Footwear Product Development Executive

Footwear Development & Sourcing Executive

Location: Pune (Balewadi)

Department: Product Development & Sourcing

Reports to: Head – Product & Design

About Frido

Frido, the flagship brand of Arcatron Mobility, is all about comfort and innovation in everyday products. We are now expanding into ergonomic and lifestyle footwear , blending comfort, technology, and style to redefine footwear for modern consumers.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Footwear Development & Sourcing Executive to lead the end-to-end product lifecycle – from trend research and product development to vendor management and sourcing. The role requires a keen eye for design, strong technical know-how, and expertise in managing vendors in India and overseas (China, Vietnam, etc.).

Key Responsibilities

• Product Development:
• Drive concept-to-prototype development for footwear collections, ensuring alignment with Frido’s comfort-first philosophy.
• Collaborate with design, marketing, and merchandising teams to translate consumer insights into functional, stylish products.
• Conduct trend research, competitive benchmarking, and material innovation sourcing.
• Sourcing & Vendor Management:
• Identify, develop, and manage vendor partners across India, China, Vietnam, and other regions.
• Negotiate pricing, timelines, and quality standards to ensure cost-effective sourcing without compromising product integrity.
• Conduct factory visits for quality assurance, fit trials, and production monitoring.
• Process & Quality Management:
• Streamline product development timelines to meet seasonal and business deadlines.
• Oversee sampling, prototyping, and commercialization processes.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards, sustainability goals, and cost optimization targets.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Partner with internal teams (marketing, sales, finance, and supply chain) for smooth design-to-production execution.
• Support launches with technical inputs and vendor insights.

Must-Have Requirements

• 5–10 years of experience in footwear development, sourcing, and vendor management (D2C/retail preferred).
• Strong network of vendors/suppliers in India, China, and Vietnam .
• Knowledge of footwear construction, materials, lasts, and comfort technologies.
• Proficiency in design software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, CAD tools).
• Strong negotiation, costing, and vendor relationship management skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Good-to-Have

• Exposure to accessories development (bags, belts, etc.).
• Experience in sustainable material sourcing.
• Prior experience with D2C/lifestyle/ergonomic product brands.
• Mandarin/Vietnamese language skills.