Job Description
Technical Manager – Footwear Development
Location: Dongguan, China
Industry: Leading Global Footwear Brand
About the Role
We are seeking a world-class Technical Manager – Footwear Development to lead the technical integrity and manufacturing excellence of our global footwear portfolio. This is a high-impact leadership position at the intersection of innovation and production—where complex designs meet precision engineering. You will own the technical roadmap from concept confirmation through to mass production, ensuring every product meets world-class standards for construction, durability, comfort, and performance.
What You'll Drive:
End-to-End Technical Leadership
Own the technical confirmation process and manage the seamless transfer of technology from development into high-volume production, ensuring all specifications, tolerances, and performance benchmarks are met.
Structural & Engineering Problem Solving
Partner with global design teams and Tier-1 manufacturing partners to evaluate footwear structures. Deliver expert technical solutions for complex challenges in construction, durability, fit, and wearability.
Pre-Production & Process Excellence
Govern the Pre-Production Sample (PPS) approval process and establish standardized technical workflows that drive efficiency, consistency, and scalability across multiple production lines and regions.
Risk Assessment & Quality Gatekeeping
Conduct rigorous structural and material risk assessments; mandate and verify factory-level technical improvements before final sample sign-off, ensuring zero-compromise quality at scale.
Performance & Fit Optimization
Analyze wear-test data and biomechanical feedback to develop technical rectification plans. Ensure every product delivers superior comfort, fit, and physical performance for a global consumer base.
Global Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as the primary technical liaison between internal design, product, and sourcing teams and external manufacturing partners—aligning all stakeholders to unified global technical standards.
Requirements
Experience
10+ years in footwear technical development, with at least 10 years in senior technical or managerial roles for recognized global brands. Extensive background in technical footwear development for international brands with a proven track record managing technical transfers and scaling production across multiple global factories.
Technical Expertise
Deep, expert-level command of footwear construction principles, production engineering, and manufacturing processes—including uppers, outsoles, lasts, and assembly methodologies. Hands-on expertise in footwear engineering, construction, and quality systems.
Materials & Testing Knowledge
Comprehensive understanding of footwear materials science, physical property requirements, and international testing protocols (SATRA, ISO, ASTM, etc.).
Leadership
Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and manufacturing partners in identifying, assessing, and mitigating structural and process risks before they reach production.
Communication
Exceptional stakeholder management and project coordination skills. Fluent English required for global technical collaboration and reporting. Additional languages a plus.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with sustainable, eco-friendly materials and circular production methods. Familiarity with advanced manufacturing technologies such as 3D knitting, digital patterning, or automated assembly. Experience working in or leading teams across APAC manufacturing hubs.
Why Join Us
Global Impact
Shape the technical foundation of footwear products worn by millions worldwide.
Technical Autonomy
Lead with authority in a role that values engineering excellence and manufacturing precision.
Career Acceleration
Be part of a fast-scaling global brand with significant investment in innovation and talent development.
Dynamic Environment
Work at the heart of one of the world's most advanced footwear manufacturing ecosystems in Dongguan, China.
Relocation
You must be open to relocating to Dongguan, China.