40

Kerkrade, The Netherlands

8 juni 2025

Product Development Manager at Emma Safety Footwear

A passionate footwear developer with eye for innovation, style and sustainability

At EMMA Safety Footwear, we develop more than just safety shoes; we build a more sustainable and safer world with safety for everybody. Our products strongly relate to innovation, premium quality, and the highest sustainability standards. To strengthen our team, we are looking for a Product Development Manager with a passion for design, sustainability, and technological innovation.

Omschrijving bedrijf

 

A LOT’S CHANGED IN 90 YEARS, BUT OUR PASSION FOR QUALITY HASN’T
Safety is of the utmost importance to EMMA. Safety for the feet and safe working conditions for our employees, throughout the chain. EMMA stands for and sells safety. Emma’s mission is therefore as follows:

MISSION: EMMA Safety Footwear develops and manufactures the safest foot protection in a socially responsible
manner that allows everyone to perform their work comfortably. This mission is central to our company. In addition, we also look ahead. EMMA has growth ambitions. EMMA wants to grow in sales, also in international markets, but only in a responsible manner. That’s how we really create impact, because we only have one planet. The more shoes are produced in a sustainable way, the better it is for the environment! That is why we have also drawn up a vision:

VISION: EMMA wants to be an internationally leading and progressive company in developing and producing the safest foot protection. An organization that undertakes socially responsible business and that directs and controls the circular supply cycle. A unique, committed and proud company with care for the future and our next generations.

SUSTAINABILITY
SAFETY FIRST, CLOSELY FOLLOWED BY SUSTAINABILITY
We strive to leave the planet better than how we got it. That is why we do business on the basis of the principles of
the circular economy. In concrete terms, this means for EMMA the pursuit of the avoidance of the use of (primary)
raw materials, avoidance of energy use and CO2 emissions, the recovery of raw materials and the use of recycled
material in new products.
WE CARE, WORK SAFE!

Values
The following core values of the Hultafors Group are lived every day.

Insight
Always with the user’s best in mind, their needs and performance is the fuel for our passion to create a better and
more efficient workday. We rely on the power of research and data to make informed decisions and serve genuine
needs.

Respect
We believe that it is the people, not the company that enables success. As a group, we are characterized by collaborative, cross functional teamwork, together with personal development. We respect differences and take our social responsibility seriously.

Trust
We devote ourselves on being a reliable partner and colleague in every way. We take great pride in making sure we
keep our promises and always deliver on expectations.

Entrepreneurship
We are passionate thinkers and doers and believe everything is possible. With open minds, we look for new ways and solutions to grow our business. We are always prepared to take action and aim to deliver the best solution for  each unique situation.

Attention to detail
Our driving force is to exceed the users and customers’ expectations. By paying attention to the details in every aspect of our business, we offer a premium experience – all the way from idea development to perfected delivery.

Functieomschrijving

As a Product Development Manager, you are the driving force behind the development of our safety footwear. You translate market insights and customer needs into innovative products and lead and contribute to projects from concept to realization. You work closely with internal and external stakeholders to implement cutting-edge designs and sustainable materials that align with EMMA’s brand values.

What Will You Do?

Innovative Product Development

  • Lead and be actively involved in the entire product development process: from briefing to
    launch.
  • Develop safety footwear that meets the highest standards in sustainability, safety, and
    performance.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (design, supply chain, production, sales & marketing)
    to create innovative product solutions.
  • Integrate sustainable materials and production processes that contribute to our circular
    ambitions

Market- and Customer-Driven Innovation

  • Translate market trends and customer insights into product concepts.
  • Test prototypes with end users and incorporate feedback into product development.
  • Work with sales and marketing to develop a strategic product portfolio with a competitive
    proposition.

Quality and Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards (EU20345/20344).
  • Define product specifications and quality requirements, and support testing procedures in collaboration with the quality team.

Supplier and Partner Management

  • Build expertise and implement sustainable materials.
  • Establish and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers and production partners
    worldwide.
  • Occasionally visit suppliers and production sites in Europe, Asia, and South America.

Leadership in Sustainability

  • Collaborate with our Sustainability Manager to integrate sustainability into product development.
  • Develop initiatives that reduce the environmental footprint of our products and promote
    circularity.

profiel kandidaat

  • A unique blend of creativity, technical expertise, and commercial thinking.
  • Strong project management and communication skills.
  • Experience in footwear design, development, and production (preferably in safety footwear).
  • Knowledge of sustainable materials and innovative production methods (a plus).
  • Experience with quality and compliance standards in global markets.

wat bieden wij jou

At EMMA Safety Footwear, you have the opportunity to make a real impact. You will work in an inspiring and innovative environment where creativity and sustainability take center stage. We offer excellent employment conditions and a culture where your ideas are valued.

Besides an excellent annual remuneration, EMMA Safety Footwear offers you the following:

  • A one-year contract directly with EMMA Safety Footwear B.V. with the prospect of extension if you perform well.
  • End-of-year bonus 3%.
  • Holiday allowance 8%.
  • Good pension scheme.
  • Various Employee Benefits, such as the possibility to buy a bicycle in a tax-friendly way, discounts on insurance, trips and participation in the staff association.
  • Work for a social and stable employer with a unique history and a healthy growth ambition.
  • An employer that invests in sustainability and has won several awards in this area.

Procedure

The whole procedure will take in total around 3 interviews. A personality analysis can be part of the procedure.

 

Contact

Does your passionate product development heart beat faster after having read this job description? Then please
apply by sending us your application, including CV, to sander.bruinsma@culturefitter.com. For further information
you can also reach us at 0031 653975352.