Altra: Footwear Developer

Organized in 1899, VF Corporation is a global leader in the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of branded lifestyle apparel, footwear and accessories. Our highly diversified portfolio of brands spans multiple geographies, product categories, consumer demographics and sales channels.

The Footwear Developer will drive the development, engineering, fit, margin adherence and specifications for new and existing Footwear from Final Design Review to Commercialization. This role focuses on project‑based management, collaborating with cross‑functional teams to create best‑in‑class performance footwear and ensuring product quality and cost effectiveness.

• Manage product development from kickoff to production ensuring adherence to calendar milestones.
• Lead and initiate meetings with product teams to review, evaluate, update and drive decision‑making that results in on‑time Buy Ready and margin goals.
• Confirm final development samples on time, ensuring quality and accuracy standards; coordinate sample retention and storage with the Commercialization Manager.
• Collaborate with VF Asia Development and factory teams to identify manufacturing efficiencies and reduce product cost.
• Review tooling: read 2D blueprints, review 3D CADs, and print 3D components for physical review before sample mold approval.
• Recommend materials and provide technical expertise on constructions that meet design intent without compromising product integrity or gross margin targets.
• Provide product information to the Commercialization Manager and Senior Product Developer for wear testing from early prototypes to final confirmed samples.
• Collaborate with design team on technical packages (CADs, shell patterns, tooling artwork, product details) used to build BOMs/specifications in Flex PLM.
• Publish complete tech packs to factories and maintain all records, files and samples associated with product development.
• Ensure execution of fit through clear analysis, documentation, communication and adherence to fit standards.
• Address quality issues and collaborate with US product team, VF Asia Product Supply, Quality Assurance, Marketing, Planning and Sales to ensure accuracy of product performance claims.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Attend VF Asia collaborative meetings with Development, Global Material Sourcing and Global Product Costing.

• Self‑driven and able to independently manage products through the development cycle.
• Detail oriented with strong project management, organizational, work ethic and teamwork skills.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Complete understanding of the development process from brief hand‑off to production.
• Complete understanding of tooling processes including 2D/3D CAD and CAM.
• Complete understanding of materials, pattern engineering, tooling processes and mold construction.
• Complete understanding of product categories, materials and product development cycle.
• Experience leading special/long‑term projects as they arise.
• Competent in Adobe Illustrator, product management/development systems and Microsoft Office.
• Overseas and domestic travel required seasonally; irregular working hours anticipated during peak periods.

$86,400.00 USD - $ USD annually

Benefits at VF Corporation are available to all qualified employees. This position is eligible for an annual incentive plan. For a general overview of benefit programs, including this year’s medical plan rates, visit  Detailed information will be provided during the hiring process.

VF values a diverse, inclusive workforce and provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin, citizenship, disability, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. VF complies with all local, state and federal laws and will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals as required by law.