Product Developer Footwear

We're making a big move and we want you to be part of it. We are relocating several of our core departments from London to Gothenburg, and as a result, we're growing our Swedish team in a major way. This means we're hiring across multiple departments simultaneously - including Brand, Product, Design, and more. This is a unique moment to join a fast-moving, internationally recognised fashion brand as we expand our presence in Sweden. If you've been waiting for an opportunity to be part of something exciting - this is it. Explore our open roles and find where you fit.

We are now looking for several roles of Product Developers - Footwear. The roles are 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 are a skilled collaborator with deep technical knowledge - someone who builds trust with factories and design teams alike, and takes full ownership from first 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 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?

Bachelor's or Graduate degree in a relevant field

Minimum 5+ years’ experience of footwear development

Proven experience managing multiple seasonal and innovation development projects

Collaborative 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 If you are ready to lead footwear development from concept to final approval and help shape the next chapter of Axel Arigato, apply today and join the next chapter of our creative journey. Apply by submitting your CV. 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 Reports to: Head of Development & Production FTW Location: Gothenburg Work mode: On-site, travel required Direct reports: No Start date: ASAP Financial responsibility: No A BIT 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 core values. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.