CONVERSE INNOVATION DESIGN MANAGER

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Description:
A Design Manager for the Innovation team in Converse's product creation department. Under the direction of the Director of Innovation, the Design Manger is responsible for leading a team of designers as they research, sketch, prototype and manufacture innovative footwear solutions 18-36 months from today.   This Manager creates innovative stories, concepts, theories, principles and designs for Converse Footwear products at an expert level.  Addresses product ambiguity and drives, focused advance product solutions that delivers against brand goals, Primarily (but not exclusively) working at a design leadership level with the In-line teams (Chuck Taylor, Jack Purcell, Basketball, Skate, One Star, Sport Authentics and Boot businesses) to create a line from concept to reality.  Makes recommendations that have an influence on the business unit.  Functions additionally as a Design Mentor to Designer's on the innovation team and throughout Converse Design.   DEVELOP CREATIVE STRATEGY FOR PRODUCTS, LINE SEGMENTS & INITIATIVES. In collaboration with Design (In-line, Trend, Color, Material) and Category Management/Marketing, develop seasonal creative strategy, stories and clearly position Converse's performance and design leadership.  Creatively lead key segments of category priorities.  Ensure that creative strategies and products inspire key consumers and lead our business forward.   EXECUTE LEADERSHIP PRODUCT.  Responsible for execution of key financial and brand/category statement models.  Finalize tech packages and proactively follow the execution of all product details:  construction, color, form, style, detail, fit performance, cost/value requirements, etc.  Review all samples and clearly communicate changes to appropriate Converse and Asia parties.   INNOVATIVE THINKER. Brings innovation into the category through original stories, designs and collaboration with RD&D and innovation partners (the Kitchen, athletes, ect.).  Confers with product team (Development, Marketing and Design) management to increase efficiencies, increase product adoption and ensure design excellence.   LEAD CONSUMER AND CULTURAL DISCOVERY.  Serve as a consumer expert for the Innovation team.  Apply insights from consumer perspective into all product designs and strategy creation.  Influence the category with knowledge and experience relating to the consumer, cultural trends, sports culture and athlete insights.  Know and understand the products and strategies of key competitors. Position will require travel for inspiration and market immersion trips.   PRESENT AND COMMUNICATE.  Assume a lead role in communicating creative strategies, product concepts and consumer insights to internal/external audiences.  Effectively present category and initiative positions.  Hone individual presentation skills to a high level and contribute to the presentation excellence of the category.  Communicate actively across the design function to advance the knowledge and connectivity of the group as a whole.   BUILD PROFESSIONAL DESIGN AND PROCESS SKILLS; FOSTER NEW TALENT. Continuously advance product, process and design skills reflective of a seasoned design professional.  Stay abreast of industry and technology developments within the product design profession.  Share methods with design staff and influence others to evolve creative skills.   CONTRIBUTE TO CREATIVE RECRUITMENT Seek out and recommend Design talent to Design Management and Category Leaders.  Serve on Design selection team as needed with portfolio review, interviewing, recommending.

Apply by eMail:do_not_reply@invalidemail.com

Job Created: Fri Nov 06 2009 07:29:48 AM
Last Modified: Sat Nov 21 2009 07:38:43 AM