Job Information
SAS Shoemakers Outsole/Insole, and Foot Bed Sourcing Specialist in San Antonio, Texas
Company Profile
San Antonio Shoemakers (SAS), a San Antonio, Texas based privately held company, has been in business for over 40 years and has developed a reputation as a premier American manufacturer of high quality comfort footwear.
Position
SAS has an opening for an Outsole/Insole, and Footbed Sourcing Specialist. The individual in this role will utilize advanced product and process knowledge to manage the product development process for innovative programs that will drive the future of San Antonio Shoes. This person will work with a global, cross-functional product creation team from the collection of insights through commercialization to create products that deliver new shoes experiences and exceed customers’ expectations. The individual in this role will create and manage project timelines across the innovation triad driving the research, prototyping and validation of ideas through the advanced Design & Development process, delivering ready for in-line products and technologies. This individual will work with strategic partners outside of San Antonio Shoe, Inc. to cultivate new ideas and deliver groundbreaking products that challenge and shape the future.
Responsibilities
Oversee and manage multiple innovation projects from Insights, Brief & Research through Design, Development & validation and into commercialization and manufacturing.
Create and execute project development plans/schedules according to the strategic critical dates that lead to on–time delivery of samples, portfolio reviews, validation, technology transfers and final product/ technology confirmation.
Lead the prototyping, testing and validation of concepts via advanced problem solving and product creation skills. Partner with design, PLMs, engineering, manufacturing and vendor/ partners to ensure products exceed customer expectations, manufacturing and meet performance and quality objectives of the organization.
Display an in-depth knowledge of the manufacturing process with the ability to manipulate the process in order to advance and achieve new manufacturing techniques that enhance the overall performance and efficiency of product.
Create product specification and bills of materials (BOMs) for each product with the ability to transfer all specifications and best practices into the In-Line process.
Lead/participate in development trips, 3 - 4 per year, to work with manufacturers and suppliers on existing and current development projects.
Recommend and specify to the product team the material, component and construction options to meet product’s functional goals, as well as ensure product performance integrity through product testing (physical and field-testing).
Initiate and lead 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.
Qualifications
Bachelors or Master’s degree in engineering, design, biomechanics or other applicable technical degree.
6+ successful years relevant work experience in the product development of outsoles, insoles and footbeds.
Technical expertise in footwear product development with an advanced knowledge of the total footwear construction process including outsole/midsole drawing, pattern engineering, blueprint and mold creation, material construction, testing and costing.
Strong understanding of manufacturing capabilities, anticipating issues, problem solving with timely resolution.
Strong understanding of lab, fit, wear and biomechanical testing and specification concepts and processes.
Proven ability to lead and influence in a collaborative, cross-functional group with 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.
Strong presentation skills and professional knowledge of PowerPoint, Keynote or other electronic means to communicate new concepts or ideas. Technical writing capability a plus.
Sharp 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.
Ability to anticipate how a decision made can affect our customers, our partners, our products or other departments’ operations and/or morale; “connecting the dots.”
Be 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.
Proven ability to lead and influence in collaborative, team oriented and complex global environments.
Embrace the San Antonio Shoe values!
SAS is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to-race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientations, national origins, disability status, age, marital status or protected veteran class. No phone calls or agencies please.