VP Product Management

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For over 40 Years, Merrell has been trying to share the simple power of the being outside with everyone. We believe in the positive benefits of the outdoors to restore people and their communities. As a result, we want to fuel the growth of outdoor participation through the creation of awesome products and amazing stories that encourage people to get outside everyday whether in the city or on the trail. A key player in this journey is the Senior Product Management Director for Performance, which will report to the Chief Product Officer.

This leader will drive product creation, product line management and creative excellence for Merrell’s global efforts across all wholesale accounts and our DTC channel. They will be responsible for ensuring concepts include a global vision and are curated to connect to the consumers specifically within the USA, EMEA and APAC regions. The ideal candidate will fully embrace the art and science of Product Management, with a passion for data and insights and the ability to craft compelling product stories with a high level of curiosity to drive innovation in the category. Their success will be based on their ability to align teams around trend right opportunities, influence change and achieve brand business targets and category objectives.

Primary Duties:

• Leads and communicates a cohesive product strategy and roadmap for Merrell’s in all categories from briefs through creative process by managing the team’s workflow and overseeing key projects and deliverables.

• Champions consumer-centric innovation, leveraging consumer insights, market trends and competitor analysis to guide the product strategy across lifecycle stages.

• Directs prioritization and accelerates decision making based on consumer feedback, sales performance, and strategic brand goals to achieve maximum lifecycle value and overall growth objectives.

• Presents line concepts, product and strategic vision through data driven storytelling. Audience varies from management, retailers, sales associates and peers and at a wide range of formal and informal meetings.

• Leads the development of brand strategic architecture strategy, positioning and price points, flow and execution of franchise management through assortment planning. Partner with cross-functionally to achieve category initial markup targets.

• Analyzes selling reports and ad hoc reports for past season performance or forecast reports for upcoming seasons to inform line planning and product life cycle management. Communicates findings in a visual, yet analytical manner to drive impact and faster decision making.

• Drives the global strategy and leverages international network of stakeholders to create new opportunities to drive brand growth within regional markets.

• Develops tools for adoption and global sales meetings.

• Oversight of PLM system accuracy and visibility to other functions in partnership with Operations.

• Identifies the brand’s whitespace and innovation opportunities and capitalizes on category extensions to drive brand growth.

• Performs duties consistent with the Company’s AAP/EEO goals and policies.

• Performs other duties as required/assigned by manager.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor's degree required/MBA preferred or equivalent work experience.
• 15+ years’ experience in footwear, apparel or accessories.
• Proven leadership skills with at least 7 years’ experience at the manager level. Demonstrated capability to motivate and mentor others to build high performing teams.
• Passion and eye for product and consumer obsession
• Proven working knowledge of footwear industry, including technology and product development, materials, trends and the overall marketplace.
• Drives insights to action through compelling storytelling combined with data that inspires and mobilizes teams.
• Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, adapting quickly to changing priorities and deadlines while maintaining high standards of performance and productivity.
• Sets the standard by making timely, informed decisions and fosters an environment where quick, decisive action is valued and practiced by the team.
• Strong interest in outdoor performance, sneaker and fashion culture and how to integrate that into the brand into product solutions and narratives.
• Extensive product knowledge and understanding of global markets and competitors.
• Proven track record in managing P&L to achieve sustainable growth, with strong financial analysis skills to drive strategic and financial outcomes. Outstanding business acumen, merchandising and analytical skill sets.
• Utilizes an inspirational leadership style with a strong team mentality approach to their work while comfortably driving and influencing change.
• Supports a culture of curiosity through a test & learn approach.
• Actively embraces a growth mindset with an openness to feedback to support continuous improvement.
• Strength in influencing cross-functionally with the ability to drive vision and strategy across functions while respecting the balance of competing interests.
• Exceptional follow-through skills and attention to detail.
• Clear, Concise, and Thoughtful (strong verbal and written skills). Ability to present new ideas or seasonal concepts to small and large groups, including addressing executive leaders, and external partners or customers.

Working Conditions:

Normal office environment.  Some travel may be required.

Wolverine Worldwide has a flexible, hybrid work schedule, with three days in office and two days remote.

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The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required.

Wolverine Worldwide, Inc. is committed to creating a company that is as diverse as our consumers. We value the differences in one another and believe our differences make us stronger. Our diverse and inclusive corporate culture starts with the recruitment process. We are committed to being an equal opportunity employer. We aim to create equal opportunities for our associates, customers, and suppliers regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic.