Koobz
Footwear Innovation Program Lead
Mission
Lead the technical execution of advanced footwear innovation programs — managing complex internal workflows, guiding prototyping, and ensuring high-performance outcomes. This role is built for someone with deep footwear knowledge who can confidently manage product development while supporting brand partnerships through strong project coordination.
You’ll be the internal engine of these programs — owning timelines, technical direction, and cross-functional execution — while partnering with leadership to ensure external communication and alignment with customers stays on track.
What You’ll Do
Lead internal execution of partner-driven footwear innovation programs from early concept through manufacturable prototype
Manage project plans, coordinate technical teams, and ensure timely delivery across cross-functional groups
Translate creative briefs and biomechanical goals into structured development roadmaps
Collaborate with design, engineering, and manufacturing to rapidly prototype and iterate on new concepts
Apply advanced 3D printing techniques and performance materials in footwear applications
Design and manage testing protocols to evaluate fit, comfort, durability, and mechanical behavior
Identify and mitigate risks related to manufacturability, performance, or timeline
Act as a footwear subject matter expert — supporting internal teams with deep technical insight into design, construction, and lifecycle performance
Support external project delivery by tracking milestones, managing partner inputs, and communicating progress in collaboration with senior leadership
Educate internal stakeholders and partners on footwear-specific terminology, tools, and development practices
What You Bring
5–7+ years in footwear development, innovation, or technical product management
Strong background in fit engineering, biomechanics, and performance validation
Hands-on experience building and testing footwear prototypes, ideally with exposure to 3D printing or additive manufacturing
Proven ability to manage complex, fast-paced technical projects
Exceptional organizational and communication skills
Adept at translating technical development into clear plans and deliverables
Comfortable collaborating with brand partners as a program manager, while focusing day-to-day on internal execution
Bonus If You Have
Experience with advanced materials or 3D printing platforms
Familiarity with product testing workflows — both lab and field
Tools fluency: Rhino, Adobe Suite, PLM, footwear testing software
Interest or background in sustainable or circular product design
About You
You’re a footwear expert first and foremost — someone who understands how shoes are designed, built, and validated. You thrive in the messy middle of innovation: balancing timelines, guiding technical teams, and helping translate ambitious ideas into functional prototypes. You’re also a strong project manager — someone who can support external communication and keep partners aligned, while letting others lead the relationship.
Location: Ventura, CA
Reports to: Chief Business Development Officer & Head of Footwear Innovation
About Koobz
Koobz is redefining how performance footwear gets made — combining additive manufacturing, sustainable design, and agile development to bring innovative ideas to life. We collaborate with bold partners, experiment constantly, and move fast to shape what’s next.