Director of Footwear
Location: Boston, MA - Hybrid
Position Overview
Director of Footwear is the strategic and technical leader driving the creation of industry-leading running shoes. This role sits at the intersection of sports science, advanced engineering, and consumer insights. You will lead a high-performing technical team of internal and external resources to deliver footwear that maximizes energy return, optimizes biomechanics, and sets new benchmarks for weight, fit, and durability. From daily trainers to elite performance shoes, you will collaborate with Design, Product Line Management (PLM), Planning, Merchandising, and Operations to translate athlete data into commercial reality while hitting strict margin, sustainability, and go-to-market targets.
Key Responsibilities
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Performance-Driven Product Creation: Lead the end-to-end development of the performance running portfolio (Core Statement, Racing, Trail, and Track & Field). Oversee the transition from 2D concepts to manufacturable 3D prototypes, ensuring all performance metrics (cushioning, propulsion, weight, and drop) are achieved.
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Advanced Innovation & Integration: Champion the commercialization of cutting-edge running technologies. Guide the integration of supercritical foams, carbon-fiber/composite plates, and highly engineered, lightweight upper materials into seasonal inline products.
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Athlete Testing & Biomechanical Validation: Partner closely with sports research labs, wear-test coordinators, and elite athletes. Use quantitative performance data and qualitative runner feedback to refine fit, ride, and mechanical efficiency prior to production.
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Franchise Lifecycle Management: Work alongside Product and Merchandising to build, evolve, and sustain key running franchises. Balance the need for disruptive innovation with the consistent, reliable ride expected by loyal consumers of heritage models.
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Costing & Value Engineering: Manage the complex costing structures associated with premium performance materials. Negotiate with Tier 1 and Tier 2 factory partners in Asia to achieve margin targets without compromising the technical integrity or performance of the shoe.
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Global Manufacturing & Partner Management: Serve as the primary technical liaison for overseas factory development centers. Oversee advanced tooling creation, complex BOMs (Bill of Materials), and ensure quality control standards for high-stress performance components are strictly met.
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Cross-Functional Process Management: Manage the full footwear process, including the oversight of external design and engineering resources. Drive seamless coordination with Planning, Merchandising, and Operations teams to ensure development is aligned with strategic business objectives and go-to-market timelines.
Experience & Qualifications
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Education: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Biomechanics, Sports Science, or a related field. Advanced degrees are a plus.
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Industry Experience: 10–12+ years of progressive footwear development experience, with a proven track record of scaling high-performance running products from concept to global market launch.
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Leadership Experience: Minimum of 4+ years of direct team management, leading cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, milestone-driven product creation matrix.
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Global Operations: Extensive on-the-ground experience working with Asian manufacturing partners, specifically factories with expertise in advanced athletic footwear and tooling. Willingness to travel internationally.
Prefered Skills
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Sport Performance and/or Running Technical Mastery: Expert-level knowledge of running biomechanics, advanced midsole compounds, composite plate engineering, and technical upper constructions (e.g., engineered mesh, knit, mono-mesh).
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Runner Obsession: A deep, intuitive understanding of the global running community, marathon culture, shifting consumer trends (e.g., supershoe adoption, hybrid training), and the competitive landscape.
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Data-Driven Problem Solving: Ability to synthesize complex biomechanical data, lab testing results, and commercial sales analytics to make informed development decisions.
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Cross-Functional Influence: Exceptional communication skills with the ability to bridge the gap between creative design, hard science/engineering, and commercial business objectives.
The annual salary for this role is expected to be between $145,000 and $175,000 depending on a combination of factors, including the candidate's experience, education, and industry knowledge.
TO APPLY:
If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your resume to:
Due to internet hiring scam attempts, we encourage applicants for open positions listed at Tracksmith to apply through the following site: tracksmith.com/pages/team. All communication with the hiring team at Tracksmith will come directly from a @tracksmith.com email address. Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns.