Associate Developer, Footwear

Associate Developer, Footwear

As an Associate Footwear Developer, you will ensure on‑time and accurate prototype samples throughout seasonal milestones, meet cost targets, and maintain documentation and product integrity across development stages. Your day will involve managing new and low‑complexity projects, coordinating sample management, and supporting the team through design, engineering, and testing processes.

• Project Management:
  Manage assigned color‑up and new upper projects, ensuring on‑time buy‑ready commercialization.
• Pre‑cost assigned projects and support accurate product line management (PLM) data entry.
• Sample Management:
  Monitor, track, organize, and distribute development and fit samples.
• Coordinate with the 3D CAD, development, and engineering teams to learn mold development.
• Shadow engineering for fit process, blueprint, and last development.
• Review material testing reports and support finished shoe performance testing.
• Develop understanding of last development with Development and Engineering.
• Maintain seasonal tracking files on SharePoint/One Note with accuracy.
• Participate in overseas handover and professional development classes.
• Engage with cross‑functional teams:
  Costing, Materials, Production, Quality Assurance, Design, Merchandising, CAD, and more.

• Work with the development team on all product creation aspects.
• Participate in product‑related meetings: cross‑functional team meetings, product reviews, seasonal material, and tear‑down meetings.
• Develop competitive intelligence and market awareness.
• Participate in all fit trials.
• Partner with the development team and engineering on seasonal last development.
• Shadow the development team and engineers to learn the development cycle, blueprints, and last development process.
• Demonstrate motivation, passion, and a desire to deepen footwear knowledge.
• Engage with the team on projects in The Shed and complete required VF professional development classes.
• Build strong internal connections across the Product Creation organization and VF Asia.

Foundational skills include agility, strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, flexibility, independent work capability, collaborative style, a strong desire for footwear knowledge, quantitative and PC skills, strong communication skills, organizational skills, and an interest in hands‑on footwear making.

• Ability to travel as required to overseas manufacturing facilities and trade shows/market visits.

We provide extensive development and growth opportunities, a competitive compensation package, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and 401(k). We foster a diverse and inclusive culture based on respect, connection, and authenticity.

$60,000.00 – $75,000.00 USD annually

This position is eligible for additional compensation awards, including an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.

General overview of benefits can be accessed at  Detailed information will be provided during hiring.

At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, religion, age, national origin, citizenship, disability, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. If you require accommodations, please contact  VF will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals as required by applicable law.

VF will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records under the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.