We’re conscious mavericks; an open-minded and creative community who challenge the status quo, seek to live naturally, and believe in the powerful connection between their own health and the planet’s.

This Footwear Developer role will be based in HaiPhong. You will work very closely with the rest of the inhouse development team, as well as our global network of Vivobarefoot Developers, material managers, designers and production teams. The main goal of the role is to bring to life industry leading barefoot products, all developed inline with our regeneration and V-Matrix goals.

WHERE YOU’LL PLAY

• Collaborating with the UK Design & Development teams and our Manufacturing Partners to provide technical guidance on new development & innovation support, highlight risks and potential challenges and suggest alternatives where possible.
• Understanding new product briefs, to help bring it to life in a creative and regenerative way.
• Maintaining high awareness of the Critical Path to ensure information and samples are sent according to the seasonal timeline.
• Proposing cost saving options at each sample round to ensure that products are developed to target FOB wherever possible.
• Working to continuously improve product quality and ensure that Vivobarefoot shoes are developed to the highest standards, protecting our brand USP (WTF – wide, thin and flexible).
• Working in collaboration with the material developers to enhance and implement the future material toolbox ensuring testing, research and due diligence is carried out in good time during product ideation.
• Arrange and advise on lab testing both for material and finished goods.
• Utilizing the V-Matrix to steer decisions on process and materials, leading to improved product scores season on season.
• Conducting fit and wear testing on all new products throughout the season, then adjust the style where required. Use the data for continuous product improvement each season.
• Collaborate with our digital partners at Revobit to integrate this new way of working into our development process.
• Work closely with our commercialisation and production teams in Vietnam, to ensure a smooth handover from development into mass production.

ALL ABOUT YOU

• Minimum of 10 years footwear development experience.
• Understanding of footwear components, materials, and inline production processes.
• Based in Hai Phong.
• Experience of working with global supply chains.
• Experience in mechanical/chemical testing for footwear.
• Strong communication to support internal and external stakeholder management.
• A perfectionist attitude and eye for detail when it comes to footwear fit and quality with up-to-date knowledge of footwear innovation.
• Demonstrated computer skills, including familiarity with word processing, excel and powerpoint. Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator is a bonus.
• An analytical mind-set, with the ability to work to strategic business plans.
• Resilient - Able to manage failure and expectations.
• Optimistic & Curious – willingness to deep dive into new domains.
• Ability to work independently.
• Adapt to change and fast working environment.