About the Role
The Director/Senior Director of Footwear Development will lead, manage, and execute the footwear development process, utilizing advanced product and process knowledge. This position will work with a cross-functional product creation team from the collection of insights to the delivery of products that exceed consumer expectations. This person is responsible for achieving results within the specified calendar and budget constraints, ensuring projects meet quality expectations, are delivered on time, and meet company financial margin targets.
You’ll Make a Difference By
- Leading the product creation process by managing both internal and external resources, in conjunction with vendor/factory resources, to meet execution timelines for new and inline products from concepts through approval of pre-production samples; drive product development timelines to ensure calendar deliverables and dates meet target schedule
- Reviewing and approving all tooling (blueprints) on a seasonal basis. Recommend, review, and approve all compounds on all components to ensure products meet end use requirements, pass all relevant testing, and meet global test standards
- Leading the drive towards automation, efficiencies, value engineering, design for manufacturing in partnership with Product Creation team, while maintaining Ariat’s best in class quality standards
- Standardizing fit and utilization of proven fitting back part on new lasts, allowing for different footwear types and constructions. Manage digital and physical last library on a global basis
- Leading the innovation agenda and transition to inline new product development, establish the requirement of new machine and technology capability requirements if necessary and influence the product sourcing decision
- Managing the Product Development team: training and development, talent assessment, coaching and mentoring to develop the talent and elevate the team capacity and build on the positive and inclusive working environment to support the long term business needs
- Collaborating though daily e-mails, video conferences, and regular factory visits with our overseas partners and Ariat offices to assure quality and on time delivery of prototypes and sampling through production.
- Collaborating with Design, Engineering, Merchandise, Material and Costing team to achieve product performance integrity through product testing (physical and field testing), product is engineered properly, FOB price meet targets, sample size fitting and visual is approved
- Traveling to overseas manufacturing facilities with TRIAD team 2 – 3 times per year to review Pullovers and manage problem solving of seasonal development
- Giving direct reports proper guidance on their projects, meeting their calendar milestones, and utilizing systems, while keeping them “on track” in terms of their professional development
About You
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Design, Biomechanics or related field, MBA or Master is a plus
- 10+ successful years of experience leading the development of high-performance footwear projects; minimum of 5 years as a leader of people
- A complete knowledge of footwear development, construction and production, comprehensive knowledge of lasts, molds, and patterns (and grading standards)
- Technical expertise in footwear product development, process, project management, costing and manufacturing of product from conception to retail
- Demonstrated success leading, developing, and motivating high performing teams
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an advanced ability to communicate new ideas, concepts and functional expertise within project teams and to external stakeholders
- Ability to build strong and effective cross-functional relationships
- Availability to travel internationally
- Attention to detail, follow-through and organization skills are critical
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PLM systems
- Embrace and live Ariat values!
About Ariat
Ariat is an innovative, outdoor global brand with roots in equestrian performance. We develop high quality footwear and apparel for people who ride, work, and play outdoors, and care about performance, quality, comfort, and style.
The salary range for this position is $130,000 – $140,000 per year.
The salary is determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data for geographic locations. Ariat in good faith believes that this posted compensation range is accurate for this role at this location at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future.
Ariat’s holistic benefits package for full-time team members includes (but is not limited to):
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options
- Expanded wellness and mental health benefits
- Paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and paid volunteer days
- 401(k) with company match
- Bonus incentive plans
- Team member discount on Ariat merchandise
Note: Availability of benefits may be subject to location & employment type and may have certain eligibility requirements. Ariat reserves the right to alter these benefits in whole or in part at any time without advance notice.
Ariat International
Related jobs:
Job Description
A high-energy brand activation is seeking Brand Ambassadors and Production Assistants to support a large-scale Super Bowl Watch Party event. This opportunity is ideal for reliable, professional individuals with strong communication skills and event experience. Team members will help represent a major spirits brand while ensuring a smooth and engaging guest experience throughout the event.
Job Responsibilities
Brand Ambassadors
-
Welcome and check in guests at the event entrance
-
Serve as the face of the brand throughout the activation
-
Answer guest questions and provide event information
-
Distribute promotional materials and branded items
-
Encourage guest participation in brand activities
-
Maintain a clean, organized event space
-
Support social media engagement by encouraging guests to share content
-
Follow all brand guidelines, dress code standards, and safety protocols
Production Assistants
-
Assist with event load-in, setup, and breakdown
-
Support the production team throughout the event day
-
Reset and organize event spaces as needed
-
Transport and lift equipment and supplies
-
Remain flexible with duties and schedule adjustments based on event needs
-
Represent the brand professionally at all times
Requirements
-
Prior event, brand ambassador, or production experience preferred
-
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
-
Professional appearance and positive attitude
-
Ability to work in a fast-paced, live event environment
-
Production Assistants must be able to lift 50 lbs or more
-
Production Assistants must have a valid driver’s license
-
Must be reliable, punctual, and detail-oriented
Compensation Details
-
Paid opportunity
-
$30 per hour
-
Branded crew t-shirt provided
-
Talent must wear their own dark jeans (no rips or embellishments) and clean white or black sneakers
Job Description
A short dark thriller film is seeking motivated crew members to join an upcoming production. This project is ideal for emerging film professionals who are eager to gain hands-on set experience, earn screen credit, and continue growing within the film industry. The production values collaboration, learning, and practical on-set experience in a supportive environment.
