Job Description

Senior Footwear Development

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Department: Development

Reports To: Director of Development

About the Company

Our client, Violet St, is an independent footwear company with a full-stack infrastructure to design, develop, distribute and drive all go-to-market activity for global creatives in the sneaker/footwear space. Focusing on talent from the world of design, music, creative culture and sports, it is the first footwear business to offer world-class creatives their own independently designed and owned footwear brands at scale.

Violet St’s Los Angeles headquarters include a full design studio that works closely with our global manufacturing partner to build best-in-class footwear from lifestyle to performance, and an extensive marketing organization to drive all direct, channel and brand activity. The intent is to partner with creatives to build global brands in footwear. The company was founded in 2022 by Luke Wood (former President of Beats by Dr. Dre and a VP of Apple) and Charles Mangan (founder of TITOL, Manager, Cactus Plant Flea Market and former CMO/COO of Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack).

Position Overview

The Senior Footwear Development professional will lead the end-to-end product creation process—from initial concept through commercialization and production—for assigned footwear models. This role ensures on-time delivery of projects while balancing performance, innovation, cost efficiency, and sustainability.

You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive excellence in product development, mentor junior developers, and deliver exceptional product results that meet both business and creative goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end product creation process from concept through commercialization and production.
• Ensure on-time delivery of projects aligned with key dates, specifications, performance goals, and profitability targets.
• Specify materials, components, and constructions that meet design, cost, and performance objectives.
• Translate design concepts and 2D renderings into 3D prototypes and production-ready samples.
• Apply technical expertise in 3D prototyping, tooling, upper patterns, molds, materials, costing, and manufacturing.
• Lead fit and wear testing, engineering validation, and costing analysis to ensure performance and profitability.
• Drive innovation by leveraging new technologies, materials, and sustainable practices.
• Prepare products for scalable manufacturing and successful commercialization.
• Mentor and develop Manager-level Footwear Developers.
• Collaborate with the Director of Footwear Development to align strategies, manage milestones, and uphold product excellence standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Product Development, Engineering, Manufacturing, Marketing, Industrial Design, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 8 years of directly relevant work experience.
• Strong communication and influencing skills with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally.
• Knowledge of footwear manufacturing technologies, tooling, and materials is highly preferred.
• Understanding of product planning, forecasting, and process management.
• Experience in high-growth or creative-driven footwear environments is a plus.

* The salary range provided in this job posting may vary based on a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, qualifications, location, and the specific needs of the company. The stated range is not a guarantee of compensation, and the employer reserves the right to modify or change it at any time. Final compensation will be determined through discussions with the candidate and will be formalized in the offer letter.

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