Hunter Boots is seeking an Assistant Footwear Product Developer to support the Senior Footwear Product Developer and Design Team across seasonal collections, collaborations, and SMUs (special make-ups).
This is a fixed term 1 year maternity cover role.
This is a hands-on development role ideal for someone with experience in rubber or moulded footwear who understands the materials, constructions, and technical challenges unique to this category. The role involves managing samples, specifications, and supplier communication from prototype through to production.
Hunter Boots is part of a wider group that owns and operates a portfolio of global apparel and footwear brands. The group combines strong heritage with innovation and sustainability to deliver premium products across multiple categories — from technical footwear to lifestyle and fashion.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the development of seasonal collections, collaborations, and SMUs with a focus on rubber and waterproof footwear.
* Maintain and update the critical path from proto through Gold Seal and pre-production, ensuring key milestones are met.
* Create and maintain accurate product specifications, bills of materials, and tech packs for all styles.
* Liaise daily with factories and suppliers to monitor sampling, tooling, and material development — especially rubber compounding, mould details, and colour processes.
* Work closely with design and technical teams to engineer products that meet margin, comfort, and performance goals while preserving design integrity.
* Manage the sample library (London and Southend), trims, colour standards, and courier logistics.
* Support product testing to relevant standards, managing adjustments in partnership with suppliers.
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Design, Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Customer Service) to ensure smooth product flow.
* Identify risks or bottlenecks early and propose solutions to keep development on track.
* Occasional travel to suppliers as required.
Skills and Qualifications
* Minimum 2–3 years’ experience in footwear product development, preferably within rubber boots, waterproof footwear, or outdoor categories.
* Strong understanding of footwear materials, mould processes, and technical drawings.
* Excellent organisational, time-management, and communication skills.
* Proficient in Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.
* Detail-oriented, proactive, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
* A collaborative mindset with the confidence to work cross-functionally.
Excellent Salary.