Product Developer FTW (Parental Leave Cover)

We're looking for a Product Developer in Footwear to cover a parental leave for approximately one year. The role is responsible for leading the development of footwear products from concept to final confirmation sample approval, including both new constructions and updates to existing styles through new materials and colorways.

The role collaborates closely with internal teams - Design, Sustainability, Merchandising, and Operations - as well as external suppliers to ensure a smooth and efficient development process.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

You're a skilled collaborator with deep technical knowledge - someone who builds trust with factories and design teams alike, and takes full ownership from prototype to final approval.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Drive the full development lifecycle from concept, prototyping, BOMs, technical development, wear testing, and Salesman samples through to confirmation samples

• Work closely with the Design team as well as the sourcing office and external factories to ensure execution follows all design ambitions as well as timelines and tech requirements

• Create accurate tech packs, BOMs, and other specs and ensure all PLM data is enriched

• Provide technical expertise on constructions, lasts, tooling, and new developments - anticipate and resolve technical or production issues early in development; always bring solution-focused options

• Develop new materials, treatments, and construction ideas to enrich the AA design toolbox

• Review costing/CBDs and recommend cost-saving solutions

• Conduct supplier visits as needed to ensure quality adherence to development timelines

ARE YOU THE ONE? We seek someone with most of the following:

• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in footwear development

• Proven experience managing multiple seasonal and innovation development projects

• Collaborative experience working with design teams, offering technical direction - at least two years within a brand

• Solution-oriented and proactive

• Highly organized with strong technical and aesthetic judgment

• Confident communicator with factories and suppliers

• Experience with Rhino (or similar), as well as 3D printing and outsole prototyping, is a plus.

HERE'S HOW TO APPLY

Apply by submitting your CV in English. We also welcome a short cover letter telling us why you think you would be a great fit for this role. Please do not include a photo or date of birth with your application; our recruitment process is competency-based.

We review applications continuously, and the position may be filled before the closing date.

DETAILS Contract type: Full-time, parental leave cover of approximately 1 year. Estimated starting date: January 2027 Reports to: Head of Development & Production FTW Location: Gothenburg Work mode: On-site, travel required

ABOUT AXEL ARIGATO

Founded in Sweden in 2014 by Albin Johansson and Max Svärdh, Axel Arigato was born with a disruptive mindset, modernising and democratising the sneaker landscape through a blend of style, quality, community and a digital-first approach.

Grounded in Scandinavian minimalism and elevated with playful, intentional details, every piece is designed with care: crafted to move globally, worn with individuality.

What began online expanded into physical spaces built for energetic cultural exchange: stores and experiences where conversations, performances and unexpected activations dissolve the boundaries between brand and culture.

Today, Axel Arigato continues to evolve with purpose via a people-powered approach. It shows up where culture happens: on streets, at events and across cities.

Built on curiosity. Driven by connection.

OUR VALUES: DROP Diversity, Respect, Openness and Passion are our values that we live and breathe. They are the foundation for our current state and what we will always bring with us to the future.