Job Summary
The Senior Global Product Line Manager (PLM) manages the global PLM function for the organization and is responsible for the integration of fan, market, channel, assortment, segmentation, competitor, product trend and lifecycle analysis and sales data to drive vision via seasonal product collections that achieve defined business and product strategies.
Essential Functions
Description
- Plans and leads the briefing of innovative, opinion-leading, commercial and brand-enhancing global product lines designed for global and regional fans that deliver revenue, MSRP, margin, profitability, productivity, color/material guidance, construction, lifecycle targets, channel segmentation plans and other metrics as required. Provides input on seasonal global and regional analysis to inform the global briefing process. Synthesizes findings and inputs including but not limited to: product performance, assortment performance by channel/tier/key account/DTC, competitor analysis, trend reports, fan insights, market research data, retail visits, brand strength, trade publications and analysts, the executive team, and regional and global business units.
- Works cross-functionally throughout the seasonal product process with the Lifestyle and Performance business units to bring a cohesive, cross-merchandised, fan-focused line with compelling stories each season delivered on-time and completely.
- Executes against long-term and in-season strategic initiatives via the global product line plan and seasonal briefing as determined by senior management and merchandising analytics. Supports continuous improvement on style/sku efficiency, margins, regional alignment and other key metrics as required.
- Supports regional fan and channel needs with specific inline and regionally driven styles as required by the business (SMU’s, limited editions, collaborations, exclusive product).
- Manages and monitors new product introductions and carryover to ensure successful planned launch and/or lifecycle. Provides clear and effective cross-functional communication around the product line at key calendar checkpoints, meetings and product presentations as required (oral and written). Aligns and motivates the product team to deliver product lines with compelling stories for both new and carryover styles that drive brand awareness.
- Supports successful sell-in and sell-through of the seasonal product line via close collaboration, communication and product data accuracy with various internal groups throughout the concept-to-fan/go-to-market process to deliver against seasonal targets.
- Supports global product creation and sell-in strategies with the necessary administrative tools, including but not limited to: product briefs, visual line plans, product descriptions, fan insights, tech sheets, packaging direction, product training information and other tools as needed.
- Presents 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 service.
Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without cause.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, or related field required.
- Minimum five (5) years experience in global product creation; footwear experience required.
- Experience with women's and men's advanced concept product preferred.
- Prior experience as a department lead preferred.
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
- Proven leadership and people/process management skills.
- Full understanding of the product creation process and ability to collaborate.
- 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.
- Strong understanding of competition in the street fashion, high fashion, lifestyle, and youth categories.
- Demonstrated experience and success with strategic planning and business planning.
- Proven ability to successfully work in a lean, entrepreneurial, highly cross-functional matrix environment.
- A thorough understanding of global consumer markets and trends.
- Exceptional oral and written communication and presentation skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel. Power Point, Word).
Travel Required: No
Base Salary: $129,500 - $136,500
This range represents the low and high ends of the anticipated base salary range for this position. 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.
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.
Top Skills
What We Do
KEEN is a values led, outdoor footwear brand with a mission to responsibly create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire outside adventure. Founded in 2003, KEEN ignited a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport sandal, launching the concept of Hybrid footwear into the market and setting KEEN on a path of driving consistent product innovation that exists today. As a company, we strive to live by our values, from the products we make to the actions we take, and by activating communities and individuals to protect and preserve the places where we work and play. We passionately endeavor to live fulfilling lives, challenge the status quo, do good, give back, and inspire others. Looking ahead, our vision is to be the most trusted outdoor footwear and lifestyle brand in the world. Discover more about KEEN at keenfootwear.com, facebook.com/keen and twitter.com/keen.








