Footwear Technical Developer (Thailand/Laos)

About the Company

Dr. Martens is a globally recognisable and culturally influential British brand with 65 years of heritage, rooted in craftmanship. The business values diversity, authenticity and career development, guided by three core values: be yourself, act courageously, and show you care.

About the Role

Join the Technical Development team to bring footwear concepts to life by translating design and development intent into production-ready samples. Based in one or more of our partner factories, you will work on-site to bridge Product Development and Commercialisation, ensuring samples are built with manufacturing realism, scalability, and profitability in mind. You will also support collaboration projects and new construction research to evolve product and process capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Footwear Development: Lead sample development in offshore factories; provide hands-on support for construction, patterns, tooling and cost-efficient builds; turn design concepts into production-ready footwear scalable for bulk; validate constructional materials and confirm BOM accuracy; lead and participate in factory DD meetings to provide technical direction and align timelines and build methods.
• Product Testing & Evaluation: Support fit, wear trial and performance tests to ensure comfort, durability and quality; review lasts, patterns and constructions and recommend practical improvements; confirm sole fit across last and bottom combinations; assess half-opened uppers for trimming and attachment methods; identify early risks and document risk assessments; collaborate with Compliance on pre-due diligence testing and resolve failed items with T1 partners; conduct pre-shipment sample reviews to ensure BOM compliance.
• Material Analysis: Assess uppers, linings, reinforcements, outsoles and functional materials for performance and production readiness; partner with Materials teams on new, sustainable and innovative options; validate functional materials and drive consolidation across styles and T1 suppliers; develop technical manuals for key functional areas.
• Footwear Engineering: Drive process standardisation by developing, implementing and maintaining footwear manufacturing SOPs; validate takt time during proto stages and assess production readiness for new and carryover styles; review factory machinery and tooling to ensure production capability; lead engineering readiness and drive continuous process and cost improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject preferred.
• Minimum 5 years' experience working with Asian footwear suppliers or within a footwear brand environment.
• Technically competent in shoemaking with extensive knowledge of footwear and accessory constructions, materials and their application and manufacture; experienced in product development, costing and bulk manufacture.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Advanced Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook) and database management.
• Effective time management and project management skills with attention to detail; strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent spoken and written English; fluency in Chinese will be an advantage.
• Right to work in Thailand / Laos without work visa sponsorship.