Brooks Running · 3 hours ago
Manager, Footwear Engineering, R&D
Seattle, WA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
$132K/yr - $211K/yr
7+ years expBrooks Running is committed to creating gear and experiences that enhance the running experience. As the Manager of Footwear Engineering, you will lead a team focused on developing performance footwear by blending runner insights with technical knowledge to exceed consumer expectations.
ApparelFashionManufacturingShoesSporting Goods
Responsibilities
Lead a team of product engineers in the creation of footwear toolbox validation and publication of best practices from innovation to inline to adoption
Determine project scope and feasibility based on briefs creating project plans, identifying tools and resources to execute consumer insights or needs. This includes projects you own as well as managing and supporting a team through the brief stage into design, development, and commercialization
Identify the plans and projects required to execute strategies outlined to achieve organizational goals and adapt projects to changing conditions
Lead your own designated projects and oversee your team’s execution of large-scale, complex projects with significant business impact or projects incorporating new technology/ manufacturing techniques and defining the framework for how to execute cross collaborative objectives (franchise product, new technology, etc.)
Lead a team of Footwear Product Engineers by establishing objectives, required deliverables and overseeing the successful execution of product strategy. Ensure all projects meet business goals and requirements including on–time delivery of wear test samples, sales samples, and production confirmation
Maintain a deep understanding of critical calendar deadlines and how they impact business decisions and objectives. Plan and oversee execution of projects according to the seasonal critical dates that lead to foundational support for product teams
Lead your team in acting as the technical authority for tooling blueprints (midsole and outsole) and upper patterns / shell patterns and as the resource for educating the product team in real-time on shell patterns. Grow their ability to critique, adjust and evaluate from a performance, manufacturing, and functional perspective
Ensure team continuous technical learning by staying informed about vendor capabilities, factory relationships, quality issues and lead times
Plan for Asia-based development trips, 3 - 4 per year, for yourself or the team to work with manufacturers and suppliers on existing and current development projects
Participate in account visits as needed domestic and international
Work collaboratively with Managers across Product Creation to establish guidelines to assign priority to projects and to monitor and adjust processes to meet the brand initiatives and demands
Ensure project plans support the needs of cross functional partners across the footwear department
Partner with and guide design and development leadership to ensure that designs are manufacturable and meet quality objectives of the organization
Partner with Biomechanics lab to assess optimization goals as well as document risks and update performance best practices
Connect the dots across all project requests and create project plans to ensure optimization of resources. See the ‘big picture’ as it relates to cross functional work streams
Initiate and lead meetings with product teams during various phases of development cycle to review, evaluate, update and ultimately drive the decision-making process that leads to on–time production confirmation
Organize and communicate new processes and workflows to the cross functional teams
Coach your team to gain an in-depth knowledge of the manufacturing process and an understanding of how to manipulate the process to advance and achieve manufacturing techniques to enhance the overall performance of product
Lead direct reports effectively with Brooks cultural values by mirroring Connect (our leadership development program) principles and methodology. Provide a collaborative, transparent, and rewarding team environment
Provide coaching and training for direct reports. Monitor team member performance, promote career development, and be proactive on team dynamics within the group
Own decisions related to day-to-day employee career, training, performance, etc. and provide recommendations to Footwear leadership on employee decisions such as compensation, promotions, hiring/termination
Cultivate team accountability through management of resource planning and assignment of clear “by=whens.”
Own the process and outcome for execution of deliverables to ensure on-time and on-budget
Ensure that documentation is developed and maintained for Footwear Engineering processes and programs
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in engineering, Design, Biomechanics, or other applicable technical degrees or equivalent combination of education and experience
7+ years of experience in a footwear development role, athletic/running experience preferred
Proven ability to create and maintain product creation calendar
5+ years of proven success with project management skills
Ability to ‘connect the dots' while creating project plans to ensure cross-collaboration across the business
3+ years proven track record managing a high functioning team
Desire to support people in their career growth
Knowledge in construction processes, including outsole/midsole drawing, pattern engineering, material construction and properties, and costing is also expected
Demonstrated ability to create and conceive new ideas pertaining to the consumer, product line, and business
Outstanding communication skills, verbal and written
Keen attention to detail in planning, organization, and execution of tasks (self and through others), while still being able to see the big picture
Demonstrated ability to lead a process plan as well as ensure cross-functional alignment and collaboration
Expert ability to work professionally and effectively within the team, across departments, and with customers
Proven ability to influence, persuade, and negotiate to achieve alignment on project plans
High-level knowledge of footwear pattern engineering and manufacturing processes to ensure products meet the specific quality standards
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an advanced ability to communicate new ideas, concepts, and functional expertise within project teams and to external stakeholders
Curious and open-minded; always open to a challenge, inventive, creative
Strong computer skills, including experience with Illustrator, MS Office software, PLM software
Knowledge of FLEX (PLM) is a bonus
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed
Embraces and lives the Brooks values!
Benefits
Medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance
Disability insurance
HSA and employer contribution
FSA
Family & fertility assistance
401K Savings Plan and match
Employee assistance program
Transportation assistance
Generous time off, including three to five weeks of paid time off
Eleven paid holidays
Paid sick and parental leave
Annual bonus based on company performance
Product discounts
Employee recognition
Fitness discounts
Volunteer and donation benefits
Company
Brooks Running
Brooks Running designs and manufactures high-performance running shoes, apparel, and accessories for both male and female runners. It is a sub-organization of Berkshire Hathaway.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Brooks Running has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (4)
2024 (7)
2023 (3)
2022 (3)
2021 (1)
2020 (3)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Dan Sheridan
Chief Executive Officer
Carson Caprara
SVP, Footwear and Apparel
Recent News
2025-11-11
Company data provided by crunchbase