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SalaryMinnetonka is a fourth-generation family-owned company based in Minneapolis, MN. We have been making high quality footwear at an affordable price since 1946. Our mission is to be a positive force as a company by doing right by our people, our community and our world. Minnetonka offers a competitive salary and benefit package.
Job Description:
This position is an essential role for developing Minnetonka’s product line including slippers, casuals, boots, sandals & various accessories. Key elements of the job include developing prototypes and partnering with the Sales and Product teams to bring new designs to market. You will serve as the expert resource on development and work closely with the Production team, including factories in the Dominican Republic and China. This position requires impeccable organizational skills and flexibility. Footwear experience is strongly preferred. If you’re looking to have a big impact on a heritage brand and collaborate with colleagues who care, this is a great opportunity.
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with Sales, Product Development and Design teams to strategize and develop styles for assigned categories for Minnetonka in-line and special make up (SMU) products.
- Strategize with Designer and Production team to manage needs for development of in-line and SMU as relates to construction, design and target pricing. Experience in footwear construction and tariff engineering is essential.
- Engage with Sales team on category analysis to implement future account strategies.
- Manage full lifecycle of each product in assigned categories from initial concept to final delivery.
- Manage account specific requirements for assigned product categories as relates to development, sampling & production processes. Communicate directly with buyers at retail accounts.
- Research related to Trend, Market, Product Strategy & Bill of Materials.
- Daily communication with agent/factory in China and the Dominican Republic.
- Facilitate standardized master pricing process in collaboration with Inventory and Production team.
- Tariff classification and assigning of HTS codes / duty rate on new product.
- Responsible for fit and wear test process to make sure all products are comfortable, fit well and meet Minnetonka’s quality standards.
- Attend tradeshows, meet with accounts virtually and/or in person as necessary.
- Engage with Marketing team on product education and collaborate on developing marketing materials.
- Manage databases related to product identification and materials.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree specializing in related field and 7+ years of experience in Product Development, Commercialization, Sourcing, Production or Merchandising for any footwear category.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the footwear industry and commercialization process including upstream/downstream departmental dependencies.
- Understanding of multiple footwear category production processes: Pattern engineering & grading, mold making and bill of materials processes. Includes creation and management of product specifications.
- The ability to participate in a work environment that builds collaboration and knowledge, fosters open communication, and creates an environment of trust and forward thinking.
- Advanced written and verbal communication skills to deal with all levels of employees within our organization as well as vendors and worldwide team members.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to work under pressure, meet strict timelines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Proficiency with MS Office software applications.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a startup like environment.
- Full time position with a flexible work model – in office 3-4 days/week.
- Occasional travel domestically, opportunity for rare international travel.
