Christopher Scheller

About Christopher Scheller

I am a high performance-driven senior product development director with technical expertise in footwear design and manufacturing for world-leading footwear brands- Highly regarded for my strategic vision and design engineering knowledge, I have pioneered highly successful product designs later replicated by other brands- I am recognized as a skilled analyst who evaluates key metrics to resolve complex manufacturing challenges while implementing initiatives to streamline processes, optimize quality standards, control costs, and consistently achieve production goals to drive ongoing profitability and business growth- As a forward-thinking leader and empowering coach and mentor, I inspire cross-functional global teams to work collaboratively to consistently align strategy and execution in a matrix organization to ensure the advancement of organizational goals.

Experience

1. Director of Footwear Development Operations

   New Balance

   Jun 2024 — Present · Boston, MA, US

   Relocated back to the US after 10 successful years with New Balance Asia. This is a new role for the brand and will continue to evolve over the next few years. • Lead the Footwear Fit and Wear Department, overseeing team performance, prioritizing workload, and driving continuous improvements in systems and processes to enhance testing, evaluation, and reporting. Ensure transparency and actionable insights that validate product fit and durability, with a focus on Performance categories and Athlete-specific products.• Champion cross-functional collaboration to optimize data utilization, system integration (PLM, VibeIQ, etc.), and reporting frameworks—enhancing operational transparency and driving informed decision-making across the business.• Spearhead strategic initiatives with cross-functional partners, including category best practice refinement, product validation programs, planning and lead time optimization, material standardization, flexible supply chain development, and 3D creation strategy.• Foster synergy between Footwear and Apparel R&D, aligning operational processes and driving shared efficiencies across product development functions.• Coach and mentor team members and peers, cultivating technical expertise and project management capabilities to elevate organizational performance and innovation. Sharing 17 years of Asia experience in footwear development and manufacturing.

Education

• University of Oregon

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Anthropology

Skills

• Customization
• Engineering
• Materials
• Textiles
• Sourcing
• Leather
• Fit
• Target Costing
• Tech Packs
• Product Development
• Bags
• Sports
• Sporting Goods
• Trend Analysis
• Public Speaking
• Group Presentations
• Footwear
• Forecasting
• Industrial Design
• Trend
• Shoes
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Sportswear
• Merchandising
• Manufacturing
• Artisans
• Apparel
• Trend Forecasting
• Leadership
• Product Design
• Management
• Global Sourcing
• Color Design
• Product Management
• Graphic Design
• Retail
• Athletic Footwear
• Action Sports
• Craftsmanship
• Outerwear