Job Responsibilities
-
Support camera, lighting, and grip departments during production
-
Assist with camera operation, focus pulling, lighting setup, and rigging as assigned
-
Follow direction from department leads and collaborate with the crew
-
Maintain a professional, reliable presence on set
Requirements
-
Open to entry-level or less-experienced crew members
-
Willingness to learn and develop technical skills on set
-
Strong work ethic and positive attitude
-
Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced production environment
-
Interest in pursuing long-term growth in the film industry
Compensation
-
Copy and screen credit
-
Meals provided during shoot days
-
Valuable on-set experience on a narrative film project
B-Roll Camera Operators and Editors Hiring Call
Job Description
A digital entertainment network is now hiring experienced B-roll camera operators and video editors for ongoing and upcoming productions. This paid opportunity is ideal for reliable professionals with strong technical skills, creative instincts, and a solid work ethic. The team is seeking camera operators for on-set shoots and editors for post-production, with flexibility for remote editing roles.
Job Responsibilities
-
Capture high-quality B-roll footage for digital and reality-style productions
-
Operate professional camera equipment efficiently on set
-
Edit video content with clean pacing, storytelling, and visual polish
-
Collaborate with producers and creative leads to meet project needs
-
Deliver finished content on schedule and to spec
Requirements
-
At least 1 year of professional experience as a camera operator or video editor
-
Strong technical knowledge of filming or editing workflows
-
Reliable, professional, and detail-oriented
-
Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
-
Editing roles may be remote; camera operators must be available for on-site shoots
Compensation
-
Paid professional positions
-
Ongoing work opportunities based on performance and project needs
-
Opportunity to work with a growing entertainment network
Craft Services & Catering Crew
Job Description
A short film production is hiring Craft Services and Catering crew to support cast and crew during filming. This role is essential to keeping the set energized, organized, and running smoothly.
Job Responsibilities
-
Set up and maintain craft services area
-
Prepare and organize snacks, meals, and beverages
-
Ensure cleanliness and food safety standards
-
Support crew morale during long shoot days
Requirements
-
Prior craft services or catering experience preferred
-
Organized and reliable
-
Comfortable working on a film set
Compensation
-
Paid crew position (rate discussed upon selection)
Job Description
A local media and storytelling team is hiring a full-time Creative Producer to help shape engaging stories that connect Las Vegans to their city. This role supports content development across audio and digital platforms, working closely with the team to plan, produce, and deliver compelling local storytelling. Candidates must live in the Las Vegas metro area and be excited about community-focused content.
Job Responsibilities
-
Develop, pitch, and produce local story ideas for audio and digital platforms.
-
Coordinate production logistics, including scheduling, planning, and managing deliverables.
-
Support recording sessions and help guide content structure from concept to final output.
-
Collaborate with hosts and internal team members to ensure content aligns with editorial goals.
-
Maintain organized workflows and timelines for ongoing content production.
Requirements
-
Must live in the Las Vegas metro area.
-
Experience producing audio, podcast, or digital content (professional or comparable experience).
-
Strong storytelling instincts and knowledge of local culture/community interests.
-
Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
-
Comfortable working collaboratively in a fast-paced content environment.
Compensation Details
-
Compensation details are not listed in the post (to be provided during the application process).
Model Recruiters for Fashion and Talent Agency
Job Description
A top-tier modeling agency is now hiring motivated Model Recruiters to scout new talent and connect with aspiring models in the Atlanta market and beyond. This is a remote-friendly, commission-based opportunity ideal for self-starters who are passionate about fashion, talent development, and building strong networks in the entertainment industry. If you’re looking for flexibility and income potential while expanding your footprint in the modeling world, this role is for you.
Job Responsibilities
- Identify and recruit potential modeling talent through online platforms and personal networks
- Build and maintain a pipeline of qualified candidates for agency representation
- Conduct initial outreach and guide talent through the application process
- Attend weekly calls and monthly virtual meetings for team updates and support
- Stay informed on trends in the modeling and entertainment industries
Requirements
- Must be 18 or older
- Familiarity with the fashion or modeling industry preferred
- Self-driven, organized, and results-oriented
- Smartphone and/or computer required for daily communication
- Able to work independently with minimal supervision
Compensation
- Commission-based pay structure with unlimited earning potential
- 90% remote flexibility
- Access to an established network within the Atlanta modeling market
- Ongoing mentorship and brand-building opportunities