Footwear Product Developer

Company: AKIRA

About AKIRA & Azalea Wang
AKIRA is a fast-fashion powerhouse fueled by speed, creativity, and hustle. At Azalea Wang, we move fast, think big, and work collaboratively. Everyone has a voice here, ideas are encouraged, and self-starters thrive. We're a tight-knit, high-energy team that shows up every day ready to push product forward together.

Footwear Product Developer
Brand: AZALEA WANG
Reports to: Head of Product & Design for Wholesale, Azalea Wang

The Role
We're looking for a Footwear Product Developer who lives at the intersection of design, development, and execution. This role is critical to bringing bold Azalea Wang footwear and accessories from concept to line sample, on time and on margin. You'll partner closely with Design, Product, Buyers/Sales, and external manufacturing partners to ensure product is executed with speed, accuracy, and quality in a true fast-fashion environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Product Assistant to manage and maintain the footwear and accessories material library, organized for self-service across product and cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with Design at concept stage to identify and source new materials and constructions.
• Manage the full product lifecycle from concept submission through final line sample delivery, following critical path deadlines and communicating closely with Design, Sales, and cross-functional partners.
• Create and submit detailed, accurate tech packs to external manufacturing partners to ensure clear execution aligned with design intent.
• Own seasonal assortment tools by vendor across all product categories.
• Manage all design and development deliverables, ensuring internal deadlines are met to support on-time external execution.
• Assist the Merchandising Manager with product and material cost negotiations to achieve target LDP margins.
• Own the fit and development process, partnering with Product to identify and recommend improvements in aesthetics, fit, and quality.
• Run fit sessions with the Product team, taking detailed notes and photos and clearly communicating required changes to vendors.
• Identify second proto needs and required wear testing for high-risk styles and new constructions, ensuring clear communication with factories.
• Partner with Design to own and maintain accurate, up-to-date linesheets.
• Ensure a clean and thorough handoff of all pending development to the Production team upon PO placement to streamline communication by function.
• Proactively identify and solve development bottlenecks, material issues, and costing challenges.
• Support system and data management, including PLM updates and ad hoc reporting as needed.

Qualifications & Experience

• 3-5 years of experience in footwear product development.
• Deep understanding of footwear construction, materials, components, and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with footwear and accessory materials and material performance standards.
• Strong project management and exceptional organizational skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Highly detail-oriented with a proven ability to meet tight deadlines and cost targets.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, both internally and with external partners.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly across broader teams.
• Experience working in PLM systems (Centric preferred).
• Proficiency in Adobe Suite and Google Suite.
• Self-starter mentality with a collaborative, team-first attitude.

Why You'll Love It Here

• Fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where ideas move quickly into product.
• Collaborative culture where everyone's voice matters.
• High visibility role with real ownership and impact.
• Opportunity to build bold, fashion-forward footwear at scale.

If you thrive in a high-energy environment, love problem-solving, and are passionate about footwear development, Azalea Wang at AKIRA is the place to hustle, grow, and make your mark.

Department Azalea Wang Role Footwear Product Developer (AW) Locations Chicago Headquarters Yearly salary $80,000 - $120,000 Employment type Full-time