Sr. Director, Product Development

Job Summary

The Senior Director, Product Development provides global leadership for KEEN’s footwear product development organization and is accountable for translating product strategy, design intent, consumer needs, and commercial objectives into innovative, manufacturable, profitable footwear. This role leads the global footwear development function from product concept through commercialization, establishing the development standards, technical capabilities, operating disciplines, talent structure, and factory partnerships required to deliver the global product portfolio. The Senior Director serves as the senior technical and commercialization leader within Global Product & Innovation, partnering closely with Product Management, Design, Color & Materials, Fit & Wear, Innovation, Merchandising, Product Operations, Sourcing, Costing, Engineering, Quality, and owned and partner factories. The role is accountable for protecting product integrity while improving speed, margin, quality, fit, manufacturability, and execution across the portfolio. The Senior Director builds and develops a high-performing footwear development organization capable of supporting KEEN’s current business while creating the technical capabilities required for future growth.

Essential Functions

Description

Global Product Development Leadership

Product Creation & Technical Excellence

Manufacturing, Cost, & Commercialization

Fit, Validation, & Innovation

Product Creation Operations & Continuous Improvement

Cross-functional & Global Leadership

Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without cause.

Qualifications

Any equivalent combination of experience and education which clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may substitute on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Travel Required: Yes, up to 30% of the time

Base Salary: $226,000 - $250,000

The salary range posted for this position represents the anticipated hiring range for this role. Offers are made within this range based on factors such as relevant experience, skills, education, internal equity, and market considerations. This is the hiring range for the position; compensation above the posted maximum is not typically available at the time of hire.

Work Location: Hybrid

This role is based in the Portland, OR area and follows a hybrid work model. Employees are expected to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of our Portland office and generally work on-site four days per week, with flexibility based on business and team needs.

Why Work at KEEN: Driven by a passion for life outside, KEEN is a values-led, independently owned brand from Portland, Oregon, that’s on a mission to create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire outside adventure. Founded in 2003, KEEN launched a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport adventure sandal and has donated more than $18 million to non-profit organizations and causes around the world to promote responsible outdoor recreation, including conservation efforts to protect open spaces. KEEN strives to show the world through its products and its actions that a business for good can actually be good for business. By giving back, reducing impact, and activating communities and individuals to protect the places where we work and play, KEEN puts its values in motion and takes action to leave the world a better place. Fuerst Group, KEEN, and Chrome are equal opportunity employers. We value an inclusive and diverse community. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.