WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

This is a cross functional role supporting both the Bowerman Footwear Lab (BFL) and the Inline Flyknit team. It will manage a team of Flyknit technicians and entry level professionals. You will report to the BFL Manufacturing and Engineering Director but will work with teammates from the Flyknit team (Flyknit Programming, Flyknit Engineering, Flyknit Commercialization). You will also connect and collaborate with the rest of the BFL’s Manufacturing and Engineering team (Product Engineering and Last Engineering) as well as, Footwear Development, Materials, and Maintenance teams within the BFL.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

This role is a combination of a people leader, a driver of process to maximize output, someone with mechanical acumen to work around production equipment, and a strategy partner to help pave the way for the BFL and Flyknit’s long term success. Priorities can shift quickly, so being able to gather the team, clearly communicate priorities and keeping people motivated is essential. We need a strong collaborator that also isn’t afraid to speak up if something is unclear or potentially unfair. We are looking for leaders that can maximize team productivity, but not at the expense of burning out our valuable talent. You need to appropriately challenge people to grow, nurture their skills, and make sure they are feeling appreciated and cared for as employees. While the manager isn’t expected to be a technical expert in any given area, a leader that is willing to roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty, and learn what their team’s day-to-day is like is important. Being able to highlight gaps in the current team and bring in diverse talent to help the team thrive is also critical.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, experience or training
• A minimum of 8 years directly relevant work experience
• Experience working in Product Manufacturing, Engineering, Design or a related field; ideally working specifically in textile manufacturing or soft goods.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate complex concepts in terms that prompt action at both the sr. leadership level as well as the direct report level
• People management and team leadership experience
• Strong desire for people development, coaching, and high degree of emotional intelligence.

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

One main function of this team is to support the creation of high-quality Flyknit samples. You will need to navigate the many different projects flowing through the team at one time, make sure people and machine resources are assigned appropriately, and the team has a safe working environment to complete their tasks.

• You will support your direct reports goals through weekly 1:1 meetings, IDP development/coaching, cross training, and CFE conversations
• Help your team set clear goals leading to a productive, challenging, and engaging career
• Partner with our maintenance teams to lead machine maintenance and improvements for inline Flyknit knit machines
• In partnership with Bowerman Creation University (BCU), you will help host training events and content creation
• Actively keep track of your team’s overall priorities and capacity
• Partner and with other Flyknit leaders to accept appropriate new project requests
• Clear and consistent communication with the Vietnam Flyknit team, partnering on learnings and group troubleshooting will be required

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees and job applicants. We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.