Head of Product- Footwear
August 15
🔄 Hybrid – Manhattan
Description
• Develop and implement a comprehensive product strategy that aligns with the brand vision and business goals. • Identify market trends, consumer needs, and competitive landscape to guide product innovation and development. • Leverage consumer and category data, consumer insights, trend, and brand strategies to build the product line. • Lead the product development process from concept to launch, ensuring timely delivery of products that meet quality and cost targets. • Collaborate with design, engineering, and manufacturing teams to create innovative and functional footwear and accessories. • Supervise the Product Creation process from Brief stage and Design through final prototyping and Production. • Provide leadership and problem-solving support for Design tech packages, materials, and cost concerns. • Work closely with marketing, sales, and operations teams to ensure product alignment with brand strategy, market needs, and sales goals. • Ensure alignment with Go to Market process through partnership with Design, Development, Marketing, Sales, and Omni-channel counterparts. • Serve as a leading contributor/presenter at major milestones, sales launches, and other presentation needs. • Establish and maintain high standards for product quality, performance, and sustainability. • Oversee testing and validation processes to ensure product durability, comfort, and compliance with industry standards. • Provide guidance to ensure timely generation of seasonal Bill of Materials (BOM). • Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and manufacturers. • Negotiate contracts and manage vendor performance to ensure timely delivery and cost-effectiveness. • Set seasonal development allocation and assist in sourcing decisions. • Manage the product development budget, ensuring efficient use of resources and alignment with financial goals. • Analyze product profitability and make data-driven decisions to optimize product lines. • Directly manage all Product and Product Development team members. • Mentor and provide regular feedback to team members that foster skill development and performance improvement, including tough conversations. • Instill and reinforce the highest standards for collaboration and teamwork. • Develop, motivate, mentor, and retain top talent; engage the product creation team in ways that will facilitate the achievement of strategic objectives, as well as individual professional development plans. • Continually monitor team processes to ensure ongoing innovation and efficiency. • The Head of Product will serve as the expert for the Product Management function, reporting to the VP/GM, and partnering closely with the Design, Marketing, Development, Consumer Insights, Sales & Global Merchandisers, and the Omni Channel team.
Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in Product Design, Marketing, Business, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred. • Minimum of 12+ years of progressive experience in the footwear industry, with mastered expertise in building product specifications, material applications, and product constructions. • 8+ years of management experience with a proven track record of successfully bringing innovative products to market. • Experience implementing and adhering to design KPI and ROI guidelines, including the ability to interpret detailed data such as global seasonal sell-in and sell-through information, consumer insights, market research, and trends analysis. • Strong understanding of the category competitive landscape and Omni Channel retail environment. • Strong presentation skills, with experience influencing and motivating varied audiences, including design teams and sales meetings.
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