As R&D Tooling Engineering Manager, you will lead, mentor, drive and execute all tooling in collaboration with Product Development, Commercialization, Tooling, T2 vendors and factories, and provide the highest technical services to deliver the outmost tooling quality, on-time delivery and price, in-line with the FitFlop Product/Brand Standards and on-time.

This position is based in Dongguan, China, with travel as necessary.

The Responsibilities:

• The role is critical bridge between Design, R&D, PD, Commercialization and Mass production.

• Working directly with UK R&D, PD, Designer to creating the physical tools that from 2d/3d into a manufacturable Mold for production.

• Responsible for the design, development, procurement, and validation of the Molds.

• To received tech pack from the UK R&D team, verify the tech pack with the UK team, and handover comprehensive tech pack to the Factory and Mold maker.

• Create Tooling Dev process and Tooling Standard.

• Build the Mold shop vendor assessment, to ensure vendors meet adequate technical capability, quality and delivery timeline.

• Ensure the tooling are precise, cost-effective, and capable of producing high-quality components for finished product.

• Driving innovation in the manufacturing process.

• Manage the Mold development process to meet quality and efficiency for production requirement.

• To ensure the development Mold and determine the best Mold construction for injection, compress, rubber, TPU any moulded components, and Mold Cavity/Recess.

• Sample tooling Evaluation, lead the evaluation of any new tools, check dimensions, stock-fitting, finish, and functionality with the original design specification

• Problem-solving skill, analysis and resolve Dev and Production issues related to the tooling

• Hand over the new tooling tech pack for commercialization to grade out new tools for production

• Production Molds inventory management.

• Overview all production Molds

• Standardise with outsole supplier for Mold maintenance to ensure Molds are being stored in good condition for production

• Innovation and New technology, research and implement new tooling technologies and materials (3D print Molds, sustainable moulded materials, etc.)

• Enable to create of complex new designs and performance features tooling that define the brands’ competitive product in market.

• Function effectively in a fast paced, multi project environment with extensive expert use of machining principles including tooling practices, methods, standards and techniques relating to design, machining, tooling, fixtures and prototype part production.

• Ownership of all stages in mould making from Sample to Production Molds: BP, Mold creation, Stock fit approval, Grading and Production Mold. Lead stock fitting trials for Samples & Production Molds.

• Support Product development and commercialization teams by providing technical expertise regarding mould making process and mould construction.

• Creation and maintenance of FitFlop Tooling Data Base.

• Shorten tooling creation and manufacturing lead time with the implementation of Lean Manufacturing and forecasting & planning tools.

• Lead the transition from innovation to development and production. Provide feedback with options and suggestion to ensure highest level of product functionality and manufacturability are met.

The Person:

• At least 5-7 years’ experience working in the footwear industry in a tooling capacity (strong understanding of footwear tooling manufacturing)

• 5 -8 years’ experience in CAD/CAM for creation of complex injection/compression molds.

• Deep knowledge of mold engineering: mold structure, air hole location, partition…

• Good English skills with experience in working with a multi-national company, fluent in verbal and written English.

• Ability to write reports and business correspondence in English. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from their counterparts, teammates, factory partners and vendors.

• Be able to lead the process end to end.

• Have presentation skills. Able to create a project and to present and follow up with FF Asia ,UK Headquarters and T1-T2 vendors.

• Have previous experience in Mold Shops and work in a similar role managing direct communication with HQ Design, PD and Innovation/R&D dept.

• In depth understanding of material/compounds performance.

• Detailed knowledge of supply chain planning & lead-time processing.

• Ability to create consensus and work cooperatively with a team.

• Frequent travel domestically and internationally as needed.

• Effective interpersonal communication skills.

• IT skills: MS Office mandatory with advanced Excel, PLM / PDM knowledge preferred.

The Benefits:

We’re all about giving people the tools to be the best they can be. Because, when we’re at our best (happy and healthy) together we have the power to do something amazing and really deliver. Our benefits include medical and social insurances, pension contribution, holiday, free pairs and product discounts, FitFlop Feel-Good program (including everything from mindfulness to financial wellbeing) and a full blended learning and development calendar.

Equal Opportunities

FitFlop is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, neurodivergence, ethnicity, religion or belief, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We actively encourage neurodivergent candidates and individuals with disabilities to apply. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know. We are committed to providing an accessible and supportive recruitment experience.