Chemical Engineer - Sole Compound

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Chemical Engineer specialising in sole compound to join a forward-thinking team based in Ho Chi Minh City.

This role places you at the heart of footwear innovation, where your expertise will directly shape the performance, sustainability, and quality of products enjoyed by athletes and consumers worldwide. You will be empowered to drive projects from concept through to mass production, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams and suppliers to ensure that every compound meets rigorous standards. The organisation is committed to fostering a supportive environment that values collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous professional growth. Flexible working opportunities and a culture of inclusivity make this an ideal setting for those who are passionate about making a tangible impact in the world of sports and manufacturing.

• Play a pivotal role in developing and validating cutting-edge compounds for high-performance footwear, ensuring each product meets stringent physical requirements and sustainability goals.
• Collaborate with diverse teams across the ecosystem, offering technical guidance on materials, processes, and supplier selection while driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Enjoy flexible working opportunities within a supportive environment that encourages professional development, knowledge sharing, and personal growth.

What you'll do:

As a Chemical Engineer – Sole Compound, you will immerse yourself in the dynamic world of footwear manufacturing where your day-to-day activities will involve steering complex projects from inception through industrialisation. Your role will see you collaborating with internal teams and external partners to develop innovative compounds that not only meet but exceed industry standards for performance and sustainability. You will be responsible for ensuring seamless transitions from development to mass production while optimising costs without compromising on quality. By providing technical support across multiple functions—including material advice and supplier management—you will help shape the future direction of product lines. Success in this position requires a blend of technical acumen, collaborative spirit, and a passion for continuous improvement as you work towards delivering exceptional results in every aspect of compound development.

• Coordinate comprehensive project plans for the development, industrialisation, and duplication of compounds with a focus on ensuring timely availability for production needs.
• Oversee the entire lifecycle of compound development from initial concept through validation (CTF) to successful mass production, guaranteeing all physical requirements are met.
• Optimise development costs by negotiating fair value and pricing for products while maintaining quality standards throughout the process.
• Ensure consistent product quality by managing all aspects of compound development with meticulous attention to detail and effective communication with stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within your area of responsibility, identifying opportunities to enhance processes and outcomes for both current and future projects.
• Engage in innovation exploration projects alongside ecosystem teams, contributing creative solutions that advance both performance and sustainability objectives.
• Participate actively in supplier panel management by providing valuable input during reviews and supporting sourcing decisions as required to strengthen the supply chain.
• Offer expert technical support to ecosystem teams on material selection, sole design, compound allocations, and process optimisation to meet evolving customer needs.
• Develop and maintain an aligned compound catalogue that reflects customer requirements across various sports disciplines and manufacturing processes.

What you bring:

To excel as a Chemical Engineer – Sole Compound, you will bring substantial hands-on experience from roles involving compound formulation or sole development—ideally within the footwear sector or similar manufacturing settings. Your background should reflect not only technical proficiency but also an ability to foster positive relationships across diverse teams. Effective communication is key; your fluency in English and Vietnamese allows you to bridge gaps between local operations and international partners. A detail-oriented mindset ensures that every stage of development is executed flawlessly while your enthusiasm for sport helps keep customer needs at the forefront. Your collaborative nature means you thrive when sharing knowledge or supporting colleagues through challenges. Experience managing supplier panels or providing technical advice further enhances your suitability for this multifaceted position.

• A minimum of three years’ proven experience working specifically with compounds and soles within the footwear or related industries, demonstrating a strong track record of successful project delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to guide and influence both partners and internal teams through complex situations using considerate leadership skills rooted in collaboration and empathy.
• Excellent communication abilities in English and Vietnamese are essential; proficiency in Chinese would be considered an advantage for broader engagement with suppliers.
• A genuine passion for technical challenges combined with meticulous attention to detail ensures functional excellence across all assigned tasks.
• Experience working collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams focused on innovation, sustainability, or process optimisation within manufacturing environments.
• A keen interest in sports coupled with an energetic approach to problem-solving supports your ability to connect with end-user needs effectively.
• Proven capability in managing supplier relationships including participation in panel reviews, sourcing decisions, and ongoing technical support activities.
• Strong organisational skills enable you to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of quality control throughout each phase.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as a global leader dedicated to advancing both performance and sustainability within the sporting goods industry. With a strong presence in Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant manufacturing landscape, it offers employees access to state-of-the-art facilities alongside opportunities for ongoing training and professional growth. The company’s inclusive culture emphasises teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect—ensuring everyone feels valued regardless of background or experience level. Flexible working arrangements are available to help balance personal commitments with career ambitions. Employees benefit from being part of an international network where ideas are shared freely across borders, fostering innovation at every turn. Whether you are passionate about sports technology or eager to contribute towards more sustainable production practices, this is an environment where your contributions truly matter—and where your career can flourish alongside some of the most knowledgeable professionals in the field.

What's next:

If you are ready to take your expertise in chemical engineering to new heights within an inspiring team environment focused on innovation and sustainability, this is your chance!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided—your next rewarding career move awaits.

Due to the high volume of applications we are experiencing, our team will only be in touch with you if your application is shortlisted.