Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Languages
Timeline
Generic

KEVIN LYNCH

Pleasanton,CA

Summary

Footwear product development specialist with over 20 years of experience in creating performance, lifestyle, and fashion footwear. Expertise in managing cross-functional teams and optimizing development timelines to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products. Strong collaboration with overseas vendors to produce on-trend assortments that meet consumer demands and business objectives.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Product Developer, Ariat Work

ARIAT INTERNATIONAL
San Leandro, CA
01.2020 - 08.2025
  • Led end-to-end development of work boot constructions, launching innovative technologies that increased sales and enhanced competitive positioning.
  • Demonstrated expert-level knowledge of pattern engineering, model making, 2D/3D documentation, mold development, materials, and manufacturing processes.
  • Managed BOMs, technical specifications, and fitting notes across all Ariat Work footwear, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
  • Oversaw global product testing and certification for compliance with ASTM (US), CSA (Canada), CE (Europe), and AU (Australia) standards.
  • Streamlined development workflows, reducing product timelines by 30%.
  • Built and managed T&A calendars to track milestones from pre-production through ex-factory, identifying and resolving potential delays.

Senior Director, Product Development & Production

THE WALKING COMPANY
Westlake Village, CA
01.2019 - 12.2019
  • Drove development of private-label men's and athletic footwear, managing all stages from concept to production.
  • Selected materials, established supplier partnerships, and defined construction details with factories.
  • Ensured product quality by addressing production issues early and maintaining strong vendor communication.
  • Conducted market research to identify emerging comfort and performance trends.
  • Created and enforced detailed T&A calendars to ensure on-time delivery.

Senior Director, Product Development & Production

COACH, INC.
New York, NY
01.2016 - 12.2017
  • Led a team of 5 in relaunching a $100M+ division through strategic development processes, technical engineering, and vendor alignment.
  • Designed and implemented new systems, team structures, and production calendars aligned with global manufacturing needs.
  • Achieved $1M+ in cost savings through product reengineering, supplier consolidation, and strategic negotiation.
  • Developed global calendars balancing regional holidays and corporate timelines to ensure smooth operations.

Director, Product Development & Production

GBG / JIMLAR
New York, NY
01.2011 - 12.2016
  • Directed a team of 5 across multiple global brands, overseeing product life cycle from concept to delivery.
  • Consolidated leather/component suppliers to drive better pricing, service, and efficiency.
  • Collaborated with licensors to ensure seasonal alignment and maintained 87%+ on-time delivery.
  • Led R&D initiatives to innovate on product comfort, quality, and cost-efficiency.

Product Line Manager

ES ORIGINALS
New York, NY
01.2001 - 12.2011
  • Developed product lines for key mass retail accounts including Walmart and Target.
  • Researched seasonal trends and retail assortments to guide product direction.
  • Used in-depth knowledge of the HTS system to optimize speed-to-market and order placement.

Product Development Associate

CALVIN KLEIN, INC.
New York, NY
  • Supported product development processes for branded footwear lines.

Education

Bachelor of Arts (BA) - English, Sociology

Boston College
Newton, MA

Skills

  • Footwear Product Development
  • Innovation and Engineering
  • Supplier relationship management
  • Mold Development (blueprints, etc)
  • Sustainable material Sourcing
  • Costing, Budgeting & Margin Optimization
  • Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop
  • Wear Test and Fit Analysis

Languages

Spanish, Proficient

Timeline

Senior Product Developer, Ariat Work

ARIAT INTERNATIONAL
01.2020 - 08.2025

Senior Director, Product Development & Production

THE WALKING COMPANY
01.2019 - 12.2019

Senior Director, Product Development & Production

COACH, INC.
01.2016 - 12.2017

Director, Product Development & Production

GBG / JIMLAR
01.2011 - 12.2016

Product Line Manager

ES ORIGINALS
01.2001 - 12.2011

Product Development Associate

CALVIN KLEIN, INC.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) - English, Sociology

Boston College

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