Manager, Footwear Engineering

Rothy’s is seeking a Manager, Footwear Engineering to lead the development and application of fit, wear-testing, and consumer insight strategies across our footwear portfolio. This role is both analytical and hands-on, translating consumer feedback, testing data, and technical evaluation into clear product recommendations that improve fit, comfort, performance, and commercialization outcomes.

Responsibilities

Create and implement a streamlined, scalable approach for leveraging quantitative and qualitative consumer data to inform product development, fit decisions, and commercialization strategies; Synthesize wear test results, lab testing, and consumer feedback into clear, actionable insights that influence product, fit standards, and future development direction; Establish and continuously improve best-in-class product testing methodologies for existing styles, new silhouettes, and emerging categories, with a focus on knit footwear; Explore and implement alternative testing methods to support an increasing volume of tests each season while maintaining rigor and relevance; Partner with Product Development and Design teams to identify opportunities to refine and enhance the existing assortment through fact-based product insights; Analyze primary and secondary research to inform fit improvements, material choices, construction updates, and commercialization readiness; Prioritize key fit, wear, and performance risks to ensure a smooth and timely transition from development into production; Act as a technical partner during commercialization, ensuring product readiness aligns with consumer expectations and brand standards; Collaborate closely with Marketing to translate consumer insights, testing results, and product benefits into compelling, authentic product stories; Partner with cross-functional teams to understand research needs and define clear wear test objectives, success criteria, timelines, and deliverables; Leverage consumer insights, market research, and analytics to identify growth opportunities and support broader brand and product initiatives; Strategically recruit, manage, and grow relationships with internal and external wear test participants, including core consumers and target segments; Build and maintain connections with key brand advocates and influencers in local and high-growth markets to support testing and insight generation; Build, document, and maintain official wear testing protocols for internal and external groups, ensuring consistency, quality, and scalability; Establish and maintain regular communication with Asia-based factory partners, sharing key consumer insights, testing outcomes, and product learnings; Ensure factory teams are informed and aligned on fit, wear, and performance expectations to support future development and continuous improvement

Requirements

Highly analytical with a strong ability to translate data into practical product decisions; Comfortable operating at the intersection of consumer insight, technical evaluation, and product development; A proactive problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment; Collaborative and effective at working across technical, creative, and commercial teams; Clear, structured, and persuasive in communication, both written and verbal; Detail-oriented with strong organizational and follow-through skills; Curious, consumer-obsessed, and motivated to improve product experiences; Establishes proactive and consistent communication and feedback with their team; Provides continuous feedback to team and individual development, and holds everyone accountable for meeting these expectations; Willing and able to travel domestically (1–3 times per year) and internationally (as needed); 6–8 years of experience in footwear technical engineering, fit & wear testing, product research, or commercialization; Bachelor’s degree in engineering, biomechanics, kinesiology, product development, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience); Strong understanding of knit footwear construction, materials, fit systems, and performance testing; Experience designing and managing wear testing programs and interpreting lab and consumer data; Proven ability to synthesize research findings into clear product and business recommendations; Experience partnering with Asia-based factories or vendors; Strong systems and tools proficiency, including PLM and Google Sheets/Docs/Slides

Nice to have

Knit footwear experience strongly preferred; Data visualization or analytics tools a plus

Benefits

Generous paid time off; 401k matching; Comprehensive health plans for you and your family; Supplemental mental health benefits; Monthly wellness reimbursement; Dog friendly offices; Employee Discount Program; Eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives