Company

Vibram S.p.A. is an Italian multinational leader in the production and marketing of high-performance rubber soles, a symbol of innovation and design.

In addition to the Italian Headquarters and its central offices in Milan, Vibram boasts international locations with production sites, research and development centers and representation in the United States, China, Japan and Brazil.

Job Title

Product Line Manager

Mission

The primary goal of the Product Line Manager is to maintain a constant pulse on the business by deeply understanding the consumer: who they are and what they want, and Vibram: what it can do and how it can be done.

The responsibility of the Product Line Manager is to manage the current and future planning of a specified category from an initial concept through production and promotion/communication. This intermediate-level position is responsible for driving the seasonal product creation strategy and process. The primary workload includes, but is not limited to, aligning product and product direction to meet the needs of the consumer and the Company's time/strategy.

The Product Line Manager:

• Is a leader within the product organization, articulating and executing the category visions across materials, design, development, sales, marketing, and all cross-category team members to ensure key stories and strategies are aligned throughout a season.
• Provides dynamic, visible, and inspirational leadership to positively impact business initiatives, direction, and vision for the team and peers.
• Is accountable for category business results, product line efficiencies, and executing key initiatives.

With a strong eye for the end-to-end product process and a track record in managing a successful business, the Product Manager will rely on overseeing, facilitating, pushing, and supporting the company in bringing market-differentiated products to life through close collaboration with all cross-functional peers.

Workplace: Albizzate (VA)

Main tasks

• Serve as expert on the business and target final consumer(s) in different activities, having a deep understanding of their needs and wants, to deliver consumer focused & relevant product solutions.
• Leverage consumer and competitive insights, market research, and industry trends to influence category concepts and products.
• Benchmark competitor products / strategies, and analyze sales and market trends, to enable fact-based decision-making.
• Articulate and execute the category visions across all cross-category team members to ensure key stories and strategies are aligned throughout a season.
• Manage the product lifecycle from product brief to commercialization. Oversee, facilitate, push, and support the end-to-end lifecycle of complex products from conception through launch.
• Lead cross-functional teams through the product creation process, from product brief through promotion/ commercialization, to ensure the needs of the consumer are met.
• Determine category / product segmentation that optimizes both resource and sales opportunities, and identify what is needed for product portfolio optimization
• Create and lead strategic product roadmap based on brand/category mission, strategic imperatives, strategic targets, in-depth data analysis, and a clear understanding of consumer needs.
• Clearly articulate the product roadmap, vision, priorities and requirements to multiple stakeholders Gather and incorporate feedback from a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Partner with Mktg Team to align seasonal product initiatives and brand support through creative and relevant storytelling
• Support the Sales Team with meeting presentations, both internally and externally
• Brainstorm and bring advanced technology ideas to Advanced Development Team to further product interest and market position.
• Maintain clear, timely and effective communication with all necessary parties in reviewing products progress and resolving issues as needed.

Skills

• More than 7 years of Product Line Manager experience,
• Professional experience abroad (preferable in Asia).
• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Strong working knowledge and background in footwear product management.
• Demonstrated ability to work with and inspire a broad range of individuals to work toward a common goal. Strong leadership skills
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to think and plan strategically.
• Ability to manage multiple sources of data, product seasons, and conflicting objectives (product performance vs. value/costing vs. consumer need).
• Proactive thinking, initiative, and composure in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex topics in a public forum.
• Strong cross-cultural understanding.
• Personal interest and involvement in sports is preferred.
• Must be able to travel internationally. Approximately 30% travel, which may include some weekends and holidays.
• Fluent in English and possibly in another language

What we offer

• Direct hiring into the company
• A young, stimulating, collaborative environment
• The history and heritage of a universally recognized brand