Job Description

GENERAL PURPOSE OF JOB:

Coordinate, facilitate and report on all fit and wear testing needs to support the implementation of new products, changes to existing products (ECRs), or any R&D projects as necessary in a manner that is consistent with the company goals and objectives. Ensure that new project introductions meet the quality requirements established by this department and are consistent with the quality standards of Red Wing Shoe Company.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead multiple rounds of onsite & remote product testing to analyze fit, comfort, performance and durability of each product. Coordination of all required fit and wear testing for all new product introductions for all brands to ensure testing is conducted thoroughly, in a timely manner and meets specific requirements. This includes preparing the necessary documentation, preparing and inventorying test footwear, getting footwear to the testers, communicating with the testers during the test, investigating product issues that arise, inspect footwear returned from testers, providing data regarding test results and administering tester compensation.
• Coordinates all required fit and wear testing for footwear that consists of new components, materials, ECR’s and R & D concepts. This includes the same activities mentioned above.
• Actively communicate with the testers, retrieving feedback to detect product issues that arise.
• Prepare preliminary data and final test reports, i.e. pass/fail results.
• Constantly interact / communicate with Product Creation teams and any other necessary teams (manufacturing, purchasing, etc.) to develop test plans and determine level of testing and create test plans for each style by referring to the wear-testing matrix. Communicate and report the fit and wear testing results to the responsible teams.
• Actively recruit and build a solid network of authentic tester relationships across various geos, activities, and consumer segments for all brands and footwear types needed. Facilitate ads, respond to inquiries, plan and conduct tester recruitment meetings and input new testers in database, maintain tester profiles.
• Work closely with Product Creation, Quality and any other necessary teams to relay feedback from testing samples and resolve issues effectively and in a timely manner as they arise during the testing process.
• Provide project summaries / testimonials to Marketing as requested.
• As the Quality representative: inspect, ensure all necessary labeling on the product is accurate and the product is made to spec, ensure all necessary testing is completed and sign off on Confirmation Samples if approved.
• As the Quality representative: sign off on RFP documents.
• Maintain the tester pool within SalesForce and manage tester compensation with Finance.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (following duties are required on all positions):

• Provide technical support for the successful development and implementation of new technology into RWSC products and manufacturing processes.
• Ensure the quality of footwear is consistent with customer expectations and corporate quality standards.
• Obtain necessary information by maintaining knowledge of RWSC’s electronic communication software.
• Maintain quality service by establishing, following, and enforcing organization quality system standards.
• Uphold Red Wing Shoe Company’s core values.
• Complete other duties as assigned from time to time by your manager.

Qualifications

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required and three to five years related experience/training. 3-5 years of manufacturing experience, PC-based computer skills, analytical/problem solving skills, ability to manage multiple projects/tasks/requests, time management skills

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Planning techniques and problem solving skills
• Good negotiation and organizational skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Minimum 5 years product / manufacturing experience
• Experience in the shoe development process a plus. Have or be able to develop a strong understanding of footwear components, technologies and manufacturing processes.
• Experience in fitting footwear (measuring feet) a plus
• Experience working in an environment of continuous improvement
• Experience in an ISO9001 environment a plus
• SalesForce experience a plus

Additional Information

Red Wing Shoes is an Equal Opportunity Employer .

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.
Individuals with disabilities needing assistance in completing an application may contact rwsc.recruitment@redwingshoes.com or call 651-388-8211.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP at https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/ofccpost.htm

All offers of employment are contingent on satisfactory results of a background check and physical exam which includes a drug screen.

Red Wing Shoe Company, Inc. is a drug-free workplace.

Red Wing Shoe Company will not be using recruitment agencies or firms to fill this position and we will not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate information. No agency calls please.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)