Footwear Structures Development & Industrialization Specialist

Overview

Fendi is an emblematic Maison within the LVMH group, renowned for its Roman heritage, artisanal savoir‑faire and high‑end leather and footwear collections. The brand combines craftsmanship and contemporary creativity across global ateliers and production sites, offering careers that blend technical excellence with luxury product innovation.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead the development and industrialization of footwear structures for women's collections from initial concept through to finished product, ensuring Fendi standards for quality and innovation are met.
• Coordinate and manage development timelines and industrialization activities with external suppliers and internal laboratories, guaranteeing adherence to deadlines and technical specifications.
• Research and evaluate new technologies, innovative materials and advanced construction solutions to enhance performance, aesthetics and cost‑efficiency of shoe structures.
• Support the Technical Head in assessing technical and industrial feasibility of structure proposals from the design office, providing material, process and costability input.
• Collaborate closely with the patternmaking/modelleria team to engineer structures, refine prototypes and optimise technical solutions in line with the stylistic vision.
• Monitor and optimise industrialisation phases at supplier sites by implementing control procedures to secure final product quality.
• Produce and maintain comprehensive technical documentation for developed structures.
• Liaise continuously with Quality Control and Production teams to identify and resolve issues related to materials, processes and structural performance.

Qualifications

• Technical diploma (technical secondary school qualification).
• Minimum 5 years of specific experience in development and industrialization of footwear components and structures, preferably within the luxury sector.
• Deep knowledge of materials used for soles and structural elements and of relevant manufacturing technologies and footwear production processes.
• Proven project management, organisational and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Strong attention to detail, innovation mindset and sensitivity to luxury aesthetics.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to manage relationships with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Willingness and availability to travel frequently within Italy.

Skills

Experience

At least 5 years' hands‑on experience in development and industrialization of footwear structures and components, with demonstrated exposure to supplier coordination, prototyping and luxury product standards.

Education

Technical diploma (secondary technical qualification).

Culture

Fendi cultivates a culture that marries couture craftsmanship with forward‑looking design, privileging meticulous attention to detail and material innovation. The workplace values collaboration across ateliers, technical teams and external partners, with a strong emphasis on quality, creativity and respect for artisanal processes.