Product Line Manager

IIC-INTERSPORT International Corporation GmbH is the brand management and purchasing company of the INTERSPORT Group. With a retail turnover exceeding EUR 12 billion and more than 5,500 associated retailers in 42 countries, INTERSPORT has the worldwide leading position in the sporting goods retail market.

We are looking for a Product Line Manager to join us for an 18-month contract, starting as soon as possible. As a Product Line Manager, your role is to strategically oversee and drive the development, launch, and success of our dedicated product range. You will be involved in meeting the needs of our customers (N/O) and achieving our business objectives while complying with category and environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage the overall product creation process, including Special Make-Up (SMU) designs, for your designated area of responsibility
• Develop Product concepts and range architecture with a targeted competitive market minus RRP approach within the context of the category game plan and category range portfolio
• Coordinate cross-functional discussions on range architecture and pricing strategies with the Category Management team, external suppliers (N/O's), and internal departments to ensure alignment on crucial topics
• Conduct comprehensive market and competitor research, including benchmark analysis, to provide a strong foundation for strategic briefings and decision-making processes. (“know who you go against, and who you play with”)
• Prepare the planning and execution of key milestones during the product creation phase to ensure seamless operations and timely delivery
• Maintain accurate and timely system data management to support informed decision making and efficient process
• Ensure effective Go-to-Market (GTM) services and maintain a strong presence in showrooms to showcase products effectively
• Proactive SMS order check, forecast steering and order follow-up
• Drive range efficiency by managing range size through necessary drops and product lifecycle decisions
• Conduct regular business analyses, interpret findings, and translate insights into actionable product concept strategies and range architecture in collaboration with the Performance team

Requirements and skills

• Possess extensive market knowledge and experience in the sporting goods or lifestyle/footwear industry, encompassing competitive brands, retailers, and industry processes.
• Develop and maintain lasting relationships with your business counterparts.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of product management principles and processes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Integrating sustainability practices, ethical sourcing guidelines, and environmental considerations into product line strategies aligns with industry trends and stakeholder expectations for corporate social responsibility.
• Analytical skills and strategic thinking to drive product development and range planning
• Cultivate a results-driven approach with a keen focus on accomplishing commercial objectives and attaining profitability targets.
• Employ creative thinking and maintain awareness of trends to remain ahead of market benchmarks and competition.
• Manage multiple projects concurrently and prioritize tasks efficiently to ensure smooth operations.
• Innovate and think creatively to develop optimal solutions by exploring outside-the-box ideas.
• Demonstrates unwavering adaptability under pressure in international environments, efficiently managing workloads. Confident and reliable team player showcases independence and precision in tasks

Professional and educational background

• Previous experience minimum 3 years in product management, preferably in the apparel/footwear/hardgoods or Sporting goods industry.
• Degree in business administration, marketing, or a relevant field
• Additional certifications or training in product management or related areas is a plus