Global Product Line Manager

Job Summary

The Global Product Line Manager carries out the global product line management function for the organization. This role is responsible for identifying trends and opportunities based on analysis of product performance, fan insights, and competitors. Develops seasonal initiatives and line plans designed to reach seasonal goals, revenue/margin targets, product lifecycle targets, and long-term strategic goals as part of a global strategy. Utilizes insights to provide clear product direction to the design and development teams and work cross-functionally to develop product lines, meet key calendar dates, and achieve sales, margin, and corporate objectives.

Essential Functions

• Works with leadership on seasonal analysis to inform the global briefing process, synthesizes findings, and inputs.
• Plans and leads the briefing of global product lines designed for KEEN fans that deliver revenue, MSRP, margin, profitability, productivity, color/material guidance, construction, lifecycle targets, channel segmentation plans, and other metrics as required. Supports regional fan and channel needs with specific inline and regionally driven styles as required by the business.
• Works with internal and external groups to bring a cohesive, cross-merchandised, fan-focused line with compelling stories each season delivered on time, in full, and at high quality.
• Continuous improvement on style/sku efficiency, margins, regional alignment, and other key metrics.
• Manages new product introductions and carryover products to ensure the health of planned launch and/or lifecycle.
• Provides clear and effective cross-functional communication around the product line at key calendar checkpoints, meetings, and product presentations.
• Supports sell-in and sell-through of the seasonal product line via close collaboration, communication, and product data accuracy with various internal groups throughout the GTM process to deliver against seasonal
• Supports global product creation and sell-in strategies with the necessary administrative tools.
• Acts as a product expert, presenting as requested at pre-lines, sales meetings, key accounts, and visiting editors as required with sales.
• Serves as point of contact for all product line activities or inquiries from consumer services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, or related field preferred
• Minimum three (3) years of progressive global experience in product creation in the footwear industry required 

Any equivalent combination of experience and education which clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may substitute on a year-for-year basis.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Creativity and passion for product and seeing it successfully to market.
• Strong business orientation, analytical aptitude, computer skills, and acumen for “retail math”.
• Full understanding of the product creation process and ability to collaborate and work within the seasonal calendars.
• Understanding of US and global markets with proven success in global range planning and forecasting.
• Clear understanding of the significance of pricing and its impact on profitability.
• Understanding of the millennial consumer and the footwear industry.
• Strong understanding of competition.
• Demonstrates ability to independently utilize resources to increase knowledge.
• Proven ability to successfully work in a lean, entrepreneurial, highly cross-functional matrix environment.
• A thorough understanding of global consumer markets and trends.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and time management skills.
• Exceptional oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

Travel -  up to 25% of the time

Base Salary: $93,500.00  - $98,500.00 yearly
This range represents the low and high ends of this position's anticipated base salary range. The actual base salary will depend on numerous factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, and location. Our base salary is just one component of our competitive total rewards strategy, which includes numerous benefits and perks as well as specific health and welfare benefits.

Why Work at KEEN:  Driven by a passion for life outside, KEEN is a values-led, independently owned brand from Portland, Oregon, that’s on a mission to create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire outside adventure. Founded in 2003, KEEN launched a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport adventure sandal and has donated more than $18 million to non-profit organizations and causes around the world to promote responsible outdoor recreation, including conservation efforts to protect open spaces. KEEN strives to show the world through its products and its actions that a business for good can actually be good for business. By giving back, reducing impact, and activating communities and individuals to protect the places where we work and play, KEEN puts its values in motion and takes action to leave the world a better place.  

At KEEN, we believe in a more just and equitable future for all people. As a global brand, we acknowledge that our business, buildings, and daily lives exist within the traditional territories of indigenous peoples. We strive for a future that recognizes the knowledge, rights, and resilience of these peoples.

Fuerst Group, KEEN, and Chrome are equal opportunity employers.  We value an inclusive and diverse community. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.