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VP, Product (Performance)

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KEEN

2mo ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • Marketing
    Product
  • Portland
  • Quick Apply

AI generated summary

  • You need a bachelor's degree, 12 years in product management in footwear, 5 years in an executive role, P&L experience, strong leadership, market knowledge, and travel availability.
  • You will define product vision, develop strategies, oversee lifecycle planning, drive P&L, gather market insights, collaborate cross-functionally, mentor your team, and represent the brand at events.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree required
  • Master's Degree, MBA or relevant advanced degree preferred
  • Twelve (12) years in product management, product development, or category management within the footwear or outdoor industry.
  • Five (5) years in an executive role.
  • Footwear Industry Expertise: Demonstrated success managing the full product lifecycle for diverse footwear categories, with a strong understanding of consumer trends, performance technologies, and sustainable design practices.
  • P&L Ownership: Proven experience managing P&L, achieving growth targets, and optimizing profitability within complex product portfolios.
  • Strategic Acumen: Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with experience in translating consumer insights into actionable product plans that meet revenue and market objectives.
  • Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration: Exceptional leadership skills with a track record of guiding high-performing teams and fostering collaboration across multiple functions, including R&D, Marketing, and Sales.
  • Market and Technical Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of global footwear markets, including retail dynamics, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies.
  • Any equivalent combination of experience and education which clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may substitute on a year for year basis.
  • Travel Required: Yes, up to 20% of work time will involve travel to KEEN's global offices, manufacturing facilities, and industry events.

Responsibilities

  • Defines the long-term product vision and roadmap for KEEN’s outdoor footwear categories, ensuring alignment with KEEN’s mission to innovate sustainably and lead in performance and comfort.
  • Develops comprehensive product line strategies to meet revenue and profitability targets, addressing specific needs in each category (e.g., fast-and-light performance, family-focused outdoor footwear, etc.).
  • Oversees category-level lifecycle planning, balancing new product introductions with product line extensions and end-of-life strategies.
  • Drives P&L accountability for each product line, partnering with Finance to ensure financial targets are met.
  • Leads the gathering of market data, consumer insights, and competitor intelligence to identify trends, consumer needs, and innovation opportunities across product lines.
  • Utilizes market research to identify high-growth opportunities and guide the product development process in alignment with KEEN’s fan-first approach.
  • Serves as a thought leader, representing KEEN’s product vision to both internal teams and external stakeholders, ensuring that consumer-centric innovation is at the core of every product decision.
  • Collaborates closely with Product Development, Design, Marketing, Sales, and Operations to ensure seamless product development and timely market launch.
  • Implements robust risk management processes, ensuring that potential supply chain, market, and operational risks are identified and mitigated early in the product lifecycle.
  • Establishes clear product development milestones and performance metrics, holding cross-functional teams accountable for delivering on time, on budget, and to quality standards.
  • Act as an executive sponsor for critical product initiatives, maintaining a visible role in project oversight and resource allocation.
  • Leads category-level financial planning, including budgeting, pricing strategies, margin targets, and SKU rationalization.
  • Monitors SKU productivity and profitability, driving continuous improvement to enhance product line efficiency and reduce costs without sacrificing quality.
  • Supports sales initiatives by providing strategic product guidance for pricing, sell-in strategies, and merchandising plans aimed at maximizing sell-through rates across retail channels.
  • Cultivates a high-performing product management team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and consumer-focus.
  • Mentors and develops team members, empowering them with the skills needed for independent decision-making and career growth.
  • Promotes KEEN’s core values across the organization, advocating for sustainable practices and inclusion within the product management function.
  • Represents KEEN at key industry events, trade shows, and with key partners, positioning KEEN as an innovator and leader in the outdoor footwear market.
  • Collaborates with Marketing to enhance product storytelling, emphasizing KEEN’s commitment to “Consciously Created” products that resonate with both consumers and retail partners.

FAQs

What is the primary responsibility of the VP, Product (Performance) at KEEN?

The primary responsibility is to oversee KEEN’s entire outdoor product portfolio, drive the vision, strategic execution, and profitability of the footwear line globally, and manage the entire product lifecycle from concept to commercialization.

What qualifications are required for this role?

A Bachelor's Degree is required, and a Master's Degree or MBA is preferred. Additionally, candidates should have twelve years of experience in product management, product development, or category management within the footwear or outdoor industry, with five years in an executive role.

Is travel required for the VP, Product (Performance) position?

Yes, up to 20% of work time will involve travel to KEEN's global offices, manufacturing facilities, and industry events.

What kind of experience is preferred for this position?

Preferred experience includes demonstrated success managing the full product lifecycle for diverse footwear categories, P&L ownership, strategic thinking, exceptional leadership skills, and in-depth knowledge of global footwear markets.

What is the base salary range for this position?

The base salary range is $280,000 - $310,000 yearly, depending on factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, and location.

What are the essential functions related to market and consumer insights for this role?

Essential functions include leading the gathering of market data, identifying trends and innovation opportunities, and serving as a thought leader to ensure consumer-centric innovation is at the core of every product decision.

How does KEEN define its commitment to sustainability?

KEEN is committed to creating Consciously Created products that prioritize sustainable innovation and consumer-driven design, while actively giving back to communities and conserving open spaces.

Will the VP, Product (Performance) have any responsibility in financial management?

Yes, the role includes leading category-level financial planning, monitoring SKU productivity and profitability, and optimizing profitability within complex product portfolios.

What kind of leadership qualities does KEEN seek in the VP, Product (Performance)?

KEEN seeks exceptional leadership skills with a track record of guiding high-performing teams, fostering collaboration across multiple functions, and promoting a culture of accountability and consumer focus.

What does KEEN value in terms of workplace diversity and inclusion?

KEEN values an inclusive and diverse community and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply, ensuring consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.

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KEEN

Driven by a passion for life outside, KEEN is a values driven footwear brand from Portland, Oregon.

Fashion & Arts
Industry
201-500
Employees
2003
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

KEEN is a values led, outdoor footwear brand with a mission to responsibly create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire outside adventure. Founded in 2003, KEEN ignited a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport sandal, launching the concept of Hybrid footwear into the market and setting KEEN on a path of driving consistent product innovation that exists today. As a company, we strive to live by our values, from the products we make to the actions we take, and by activating communities and individuals to protect and preserve the places where we work and play. We passionately endeavor to live fulfilling lives, challenge the status quo, do good, give back, and inspire others. Looking ahead, our vision is to be the most trusted outdoor footwear and lifestyle brand in the world.