Altra: Product Line Manager

Now that you’ve found the job description, what’s next?

At Altra, we are on a never-ending journey to seek out opportunities to unlock potential in ourselves and others and to create a more diverse and inclusive running community. When we’re all working together as the best versions of ourselves, we can feel empowered both individually and as a community.

So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us – our values and our culture. If you can see yourself working side-by-side with a team of people driven to discover more about ourselves and the world around us, Altra just may be the place for you.

To learn more about our values and our culture, visit Altra Careers or www.altrarunning.com.

What will you do?

A day in the life of a Product Line Manager at Altra looks a little like this.

The Product Line Manager(PLM) is responsible for managing Altra’s road assortment every season and leading each project end to end. In this role, the PLM will be responsible for creating briefs that inspire design and development which should exceed the performance and aesthetic needs of the consumer. Additionally, they will need to think about the entire product line holistically and know what models should be commercial drivers, and where the consumer and market is asking for something that really pushes the boundaries. They will also need to be mindful of how this product moves Altra forward, and ensures the business goals for revenue, margin and style efficiency are met. This person assesses the business opportunities and leads the product process to execute the right product at the right price at the right time.

This individual will be expected to be the E2E leader of the product creation process, from brief kick off all the way to account meetings. They shepherd the process through their clear communication, ability to juggle many competing priorities, and keeping the team focused on what the consumer needs. They will also need to inspire Go To Market (GTM) partners and other product creation stakeholders. through this process. The PLM is responsible for the seasonal direction and execution of the Altra global road running category at a style level. In conjunction with the Product Director, the PLM provides leadership for the GTM teams as the consumer, market and business expert while monitoring the process through ongoing interaction with internal and external cross-functional teams.

From brief to commercialization, the PLM provides product, consumer, business and market expertise while ensuring key product creation calendar milestones are met. With expert level thinking, communication and heavy emphasis on story telling and presentation skills, the PLM fosters a highly collaborative work relationship with Design, Development, Sales, Marketing, Operations and other key internal and external stakeholders.

Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.

• Identify and analyze product and consumer opportunities that consistently elevate and evolve the product.
• Lead and manage product decisions throughout the product creation process
• Embody the voice of the consumer, ensuring their needs are met through new, inspiring product
• Collaborate and communicate with cross-functional partners to ensure that the team is aligned on innovation and performance needs for each product and that those goals are met
• Manage an efficient and profitable line that drives seasonal revenue targets.
• Create and present product and category strategies internally and externally.
• Travel 25% of the time on regular market visit, consumer focus groups and events.
• Engage with wholesale and digital partners domestically and internationally to achieve a high level of market knowledge.

What do you need to succeed?

We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role, there are foundation skills you’ll need to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal education in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 3-4 years of experience and professional achievements. 

The foundation skills you will need in this position are:

• A true passion consumer, for product and storytelling.
• Clearly and effective communication, both written and verbal
• Team leadership-you set the temperature for the team and team before self
• Lead consumer work to turn product insights into actionable product attributes.
• Be able to take feedback, ensure it is aligned to the consumer and and then make necessary edits efficiently.
• Strong understanding of marketplace trends and able ability to conduct market research.
• Ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment quickly.
• Proficient in Microsoft office.

What do we offer you?

At Altra, we know you expect as much from us as we do from you. That is why we make a commitment to support and grow our people. We offer extensive development and growth opportunities for your current and future positions, a competitive compensation package, and a strong benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).

Our commitment extends beyond this and into your daily work life. We strive to foster a diverse and inclusive culture based on respect, connection, and authenticity. Our focus on DEI is at the foundation of who we are and what we do.

To learn more about Altra’s benefits package, follow this MyVFBenefits.com and click “Looking to Join VF”.

To learn more about Altra’s Diversity and Inclusion efforts, go to www.altrarunning.com.

Now WE have a question for YOU.

Are you in?