Product Development Manager - Footwear

About Cult - Curefit Healthcare Pvt Ltd, founded in 2016, is India's largest fitness company and wellness platform. Cult, from the house of Curefit, was established with a mission to make fitness easy, fun and accessible to everyone, and has emerged as a community celebrating the joy of fitness. The brand today offers a range of fitness services ranging from group workouts, gyms and personalized fitness solutions, as well as an expansive selection of quality fitness products for the everyday athlete. The company's vision is to empower everyone towards an active and healthier lifestyle through innovative fitness solutions, enabled by technology.

About the Role

We are looking for a dynamic Product Development Manager with strong

expertise in footwear development to lead the journey from design concept to

production-ready product. The ideal candidate will have deep technical knowledge

of footwear construction, materials, and costing, along with the ability to collaborate

across teams to deliver high-quality products within target costs and timelines.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Execution

Lead the development of multiple footwear categories from concept to commercialization.

Translate design concepts into manufacturable products while maintaining quality, performance, and cost targets.

Manage and monitor the product development calendar to ensure timely completion of sampling and development milestones.

Cost & Material Optimization

Manage product specifications, materials, and swatches throughout the development process.

Drive initiatives to achieve target FOB costs through smart material selection and construction optimization.

Provide raw material (RM) expertise and cost breakdowns for effective decision-making.

Technical Expertise

Strong understanding of last development and sole construction.

Evaluate mechanical performance of materials and finished footwear.

Ensure products meet industry testing standards and quality norms.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with design, sourcing, production, and quality teams.

Coordinate with internal departments and vendors for smooth development and sampling processes.

Lead development reviews and ensure clear communication across stakeholders.

What We're Looking For

7+ years of experience in footwear product development

Strong knowledge of footwear construction, materials, and manufacturing

processes

Experience with costing, raw materials, and component optimization

Understanding of testing standards and product compliance

Strong project management and cross-functional coordination skills

Bachelor's degree in Footwear Design, Leather Technology, Industrial Design, or

related field preferred.