Product Manager

At Lems Shoes, our philosophy is simple: shoes should be designed around the foot. We create minimalist, zero-drop footwear that fits the foot's natural anatomy and lets you move like you're wearing nothing at all. We focus on building sustainable, thoughtfully designed shoes that put the foot above all else. We're a small, close-knit team based in Boulder, CO. Our culture is passionate and curious, with a genuine love for the products we make and the community we serve. Ideas travel fast here, and the work you do directly contributes to our success.

About the role

With oversight from the CEO, this position helps execute the vision of the Brand across all product categories. You will work closely with both Wholesale and DTC channel merchandising to bring assortments to life, from the onset of development phases through to Seasonal Go To Market launches. This role collaborates with Sales, Marketing, and Inventory planning to ensure proper brand messaging at all levels, including selling teams, retail partners, owned retail, and trade shows. Daily work revolves around managing the full product life cycle—from seasonal strategy and line planning through design and development, to production and delivery.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the product portfolio consistent with brand values and corporate goals, including new product development, SKU count, productivity, markdown strategy, and exit strategy.
• Work with Wholesale, DTC stakeholders, and Head of Product to develop seasonal product briefs.
• Collaborate with the product team during the Seasonal development cycle to ensure all product briefs are executed to meet company revenue goals.
• Develop and update product specs and communicate regularly with the factory-based development team throughout the product development calendar.
• Regularly analyze and respond to selling trends, inventory reports, sell-through details, etc., to ensure company objectives are met.
• Gather and analyze feedback from sales teams, marketing partners, retailers, and consumers, and implement insights into product and brand portfolio strategies as appropriate.
• Provide clear and consistent brand product vision across all sectors, including selling teams, marketing teams, trade shows, special events, and public relations.
• Drive brand presentation standards and values, including seasonal presentations, catalog and print media, trade shows, and promotions.
• Support and motivate selling teams with operational tools, selling strategies, sponsorship, and brand outlook.
• Provide regular and consistent communications to stakeholders regarding current strategies, projects, and timelines.
• Maintain current knowledge of emerging trends in relevant industries, including footwear, health and wellness, fashion, and media, and share and implement insights as appropriate.
• Other projects and duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) in Business, Industrial Design, Marketing, or a related field from a four-year college or university, or a combination of relevant education, experience, and training.
• Three or more years in Category Management, including financial contributions, margin analysis, and inventory management.
• Minimum three years’ experience in Product Design and Product Development.
• Experience with wholesale sales, retail management, consumer relations, or ecommerce management (footwear industry preferred).
• Experience with marketing, product merchandising, visual merchandising, branding (footwear industry preferred).
• Solid understanding of the fashion industry, color theory, consumer trends, and consumer behavior.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including facilitating meetings and presentations with integrity. Comfortable presenting to large groups with engaging and influential presentation skills.
• Strong Excel skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong process improvement and problem-solving skills.
• Works with a sense of urgency and efficiency without sacrificing accuracy and quality.
• Takes ownership of all assigned areas of responsibility.
• Excellent time management skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to travel domestically (home offices) and internationally required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (eligible 1st of the month following hire date).
• 401(k) following a 90-day wait period.
• Flexible Paid Time Off.
• Paid Holidays.
• Paid Sick Time.

Pay

$120,000 - $140,000