Socks Senior Technical Developer

Job Description

As our Socks Senior Technical Developer, you will drive the product creation process from initial concept through fit approval for assigned styles. You will ensure on time development according to critical dates, product specification, sustainability, performance, and profitability goals. You will collaborate with Design, Execution Development, Product Management and Manufacturing, to effectively execute on product development goals and deliverables. Creating and revising appropriate documentation or other information for assigned products; ensuring all development documentation is maintained including product specs and prototype notes.You will track prototyping for products; identifying and addressing key issues and challenges in construction, quality, costing and manufacturing to deliver proven and tested product. You will monitor and communicate progress and challenges throughout the product testing process to meet product integrity requirements. You will be a mentor to the Design andExecution Development team advising on Construction solutions, Yarn impact, and Fit evaluations. You will help in defining process and process change to ensure best practices are achieved. Solving for complex problems and taking a new perspective on existing solutions. You will keeps abreast of market trends, category goals; new technology and consumer needs throughout the development process and engage appropriately to ensure projects are completed within corporate guidelines and goals for all facets of product creation.
Qualifications
Essential Knowledge

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in the development and commercialization of sock-specific product, preferably in the Sports Performance category, including extensive knowledge and understanding of, but not limited to, the following:
• Textile and sock factory production processes
• Sock knitting machines (single and double cylinder), needle counts and gauges
• Sock knitted fabric construction and analysis
• Sock R&D and the ability to interpret brand innovation and seasonal design concepts and bring it to commercialization (“Buy Ready” state)
• Sock NAHM sizing methodology and standards
• Sock Quality Assurance and factory Quality Control processes to facilitate the creation and implementation of graded standards
• Sock costing
• Sock Testing including, but not limited to, athlete wear testing
• Strong knowledge of the characteristics of fibers (natural, synthetic, and elastomeric) and yarn formation (spinning / coloration / finishing applications) and their interaction within a single fabric
• Strong understanding of yarn counting systems
• Bachelor’s degree in Textile and Knitwear Technology or 2 additional years of experience in lieu of degree
• Creative problem-solving skills
• Exceptional English skills. Experience working with a multi-national company and communicating with those for whom English is not a first language
• Ability to create and maintain technical packages including, but not limited to, Bill of Materials, Spec. Sheets, Size Charts, and Costing
• Strong project management skills, with a focus on meeting key milestone gates and dates as outlined in the development calendar
• Strong team player
• Ability to lead and mentor others
• Ability to travel 10%, including internationally