PVH Product Development Manager, Women's Footwear

Role & Responsibilities

• Independently own the end-to-end development of assigned Women's Footwear categories from design handover through production approval, ensuring delivery against seasonal calendars, product standards and commercial targets
• Translate Design and Merchandising direction into clear development requirements and recommend materials, constructions, components and manufacturing approaches that preserve design intent whilst supporting fit, comfort, performance, quality and sustainability
• Establish and manage seasonal development plans and critical paths with regional and global sourcing partners, including prototype, colour and material approval, sales-sample and production-approval milestones
• Shape development priorities based on consumer and business value, urgency, risk, dependencies and capacity; align evidence-based decisions on acceleration, sequencing, descoping or escalation as priorities evolve
• Lead costing and value-engineering discussions, validate cost assumptions and identify commercially viable options that meet or improve target first cost or FOB and margin whilst protecting essential product standards
• Resolve complex technical, construction, fit, comfort, performance and manufacturing issues by applying sound judgment and assembling appropriate internal and external expertise
• Lead and influence cross-functional development decisions in partnership with Design, Merchandising, Materials Development, Costing, Product Testing, Commercialization, Production, Quality and Sourcing
• Contribute to the definition and continuous improvement of footwear development processes, standards, tools and cross-functional handoffs to improve consistency, quality, speed and decision-making
• Ensure product information, specifications, approvals and cost data are accurate, complete and aligned across product lifecycle management systems; resolve material discrepancies and strengthen controls
• Act as a functional resource for less-experienced colleagues, providing guidance on product development standards, sequencing and complex problem-solving
• Represent Footwear Product Development in business projects and internal or external partner discussions, communicating risks, options and recommendations clearly

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of related experience in footwear product development and/or sourcing, including independent ownership of complex product categories, seasonal workstreams or portfolios
• Bachelor's degree, equivalent industry training or equivalent relevant experience
• Deep technical and commercial knowledge of women's footwear, including experience with heels, sandals, pumps, wedges or boots
• Full understanding of the footwear product lifecycle from concept through production, including raw materials, technical construction, fit, manufacturing, product testing, quality, costing and sourcing
• Proficiency with product lifecycle management systems
• Demonstrated judgment in solving complex, non-routine product development issues and making well-reasoned decisions with incomplete or conflicting information
• Proven experience leading cross-functional product development through expertise and influence, gaining cooperation from stakeholders across multiple levels and external suppliers
• Evidence of contributing to new or improved processes, standards, tools or ways of working
• Strong commercial judgment and negotiation capability, balancing design intent, consumer needs, manufacturability, cost, margin, quality, sustainability and timing
• Fluency in written and spoken English at a level enabling communication of complex development topics, presentation of recommendations and influence across multiple levels

Skills

Experience

7–10 years of related experience in footwear product development and/or sourcing, including independent ownership of complex product categories, seasonal workstreams or portfolios. Candidates should demonstrate in-depth knowledge of women's footwear categories such as heels, sandals, pumps, wedges or boots, together with comprehensive understanding of the full product lifecycle from concept through production, raw materials, technical construction, fit, manufacturing, product testing, quality, costing and sourcing. Experience with product lifecycle management systems is essential.

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent industry training, or equivalent relevant experience in footwear product development.

Workplace

Benefits

Exclusive onsite gym and fitness classes, personal training, meditation studio, sports clubs, in-house physiology services, access to nutritional and wellbeing programs, extensive food and beverage offerings including top-notch restaurant and barista coffee bars, sky bar, monthly social events, weekly Thursday drinks, game nights, access to PVH University training and professional development programs, employee discounts on Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger brands, access to seasonal market launches and sample sales.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.