Purpose
Leads and/or supports a Creation Hub across a broad portfolio of silhouettes on topics related to technical, product constructions, materials, process- oriented, speed to market, driving efficiency and delivering margin expectations. Drives the process and is responsible for initiating and managing projects. The role requires strong cross functional managing abilities and collaboration including interactions with Design, T1, T2, Global Product Marketing and Sourcing.
Key Accountabilities
Ensures all product milestones are achieved in a fast- paced creation process and establishes better working practices to advance processes
Nurtures, guides and challenges cross functional departments to ensure product excellence
Drives collaboration with Global Strategic Hub, Design, Development, Sourcing, T1/T2 Supplier
Devises and drives the product process and leverages category sourcing strategy to deliver new material and design innovation while meeting gross margin/ profitability objectives
Generates and provides technical support and training for junior members within the organization
Close relationship and working with T1 generating new working practices to advance delivery against timelines
Develops and improves processes with a goal to drive leading product process with speed and efficiency. Always innovating with speed and flexibility
Innovates and drives cross category product constructions, tech lifestyle, comfort, contemporary sportswear executions and solutions
Manages and develops relations with T2 supply base to support localization, speed to market, meeting material pricing targets and materials quality
Researches and formulates options to deliver price/value whilst maintaining core product brief needs
Knowledge Skills And Abilities
Knowledge of footwear concepts in construction/development a necessity
Skill in MS Office applications (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
Good numerical skills with the ability to negotiate
Ability to work with and influence all levels of the organization as well as aligning external partners with Sportswear strategy (factory, suppliers)
Ability to effectively present to groups, including members of all organizational levels
Strong business acumen in channel distribution, net sales, margin, profit and inventory (commercially driven trade channel)
Extensive footwear product knowledge scope across a variety of silhouettes with experience in development, working knowledge of product marketing, costing, materials and how to work best with T1 and T2 suppliers
Thrive in a fast- paced product creation environment
Comprehensive knowledge of shoe building from design sketch phase to ex- factory
Seeks to redefine processes and find new and innovative angles to product creation with an emphasis on speed
Ability to travel internationally for consumer trend research and internal meetings and presentations
QUALIFICATIONS (Minimum Required Education And Experience)
Minimum 5 years related experience
Equivalent education and/or experience may be substituted for degree
Experience in Footwear Development, Sourcing a necessity and marketing an advantage
College or university degree