computer skills including experience with Illustrator, MS Office software.
- Passionate participation in Brooks’ sports activities a plus, overridden by the ability to understand and empathize with the runner in order to develop loyal, engaging relationships with our customers and the Brooks community.
- Embraces and lives the Brooks values!
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