Salary: $118,450 - $160,000

Vessi is a category-defining footwear and apparel brand with roots in Vancouver, Canada. At Vessi we know that water is a magical ingredient for happiness and peace, and since 2018, we've been on a mission to welcome the water and share it with the world. That's why we create 100% waterproof products that make experiencing the magic of water easier and more fun. We also believe in protecting water supply and replenishing fresh water for people who need it most through exciting charity partnerships.

Our community and team are out in the world spreading kindness, cold plunging, cleaning up coasts, and #makingwaves. And more recently with our expansion into omni-channel, we're enabling even more people to experience the magic of water through our products and brand experiences. We've got big plans ahead with more innovative products and expansion into the US market, and we're on the lookout for passionate and driven individuals to join us on this journey.
If you want to be part of a growing brand, and you're the type to walk through a puddle rather than around it, we'll get along just fine!
For more information, visit www.ca.vessi.com.

Overview We are seeking a seasoned Director, Product Development to join our Vancouver HQ! In this pivotal role, you'll oversee the entire development process, driving innovative, waterproof products from concept to market, ensuring that each category reaches its full potential.
As a Leader in the business, you'll lead and mentor a team of talented developers and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and vendors to ensure seamless workflow, alignment on key milestones and quality, cost-effective and on-time delivery.
This is an exciting new role in our growth journey where you'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact on our brand! If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, experience with waterproof and technical footwear and an appreciation for the casual and athleisure category, we want to hear from you!

Salary Range: $118,450 - $160,000
What You'll Do:

Calendar/Project Management (60% of role)

• Manage and execute the development calendar to timeline, budget, and quality
• Ensure developments meet quality, best cost, and margin targets
• Set and manage KPIs; lead and manage the Development team to ensure product quality and GTM plans are met
• Take ownership of the entire development process for all products with an emphasis on quality development and timely completion of all applicable deliverables on GTM calendar
• Own the entire GTM calendar and ensure deliverables and timelines are clearly communicated, supported, and met within the development team and also cross-functional teams and stakeholders
• Manage and facilitate the workflow within the development team and correspond with cross-functional teams; support in alignment and creative solutioning between the development team and cross-functional teams
• Maintain project documents and reports to key stakeholders and facilitate milestone reviews

Technical Development (40% of role)

• Take ownership for the entire development process with an emphasis on quality product development and timely completion of milestones
• Lead, manage, and coach developers to create footwear, apparel, and bag products that are on time and to our quality standards
• Develop and execute a strategic plan for footwear development that aligns with Vessi's overall strategy and goals

• Partner closely with Director, Product Design throughout development, ensuring alignment of key milestones for design sign-off and ensuring product specifications and FOB targets are met
• Drive new and innovative designs, materials, and construction into manufacturable and commercially viable finished products
• Monitor product defect and customer feedback to make adjustments as needed to improve product quality and improve customer happiness

What We're looking for:

• 7+ years of experience in footwear development
• Experience working with cross-functional teams
• Experience in developing product directly with factories; understanding development from concept through manufacturing
• Technical understanding of waterproof constructions and materialization
• Proficiency in PLM and PM tools
• An inspiring and empowering leader and manager who will roll up their sleeves to support the team
• Experience in the design, development or production of footwear and/or apparel
• Excellent project management and communication skills
• Strong understanding of product cycles and factory processes
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and interpersonal skills
• An entrepreneurial spirit with a strong sense of innovation and continuous improvement
  

It's a Bonus If You:

• Are fluent in Mandarin
  

What You'll Get:

• Opportunity to help build an ever-evolving brand
• Competitive salary
• 3 weeks paid vacation
• Professional development opportunities
• Extended health benefits package including an EAP and a $500 annual Health & Wellness Spending Account
• $250 WFH Reimbursement
• $1000 per year Education Reimbursement
• 40% Family & Friends Discount
• Free Vessi product and 50% Employee Discount
• Flexibility to WFH and from our beautiful office two days/week
• Dog-friendly office
  

At Vessi, we are committed to creating an environment where all team members feel welcome and have the opportunity to succeed. We believe that a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion allows us to truly fulfill our mission and live out our core values. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage people of all backgrounds, perspectives and skillsets to apply.