Head of Product Development (m/w/d)

About This Opportunity

We are representing a fast-scaling footwear brand based in Hamburg that has experienced remarkable growth over recent years. Our client is now seeking a Head of Product Development to lead their product development function through the next phase of expansion.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who understands that great products are built in factories, not boardrooms. You'll own the entire development process from initial concept through production release, working closely with design, merchandising, sourcing, and quality teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of footwear product development from concept to production-ready specifications
• Manage and develop the product development team through both technical guidance and leadership
• Maintain direct relationships with factories, producers, and suppliers in China
• Oversee sampling, fittings, material selection, construction, quality standards, and production approvals
• Ensure development timelines are met with appropriate quality levels and commercially viable terms
• Troubleshoot quality, material, production, and delivery issues decisively
• Travel regularly to China and other production locations when on-site problem-solving is required
• Collaborate closely with design, merchandising, quality, sourcing, and senior product leadership
• Drive continuous improvement in products, materials, fit, construction, and production processes
• Manage supplier relationships across quality, speed, cost, and technical execution parameters
• Establish clear development processes, standards, and accountability frameworks
• Identify development risks early and implement proactive countermeasures
• Monitor material, production, and footwear industry trends

What We're Looking For

• Extensive experience in footwear product development, ideally within a rapidly growing consumer brand
• Several years leading and developing product development teams
• Deep China experience with proven track record working directly with Chinese factories and suppliers
• Established network of producers, factories, and relevant partners in China
• Strong understanding of footwear construction, materials, fit, lasts, soles, components, and production processes
• Demonstrated expertise in sampling, fittings, quality control, costing, and production releases
• High technical competence with ability to resolve quality and production problems directly with factories
• Strong negotiation skills and experience managing international supplier relationships
• Very high willingness to travel, particularly to China
• Flexibility to travel on short notice when critical product or production issues arise
• High resilience, decisiveness, and pronounced hands-on mentality
• Solution-oriented work style with accountability through to final results
• Quick comprehension, pragmatic execution, and extremely detail-oriented regarding product quality
• Excellent English language skills; additional relevant languages are a plus

How We Work With You

When you apply through Get A Job.ai, our recruiting team will review your profile and conduct an initial screening conversation. If there's a strong match, we'll submit your candidacy to our client and guide you through their interview process. Please apply exclusively through our platform and do not contact the employer directly.

Pay

Compensation details will be discussed during the screening process based on your experience level and qualifications.

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