Job Title: Product Development Analyst (SMU & Fit/Wear Testing)
Position Overview
The Product Development Analyst is a hybrid role responsible for supporting both Special Make-Up (SMU) product development and fit & wear testing initiatives. This position plays a critical role in ensuring product excellence from concept through commercialization by combining hands-on product evaluation with development execution.
This role is split approximately 50% SMU product development and 50% fit and wear testing, requiring a balance of analytical thinking, product intuition, and strong cross- functional collaboration.
Key Responsibilities
Fit & Wear Testing (50%)
- Plan, coordinate, and execute fit and wear testing protocols across footwear styles.
- Evaluate product performance, fit, comfort, and durability through structured
- testing.
- Collect, analyze, and document feedback from wear testers.
- Partner with Product Development, Design, and Technical teams to identify issues
- and recommend improvements.
- Track and report on key fit and performance metrics to support decision-making.
- Maintain consistency in fit standards and testing methodologies.
- SMU Product Development (50%)
- Support the end-to-end development of SMU (Special Make-Up) footwear products.
- Collaborate with Design, Merchandising, and factory partners to execute product
- briefs.
- Manage timelines, ensuring on-time sample delivery and commercialization
- milestones.
- Review samples for accuracy against design intent, specifications, and quality
- standards.
- Track development progress, costs, and changes throughout the lifecycle.
- Assist in resolving development issues related to materials, construction, and fit.
Qualifications & Experience
- 1–3 years of experience in footwear product development, wear testing, or a related field.
- Strong understanding of footwear construction, materials, and fit principles.
- Experience working with factories and cross-functional teams.
- Ability to assess product both qualitatively (comfort, fit) and quantitatively (test
- results, metrics)
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
- Comfortable managing multiple projects and shifting priorities.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in both product development and wear testing environments.
- Background in performance or lifestyle footwear categories.
- Familiarity with testing protocols and data collection methods.
- Passion for product innovation and continuous improvement.
Key Competencies
- Product curiosity and hands-on mindset.
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Clear communication across teams and partners.
- Ability to balance technical rigor with product intuition.
- Compensation range : $80,000 - $110,000
