Director of Product Development and Sourcing

Manitobah is dedicated to a greater cultural diversity throughout our business operations and hiring process. Manitobah is committed to hiring Indigenous employees wherever possible.

Do you have a deep appreciation for Indigenous arts, cultures, and history and a passion for leading the creation and sourcing of exceptional footwear? If so, we want you to join our team!

WHAT YOU WILL DO The Director of Product Development and Sourcing is a leadership role responsible for overseeing the end-to-end process of product creation, sourcing, and bringing new products to market. This position involves leading cross-functional teams, driving innovation, and ensuring that product development efforts align with Manitobah’s overall business objectives.

The incumbent must have a working understanding and deep appreciation for Indigenous arts, cultures, and history. The incumbent should be initiative-taking and enthusiastic, able to work in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple tasks and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

WHAT WE OFFER Manitobah offers a comprehensive total compensation package which includes an annual base salary, group benefits, flexible work hours, generous paid time off, 50% discount on our retail products, professional development, and our newest benefit offering called Group Savings Program.

LOCATION This position is hybrid/remote. The incumbent will be required to report to our Headquarters, located at The Forks in Winnipeg, Manitoba as directed.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS Reports to:

Chief Executive Officer.

Key Relationships:

Product Development, internal and external stakeholders.

Direct Reports:

Yes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead the product development and sourcing function with an emphasis on enduring, innovative, and profitable product lines.

Demonstrate ability to align product vision with overarching business goals and execute strategic initiatives.

Develop and execute product creation strategy, product calendar, and roadmaps to meet timelines, budgets, and quality standards for commercial release.

Translate consumer insights, market trends, and technical expertise into designs and products to deliver exceptional footwear to the market that can sell effectively to target audiences.

Drive new and innovative designs, materials, and construction into manufacturable and commercially viable finished products that align with Manitobah’s strategy and goals.

Monitor, inspect, and communicate progress and challenges throughout the product testing process to meet product integrity requirements to Quality Assurance and compliance.

Define and advise on supplier & factory needs and innovations to improve product quality, cost and/or efficiency.

Maintain and develop relationships with vendors, evaluating capabilities of existing suppliers; support Sourcing to vet new suppliers as required.

Negotiate prices at prototype stage to achieve the best possible margin for all product initiatives while leading cost reduction.

Champion Manitobah’s B-Corp certification, ensuring to collaborate with suppliers, designers, and other teams to ensure products meet sustainability criteria.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Advanced knowledge of concepts, principles, methods and techniques of production and transformation, including factory production, manual and mechanical processes.

Advanced knowledge of technical design concepts, principles, methods, techniques, and tools involved in the creation and production of technical plans, blueprints, drawings or models.

Proven ability to collaborate effectively while working with cross-functional teams internally and externally in a fast-paced environment.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE Professional Experience:

Minimum 10 years of progressive product development and sourcing experience is required.

Minimum 5 years of experience in footwear development is required.

Minimum 3 years of management preferred.

Experience in developing footwear product directly with factories; understanding development from concept through manufacturing is required.

Work experience and technical understanding of waterproof constructions and materialization is preferred.

Proficiency in utilizing Adobe Suite, Microsoft Office, PLM and PM tools.

Educational Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in Product Development, Engineering, Merchandising or related area is required.

Continued education and experience in sustainability, sustainable product development, sustainable and ethical sourcing and disposal are preferred.

A combination of education and experience may be considered.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Some domestic and international travel may be required; incumbent must have a current, valid passport or the ability to obtain one.

Hybrid work environment: flexibility and availability to work across multiple time zones is required.

Ability to lift and move up to 35 pounds.

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