The Senior Product Line Manager, Apparel & Accessories will act as a strategic leader who can shape the future of Apparel & Accessories at Merrell, influence external license partners, identify new growth opportunities, and create structure in a relatively evolving business. They will work at the intersection of consumer insights, marketplace trends, brand strategy, product creation, and commercial opportunity to identify growth-driving product concepts and category opportunities.
This role is ideal for a builder who thrives in ambiguity, identifies opportunities where others see challenges, and creates the processes, frameworks, and cross-functional alignment required to accelerate business growth. Success in this role requires meaningful experience across both apparel and accessories categories, as well as the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and external partners to deliver best-in-class consumer experiences.
Primary Duties: - Partnering closely with Product Leadership, Marketing, Footwear, and third-party Licensees, this individual will translate strategic direction into a global Apparel & Accessories product line strategy and range architecture, ensuring alignment with brand vision, consumer needs, category trends, and business growth objectives.
- Develop compelling category and product strategies informed by consumer insights, market intelligence, competitive analysis, emerging trends, and innovation opportunities.
- Create and deliver clear, inspiring product briefs that empower third-party Licensees to develop best-in-class products aligned with Merrell's brand positioning and commercial goals.
- Own the financial understanding of the Apparel & Accessories business, including category performance, assortment productivity, revenue, margin, and growth targets. Act as the brand's go-to resource for Apparel & Accessories business insights, translating data into strategic recommendations and clear direction for leadership, cross-functional teams, and Licensee partners.
- Identify and champion new category opportunities, whitespace opportunities, and growth platforms that expand the Apparel & Accessories business.
- Influence and evolve range architecture frameworks, planning processes, and go-to-market approaches that support future business growth and operational excellence.
- Present product vision, category strategies, seasonal concepts, and business recommendations to senior leadership, retailers, sales teams, and key external partners.
- Build strong collaborative relationships with external Licensees while holding partners accountable for delivering products that meet Merrell's quality, innovation, and consumer expectations.
- Act as a strategic leader within the product organization, helping to bring clarity, alignment, and decision-making discipline to complex and evolving business opportunities.
- Performs duties consistent with the company's AAP/EEO goals and policies.
- Performs other duties as required/assigned by Manager.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
- 7+ years of progressive Product Line Management, Merchandising or related experience within the outdoor, athletic, lifestyle, apparel, and/or accessories industries.
- Strong experience across both apparel and accessories categories is highly desired and considered critical for success in this role.
- A comprehensive understanding of the competitive landscape, product development, trend and innovation as well as materials.
- Proven leadership skills with experience influencing cross-functional teams, external partners, and key stakeholders without direct authority.
- Exceptional communication, storytelling, and presentation skills, with the ability to operate and influence in a matrixed organization, influencing audiences ranging from senior leadership to external partners.
- Highly analytical and comfortable using data to identify opportunities, evaluate performance, and inform decision-making.
- Performance-driven with a test-and-learn mindset, and a focus on critical thinking to assess, interpret, and integrate learning from multiple sources to drive better results in an agile way.
- Experience navigating ambiguity, establishing priorities, and driving results in dynamic, fast-changing business environments.
Working Conditions:Normal office environment. Some travel may be required.
Wolverine Worldwide has a flexible, hybrid work schedule, with three days in office and two days remote.
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