Product Manager, SportsStyle
AsicsThe ASICS Creation Center, LLC is ASICS Corporation’s product creation office based in Boston, MA. This organization's focus is on taking innovation and product creations to new heights. The team sits across the following areas: Innovation, Performance Running, Sportstyle and Core Performance Sports.
At ASICS, our Sound Mind, Sound Body™ philosophy is more than a tagline, it’s our way of life. Over 75 years ago our founder, Kihachiro Onitsuka, saw that sport and movement had the power to lift spirits, project positivity, and propel people and whole communities forward.
ASICS provides a diverse and inclusive culture that enables learning, growth, and opportunity at all levels. Our robust employee benefits allow for real work-life balance and a strong sense of community. We empower our employees to pursue their career goals. If this sounds like you, then we want you on our team.
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. Ensures and manages the transfer of all product information and line plans from concept stage towards Go-To-Market meeting.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND 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
• 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
• 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
• Collaborate with Merchandising to analyse 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.
• Collaborate with Consumer Insight to clearly understand the target consumers for your specific category.
• Drive seasonal update of competitor matrix. Should clearly map the technologies and price points for all competing styles in the category.
• Drive 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.
• Drive the seasonal development of the product line thru Global design reviews and sample review meetings.
• Develop and drive category long term strategic business plan
• Create and plan long term technology roadmap
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITES:
• 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
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
• 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.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: In general, the following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to allow differently-abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Must be able to see, hear, speak and write clearly in order to communicate with employees and/or other customers.
• Manual dexterity required.
• Office work, some lifting, considerable walking.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: In general, the following conditions of the work environment are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow differently abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job within the environment.
The office is clean, orderly, properly lighted and ventilated. Noise levels are considered low to moderate.
SALARY RANGE: $90,000 - $110,000 - Actual base pay will vary based on factors such as, but not limited to, relevant experience, equitable pay practices and time in position.
ASICS CCPA Pre-Collection Notice for Job Applications: We collect personal information (PI) from you in connection with your application for employment with ASICS Creation Center LLC, including the following categories of PI: identifiers, personal records, professional or employment information, and inferences drawn from your PI. We collect your PI for our purposes, including performing services and operations related to your potential employment. For additional details or if you have questions, contact us at [email protected].
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employee(s) assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employee(s) assigned to this job. ASICS Creation Center LLC reserves the right at any time, with or without notice, to alter or change job responsibilities, reassign or transfer job position or assign additional job responsibilities within your general skill set or capabilities. ASICS Creation Center LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.