Technical Developer, Footwear
From its origins in New York in 2002, rag & bone instantaneously distinguished itself by combining their British heritage with directional, modern design. Today, Marcus Wainwright and David Neville's brand has become synonymous with innately wearable clothing that innovatively melds classic tailoring with an edgy yet understated New York aesthetic.
Inspired by a desire to create beautifully constructed clothes, with no formal fashion training, the expats immersed themselves in the time-honored techniques of supremely skilled, local manufacturers at some of the oldest factories in the country. The importance of quality, expert craftsmanship and attention to detail resonated deeply, informing rag & bone's core philosophy.
With a downtown sensibility, signature clean silhouettes and an inherent integrity – each piece is impeccably crafted from the finest materials available and approached from a form and function design standpoint – rag & bone continuously redefines urban style.
Job Summary:
The Technical Developer will be supporting Men’s and Women’s Footwear Design and Production from initial development to commercialization. This position will ensure all styles are developed with consistency, aligned with our rag & bone fit and grading standards.
Responsibilities:
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- Manage fit and grading specifications, providing technical guidance to Design and factories.
- Launch all lasts and constructions, while partnering with Design to balance Fit and aesthetic.
- Manage development of new component molds from 1st proto to commercialization. This includes ability to review/critique blueprints, mockups and understanding of the right compounds to use.
- Communicate daily with factories and troubleshoot any technical and timing concerns.
- Manage fit specifications in tech packs at every stage.
- Schedule and lead fit sessions
- Review and request full grading samples from factories as needed.
- Evaluate SMS and Production Wear Tests and react to any quality or fit issues.
- Create and update seasonal WIP for new lasts, constructions, outsole components.
- Work cross functionally with Design, PD, and Production to resolve any quality or fit concerns that may impact critical deadlines.
- Provide solutions to team on how to cost engineer product without compromising quality or aesthetic.
- Support Production with launching cost exercises with new factories.
- Provide solutions on improving commercialization and QC process post Fit approval.
- Create and maintain last/construction library and provide suggestions on how to utilize existing lasts to save time and cost.
Requirements:
- Must have a strong understanding of footwear construction, last making, grading, cut and pattern making.
- Must have basic knowledge of performance testing.
- Understand the needs of the Wholesale business and importance for a democratic fit to cater all channels of distribution.
- Experienced with 3D CAD and digitalizing last designs.
- Strong interest in innovation that can support Design process.
- Passionate about sustainability and providing eco solutions to our products.
- Must be a lateral thinker and able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, with a fresh perspective to apply alternative solutions.
- Possess knowledge of leather and textiles and how they react/impact footwear fit.
- Travel overseas as needed for development and production
- General knowledge of MS Office, PLM experience is a plus
Rules we live by | Rules you live by
- Be a Good Human - Be original, be authentic. Stand for diversity, equitability & inclusivity.
- Have No Fear - Innovate, solve problems
- Own Every Decision - Work together, get results
- Quality Matters – Not only with product but we see it in our people
- Make S**t Happen - Be disciplined, be competitive
- Paid Time Off
- Clothing Allowance
- Generous Employee Discount
- Paid Parental Leave
- Membership to Calm and access to other wellness benefits
- Medical, dental, vision and ancillary benefits
- 401k
rag & bone is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer. No employee or applicant is discriminated against because of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.