Junior Product Line Manager Footwear

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 a global leading position in the sporting goods retail market.

As a Junior Footwear PLM, you’ll play a hands-on role in shaping ranges, aligning with National Organisations, and driving products that perform , commercially and sustainably. You’ll work cross-functionally, stay close to the detail, and see the direct impact of your decisions.

RESPONSIBLE

Within this the following responsibilities apply:

• Support the overall product creation process (including SMU´s) for your area of responsibility.
• Support development of 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.
• Prepare with the PLM and Senior PLM cross-functional alignments on range architecture with Cat Man, N/O`s, across divisions, Development and Design on all concerning topics.
• Perform market- and NO-research as well as benchmark- and competitor analysis as base for briefings (“know who you go against and who you play with”)
• Support the alignment on seasonal creative direction including colour card (“the storytelling”) with the Design team and the collection brief accordingly.
• Prepare and run important milestones in the creation phase.
• Do accurate and in time system and data maintenance.
• Support SMS order check, forecast steering and order follow-up.
• Drive range efficiency by managing range size through necessary drops and product lifecycle decisions.
• Support in creating regular business analysis, concludes and translates findings effectively into product concept strategies and range architecture in alignment with the Business Excellence team.
• Develop and nurture solid connections with key N/O`s actively contributing to business expansion and guaranteeing utmost satisfaction for the N/O`s by leveraging deep understanding of their needs and contributing to the strategic partnerships with them.

HYBRID REPONSIBILITIES as JUNIOR DEVELOPER

• Support PLM and Dev team in close and efficient collaboration alongside the creation-process with Quality Management, Vendor Sourcing, PLM`s and Design-team
• Support in briefing suppliers, Vendor sourcing and Packaging and handle updates
• Support in creating BOM´s/ Tech Packs in FlexPLM in order to secure product compliance.
• Diligently and effectively handle all administrative aspects related to product development, ensuring efficient and accurate coverage across the whole development process.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• First market experience and knowledge on competitive brands, retailers and processes within sporting goods or lifestyle/footwear industry
• Strong communicator
• Building excellent, lasting relationships with your business counterparts
• First knowledge and understanding of product management principles and processes.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
• Analytical Skills and strategic thinking to drive product development and range planning
• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on achieving commercial objectives and profitability.
• Creative thinking and trend awareness to stay informed on market benchmarks and competition.
• Demonstrate ownership for your part of responsibility.
• Integrating sustainability practices, ethical sourcing guidelines, and environmental considerations into product line strategies aligns with industry trends and stakeholder expectations for corporate social responsibility.
• Think creatively out of the box to find best solutions.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

English: verbal & in writing – Required

German & French – Preferred

Others – Advantage but not required

PROFESSIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Previous experience: 1 - 3 years in product management, preferably in the apparel/footwear/hardgoods or Sporting goods industry.

Degree in business administration, marketing,

• or a relevant field