Footwear Coordinator, Wear Testing & Sample Management

Are you ready to take on a new challenge? Do you bring management skills, organization, and coordination skills? At Ariat, we're seeking a skilled Footwear Coordinator, Wear Testing & Sample Management to manage and ensure accurate tracking, organization, and timely flow of samples, while coordinating wear test activities and delivering clear, actionable insights to cross-functional teams. The Footwear Coordinator, Wear Testing & Sample Management will report to the Director of Footwear Product Integrity and Commercialization and work closely with the Product Creation lifecycle by managing sample logistics and administering the wear testing program. This individual will be highly organized and be able to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

The Footwear Coordinator will be a core function supporting the Product Creation lifecycle.

The ideal candidate for this role is passionate about managing, maintaining accurate data, coordination between cross-functional teams.

The person in this role will primarily support Director of Footwear Product Integrity and Commercialization.

You'll Make a Difference By

Sample Management

• Managing and maintaining sample inventory across all categories, including approval, sales, confirmation, and wear test samples
• Coordinating sample lifecycle activities, including archiving, donation, or destruction, in partnership with cross-functional teams
• Processing sample requests (pulls and FOC) in a timely manner; receiving, organizing, and maintaining incoming samples on a weekly basis
• Maintaining accurate sample data and inventory records in Centric PLM, Box, and tracking systems, including status updates and tagging
• Organizing and maintaining seasonal sales samples (e.g., boot wall) to ensure accessibility and visual consistency
• Overseeing sample library operations (on-site and off-site), including inventory audits and seasonal transfers to storage locations

Wear Testing Program Coordination

• Coordinating seasonal wear testing programs, including planning timelines, distributing samples, and ensuring proper testing conditions
• Recruiting, onboarding, and managing wear testers; maintaiingn tester database and profiles
• Serving as the primary point of contact for testers, ensuring responsive and professional communication
• Tracking wear test progress and managing feedback cycles (30/60/90 days); escalating critical issues as needed
• Documenting and supporting product failure investigations in partnership with cross-functional teams
• Preparing and distributing structured wear test reports, including key findings and recommended follow-ups
• Tracking readiness milestones and ensuring timely completion of wear testing deliverables
• Managing wear test sample inventory, including tracking, returns, and archiving

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partnering with Development, Commercialization, Materials, and Innovation teams to support sample needs and wear testing timelines
• Participating in product meetings and providing updates on sample status and wear test progress
• Identifying opportunities to improve sample flow and wear testing processes; support implementation of process enhancements
• Assisting with other responsibilities based on business needs.

• 1-3+ years of experience in sample coordination, product development support, wear testing, or similar operational roles
• Strong organizational and logistics management skills with high attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency
• Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams and influence without direct authority
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Centric PLM, Box, or similar systems
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to travel locally as needed for wear tester coordination
• Footwear, apparel, or consumer product experience preferred

Ariat is an innovative, outdoor global brand with roots in equestrian performance. We develop high-quality footwear and apparel for people who ride, work, and play outdoors, and care about performance, quality, comfort, and style.

The hourly range for this position is $31.00 - $36.00 per hour.

The salary is determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data for geographic locations. Ariat in good faith believes that this posted compensation range is accurate for this role at this location at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future.

Ariat's holistic benefits package for full-time team members includes (but is not limited to):

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options
• Expanded wellness and mental health benefits
• Paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and paid volunteer days
• 401(k) with company match
• Bonus incentive plans
• Team member discount on Ariat merchandise

Note: Availability of benefits may be subject to location & employment type and may have certain eligibility requirements. Ariat reserves the right to alter these benefits in whole or in part at any time without advance notice.