Director, Materials and Product DevelopmentThe OpportunityAt Designer Brands, we're passionate about bringing great design to life in a way that resonates with customers and stands the test of time. As the
Director, Materials and Product Development, you will play a critical role in turning creative vision into products that are not only beautiful, but also practical, high-quality, and ready for the real world.
This role sits at the center of design, sourcing, and production-connecting ideas to execution. You'll lead the development of materials and product strategies across the lifecycle, helping teams make smart decisions that balance creativity, cost, quality, and sustainability. Your work will shape how our products come to life season after season.
This position is HYBRID to our NYC office.What You'll Be DoingLeading End-to-End Development- Lead materials and product development initiatives from concept through preproduction, ensuring alignment with brand DNA, quality standards, cost targets, and delivery timelines
- Manage the full lifecycle of development, balancing design intent with manufacturability and scalability
- Establish and maintain development calendars, milestone tracking, and sample management processes to support on-time execution
Bringing Design to Life- Partner with Design to translate creative vision into technically feasible products and material solutions
- Guide teams in evaluating construction methods, performance needs, and aesthetic expectations
- Build and maintain global footwear materials and embellishment toolboxes in partnership with cross-functional teams
Driving Material Innovation- Oversee research, development, selection, and commercialization of materials, including leathers, textiles, synthetics, trims, and embellishments
- Monitor market trends, emerging technologies, and consumer insights to inform product and materials direction
- Explore opportunities to enhance product through innovation and evolving material capabilities
Optimizing Quality, Cost & Execution- Educate and support teams in understanding cost drivers, manufacturability, and margin implications early in development
- Ensure accurate, complete, and production-ready product and material documentation
- Collaborate with Global Sourcing and Production teams to align on vendor capabilities and ensure smooth transition to bulk production
Building Partnerships & Team Capability- Build strong vendor relationships to support feasibility reviews, technical problem-solving, and continuous improvement
- Lead and develop a team (3-7 direct reports), fostering collaboration, accountability, and growth
- Partner across functions and with senior leadership to influence decisions and drive aligned outcomes
What You'll NeedCore Expertise- Excellent technical knowledge of leather and materials, constructions, and finishing
- Strong understanding of footwear or product construction and manufacturing processes
- Solid grasp of cost engineering, margin drivers, and commercialization requirements
Leadership & Collaboration- Proven ability to lead cross-functional materials and product development teams
- Experience influencing stakeholders across functions and at senior levels
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ways of Working- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to translate creative design intent into practical, executable solutions
- Process-oriented mindset with experience driving standardization and continuous improvement
QualificationsMinimum Experience- 8-10+ years of experience in leathers, materials research and development, and product development
- Direct experience working with global vendors and manufacturing partners, including Asia
- 3-5+ years of people leadership experience
Minimum Education- Bachelor's degree in Product Development, Engineering, Textile Science, Fashion Design, or a related field, or equivalent work experience
Preferred- Experience integrating sustainability initiatives into material and product development
- Footwear, apparel, or accessories industry background
- Exposure to digital material libraries, PLM systems, or 3D development tools
Perks and Benefits You'll Enjoy! - Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more. Explore our offerings at https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi
- Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired-wherever you do your best work.
- Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.
- We are Shoe-Obsessed: Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you'll enjoy 30% off at DSW & DSW.com, plus discounts across our family of brands.
