Product Manager, SportsStyle

About the role

The Product Line Manager is responsible for setting the seasonal product direction and vision for their designated areas of responsibilities as well as managing a comprehensive product cycle in a post-development environment. Responsible for briefing and developing the best Product Line for the Sportstyle category that is in line with ASICS’ commercial expectations and merchandising needs.

Responsibilities

• Identifies market potential, establishes pricing and market strategies, estimates potential sales, introduces market, distribution/channel issues, and manages mature product through phase-out
• Communicates effectively with ASICS Corporation design and development staff, as well as regional merchandisers in all global regions, in evaluating, reviewing and updating category product lines to ensure on-time launches of key products
• Plans, organizes, authors and coordinates seasonal design briefs
• Manages resources to execute assigned programs
• Captures and coordinates program planning with customer to ensure identification of appropriate manufacturing schedules, goals, design criteria, costs, and similar considerations
• Delegates projects within category to meet objectives and timelines
• Captures and coordinates details of program within the organization with a wide range of functions and individuals
• Works in conjunction with the Marketing Communications Department in mapping out direction for advertising campaigns
• Collaborates with Merchandising to analyze historical sell in and sell out numbers to make best decisions for future product lines and new model introductions
• Travels to markets to gain optimal market understanding and discover opportunities. Map out the market trends for the specific category
• Collaborates with Consumer Insight to clearly understand the target consumers for your specific category
• Drives seasonal update of competitor matrix. Should clearly map the technologies and price points for all competing styles in the category
• Drives finalization of seasonal concepts. Works closely with Consumer Insight and Merchandising teams in preparation of seasonal plan
• Responsible for creating the line plan for Architecture Cut, containing the optimal and most effective mix of the market needs expressed by merchandising and new concepts to create newness for our brand in the category
• Drives the seasonal development of the product line thru Global design reviews and sample review meetings
• Develops and drives category long term strategic business plan
• Create and plan long term technology roadmap

Additional responsibilities

• Demonstrates high degree of professionalism in communication, attitude and teamwork with customers, peers and management
• Demonstrates high level of quality work, attendance and appearance
• Adheres to all Company Policies & Procedures and Safety Regulations
• Adheres to local, state and federal laws
• Additional responsibilities assigned by supervisor related to your position/department
• Ability to work varied hours, nights, days and weekends to support business needs

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to provide solutions to support business needs through creative problem solving and creative innovation
• Ability to work independently and perform a variety of tasks with different levels of complexity by developing effective plans and organizing work efficiently
• Attention to detail, ability to multitask and prioritize tasks with strict deadlines
• Strong quantitative, analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy
• Operates with curiosity with an ability to manage ambiguity and push through business challenges with a focus on continuous development
• Working knowledge of the footwear product management process, retail environment and consumer buying habits
• Technical background, understands materials, fit, function, and end-user requirements
• Comprehensive understanding of product development, manufacturing, and retail buying process
• Schedule flexibility to manage regular evening calls with Asia
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally around 20% of the year (with minimum 2 trips/year to Japan)

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Communicates Effectively
• Connects with the Customer
• Cultivates Collaboration
• Delivers Results Effectively
• Initiative
• Innovative
• Job Expertise
• Shows Great Judgment

Minimum Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ experience in Product management within sporting or athletic industry
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Retail Merchandising, or Product Development or equivalent work experience
• Experience working with international cultures and in an international environment
• Report generating and analytical experience related to merchandising, financials and sales
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Experience with Google Applications such as Gmail, TEAMs, etc. a plus