Senior Footwear Developer - Innovation

Company Overview

At Brooks, we are passionate about movement as a vital source of vitality. Our goal is to develop gear and experiences that inspire people to reach a state where they feel truly alive, whether that is a mental space, a sensation, or a destination. Our culture is energized by collaboration, creativity, and innovation, united by core values such as "Runner First," "Word is Bond," "Champion Heart," "There is no 'I' in Run," and "Keep Moving." We embrace diversity and invite individuals from all backgrounds to join us as we move forward together.

Role Summary

The Senior Footwear Innovation Developer will play a pivotal leadership role within the Footwear Innovation Team, managing innovation projects from conceptual stages through commercialization, aligned with Brooks' Fit, Feel, Ride, and Crafted Beauty principles. This professional will collaborate globally with cross-functional teams to explore new materials, design methods, and manufacturing techniques to create high-performance running shoes with minimal environmental impact. Responsibilities include managing sample processes, cooperating with factories, improving workflows, and mentoring junior team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multiple concurrent innovation footwear projects ensuring excellence in fit, feel, ride, and aesthetics.
• Guide design and product line teams to identify manufacturable innovations that meet performance, sustainability, cost, and quality goals.
• Work closely with product validation to define testing requirements, analyze results, and adjust development accordingly.
• Collaborate with vendors, factories, and sourcing to uncover and implement advanced manufacturing techniques enhancing product performance.
• Partner with sustainability teams to incorporate innovative materials and processes surpassing brand environmental targets.
• Select materials, components, and construction methods to meet cost and functional requirements while ensuring product integrity.
• Coordinate with legal teams on intellectual property reviews and maintain positive partnerships with external collaborators.
• Manage sample logistics, including receipt, inspection, distribution, and communication with stakeholders.
• Support Asia Innovation Development through maintaining technical documentation and Bills of Materials.
• Ensure product quality through active collaboration with engineering and quality assessment teams.
• Evaluate technical blueprints and materials from performance and manufacturing perspectives.
• Participate in 3-4 annual development trips to manufacturers and suppliers to advance projects.
• Build knowledge of vendor capabilities, factory relationships, quality issues, pricing, and lead times.
• Oversee complex projects across various innovation categories from briefing through to line delivery or handoff.
• Drive project planning and execution to meet critical deadlines and deliverables.
• Facilitate clear communication between innovation teams, experts, partners, and leadership.
• Lead meetings to assess progress, make decisions, and maintain on-time project delivery and budget compliance.
• Identify needs for additional expertise and secure support to advance projects.
• Manage research and development efforts for new technology products from concepts through validation.
• Develop comprehensive technology transfer documentation to support seamless in-line adoption.
• Continuously expand understanding of product creation and manufacturing to foster innovation.
• Identify and implement process and operational improvements across teams.
• Stay updated on market trends, emerging technologies, and consumer needs influencing product design.
• Coach and mentor junior colleagues and Asia Innovation Development teams.
• Serve as a subject matter expert within the footwear team, leading technical development and innovation strategies.
• Anticipate impact of decisions on downstream processes and proactively solve potential issues.
• Lead major projects with significant business impact or involving novel technologies or manufacturing methods.
• Fill in as Development Manager when required.
• Commit to ongoing learning of Brooks manufacturing best practices related to fit, feel, and ride.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biomechanics, Engineering, Kinesiology, or a related technical field, or equivalent education and experience.
• Minimum of 9 years leading high-performance running footwear development projects with proven success.
• At least 5 years of experience specifically in innovation for athletic footwear.
• Optimistic and persistent problem-solving skills with a commitment to finding effective solutions.
• Experience and aptitude for training less-experienced teammates and guiding cross-functional teams.
• Curious and inventive mindset with a drive to improve products and processes by challenging norms.
• Comfort navigating uncertain or undefined development directions.
• Strong ability to influence and guide collaborative decision-making without formal authority.
• Experience building productive relationships across diverse disciplines and cultures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, adept at conveying ideas and technical details.
• Detail-oriented in planning and execution, with a comprehensive perspective of project interdependencies.
• Highly self-motivated with sound judgment on when to seek support.
• Keen insight into how decisions impact customers, products, partners, and internal operations.
• Proficient computer skills including Adobe Illustrator, Smartsheet, and Microsoft Office; knowledge of Flex PLM is advantageous.
• Excellent interpersonal skills fostering trust and collaboration across teams.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• Passion for sports participation or strong empathy for runners to connect authentically with customers.
• Commitment to Brooks’ core values and inclusive culture.

Compensation and Benefits

The position offers an annual salary range of $124,234 to $186,404, dependent on experience and skills, at Brooks’ Seattle headquarters.

Brooks provides a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, family and fertility support, 401(k) plan with company match, employee assistance programs, and transportation assistance.

Paid time off includes five weeks of vacation, eleven holidays, and paid sick and parental leave.

Employees may be eligible for annual bonuses reflecting company performance.

Additional perks feature product discounts, employee recognition, fitness discounts, and volunteer opportunities.

Work location requires presence at the Seattle offices four days per week to promote in-person collaboration and culture.

Diversity and Inclusion

Brooks celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. The company is an equal employment opportunity employer, making hiring decisions free of discrimination based on multiple protected characteristics and promoting fairness and equity.