Sr. Manager, Product Development - UGG Footwear

Sr. Manager, Product Development – UGG Footwear

Reports to:

Sr. Director, Product Development & Engineering – UGG Footwear

Location:

Goleta, CA (Hybrid – typically 3 times per week in office, Tuesday – Thursday)

You will be the subject matter expert in the end‑to‑end footwear product creation process, leading development strategies to deliver product excellence. You’ll drive global product development execution for Women’s footwear, ensuring alignment to UGG standards for fit, comfort, quality and cost‑to‑value performance. Operating within a matrixed organization, you will manage team performance, establish development priorities, and partner cross‑functionally to optimize product creation processes, mitigate risk, and deliver commercially viable products that meet consumer expectations.

• Lead end‑to‑end product development execution across categories, ensuring alignment to product excellence standards (fit, comfort, quality, cost‑to‑value).
• Drive global alignment between USA and Asia PD teams to establish consistent development practices and execution standards.
• Guide cross‑functional triad decision‑making to mitigate risks and ensure efficient progression through the critical path.
• Establish structured frameworks for evaluating design concepts, materials, last specifications and construction approaches.
• Influence product decisions to balance cost, quality and performance, ensuring premium consumer outcomes.
• Partner with Product Engineering to evaluate fit, wear testing and commercialization readiness, resolving issues proactively.
• Manage and develop a team of product developers, setting priorities, allocating resources and ensuring accountability to business objectives.
• Provide coaching, technical guidance and performance feedback to elevate individual and team capability.
• Build organizational strength through talent development, succession planning and fostering a high‑performance culture.
• Analyze product performance, defect returns and consumer feedback to identify root causes and drive improvements.
• Implement process enhancements and standard methodologies to strengthen development efficiency and consistency.
• Evaluate and integrate new technologies, materials and construction techniques to improve product and process outcomes.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• 10+ years of experience in the footwear industry, with 5+ years in a management role within a global organization.
• Advanced expertise in footwear product creation, specifications and construction.
• Strong experience in pattern engineering, tooling and manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to leverage data and analytics to drive development decisions.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe applications.
• Proficient in FPLM (or similar PLM systems).
• Expertise with development tools (calipers, durometer, Brannock, last tools, etc.).
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex development pipelines.

$ – $ (estimated range for Goleta, California). Individual pay will be determined by location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience and relevant education or training.

• Competitive pay and bonuses.
• Financial planning and wellbeing programs.
• Paid time off and flexible scheduling.
• Discounts and perks.
• Growth and development opportunities.
• Health and wellness programs.

We are a proud equal opportunity employer. We welcome qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, or any other protected characteristic.