Director, Product Development - Footwear

About the position

The Director of Product Development is responsible for leading the end-to-end development process for the footwear division. You will partner closely with Design, Merchandising, Raw Material, and Production teams to ensure the successful execution of seasonal assortments aligned with brand strategy, cost targets, and market calendars. And you’ll play a key part in delivering high-quality, trend-right products that elevate the Michael Kors customer experience.

Responsibilities

• Drive the footwear product development strategy from concept through to production.
• Lead and manage the product development team, ensuring timelines, quality standards, and cost targets are met.
• Collaborate with Design and Merchandising to translate creative vision into executable, commercially viable product.
• Partner with materials and overseas partners to identify and develop components, trims, and manufacturing solutions that support design intent and financial goals.
• Ensure adherence to the seasonal calendar, overseeing proto sampling, line reviews, and fit sessions.
• Resolve product costing issues with vendors, design and PD to ensure margin targets are achieved without compromising quality or brand integrity.
• Analyze product performance, sales feedback, and market trends to inform future development decisions.
• Foster vendor relationships supporting allocations, innovation, efficiency, and scalable growth.
• Lead product risk assessments and problem-solving across the development process.
• Ensure cross-functional alignment through regular communication with global teams and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure the timely and accurate management of BOM specs in the system.
• Drive continuous process improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Product Development, Merchandising, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive product development experience in the footwear industry, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of footwear construction, materials, costing, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience working with international vendors and factories.
• Excellent organizational, communication skills, and leadership.
• Proven ability to manage multiple categories and product calendars simultaneously.
• Deep understanding of the luxury or contemporary fashion market, preferably with experience in a comparable footwear brand.
• Strong proficiency in PLM systems, data management, Excel, Adobe Illustrator, 3D knowledge+.
• Willingness to travel overseas 2-4 times per year.

Nice-to-haves

• The ability to think strategically, drive results and build a high-performance organization.
• Proven ability to be strategic and tactical in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
• Entrepreneurial, resourceful, out-of-the-box thinker.
• No task too big or too small type of mentality.

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off & Holiday Schedule
• Summer Fridays
• Internal mobility across Versace, Jimmy Choo and Michael Kors
• Cross-brand Discount
• Exclusive Employee Sales
• Fav 5 Cards (MK Discount for friends and family)
• 401k Match
• Paid Parental Leave
• Thrive Wellness Program
• Commuter Benefits
• Gym Discounts