Product Manager - Kickers

Kickers

In the UK, the story of Kickers is about more than just shoes, it’s also about the cultural footprint that has spanned the nation’s most memorable music scenes and style tribes.

Yes, we make shoes & clothing but alongside this we have a long history and heritage of being an ever-present part of British youth culture. With this longevity comes knowledge and experience. We believe we can continue have a positive impact on the youth of today in the UK by providing products that help each of us to express ourselves, both in and out of the classroom.

We’re proud of our reputation for creating high-quality footwear with an unmatched comfort and attention to detail – and for our unmistakably kickers approach to life and style: Classic, relaxed, relevant… and accessible to all.

Role

As Kicker’s evolution continues, we're looking for a highly organised, ambitious and passionate Product Manager to join our incredible team to strategically grow the Kicker’s Back to School and seasonal business for a year as a maternity cover.

This role will facilitate the exciting development of 3 collections a year that are compelling to both retailers and consumers and deliver against the brand’s commercial targets and strategic priorities. Together with other key areas of the business, you will work on the journey from concept, development, production to delivery signing off with key stakeholders and driving demand along the way.

Responsibilities

Responsible for leading the creation of the Kickers UK range using insights, competitor benchmarking, trend analysis and sales data to determine the category plan

Establish product strategy including growth opportunities, product lifecycle, pricing architecture, segmentation to achieve KPIs in line with the critical path and brand strategy

Create design briefs for design, development and sourcing team to kick start development whilst referring back to these throughout the design process

Present product strategy and collection to key stakeholders during product milestones within the critical path

Lead the ‘Go To Market’ launches alongside the brand team to effectively engage internal and external stakeholders with the new product collection and strategy

Collaborate with Brand and Marketing team, assisting with the marketing of the range, helping to communicate key selling points and working closely to drive the brand strategy and positioning

Drive sustainability and positive business initiatives working across teams to kick start new development

Responsible for following internal processes including data upload and consolidating product details to effectively bring products to market

Monitor status of cost prices working with design, development and finance to ensure margin targets are hit

Manage multiple project timelines and oversee critical path milestones working in a matrix structure to ensure a smooth-running department

Analyse sales data from wholesale partners and e-comm to identify best and worst sellers, gaps in the range and any SMU opportunities

Set sales budgets together with the finance team for each season focusing on option count and SCO productivity

Monitor status of sales against the budget on a continual basis and work with the commercial sales team and finance to adjust accordingly

Attend industry and trade events to stay updated with industry trends and product direction as well as build relationships with new vendors

What you will bring:

• Solid product management or buying experience, preferably in footwear or a related category.
• Ability to present ideas and gain commitment at a senior level
• Understanding and experience of product lifecycle management including how commercial and development changes impact the critical path and vendors
• Constantly showing initiative, being responsive to change and solving problems
• Strong analytical & reporting skills
• Flexibility to work independently and within a fast-paced team
• Driven by delivery; self-motivated and keen to drive initiatives from beginning to end
• Consumer-centric with a proven record of translating this to product opportunities
• Footwear, and fashion obsessed. Naturally.

About the perks

• Flexible working – spreading your time across our office and remote working - 60/40 split.
• Access to our swimming pool, gym and tennis court at our HQ in Finchley, North London.
• Friendly and open culture with flat structures allowing plenty of opportunity for development.
• Open-minded company, welcoming thoughts, and ideas to be shared. Being part of a portfolio of brands, we have endless opportunities for you.
• Working with charitable organisations to help raise funds and give something back. Pentland brands work with a variety of charity partners for you to get involved with.
• The chance to join our Charity, D&I and Sustainability employee networks.
• Employee discount on all Pentland brands, including at our HQ store in Finchley.
• 25 days holiday (plus the bank holidays)
• Cycle2work and season ticket loans
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance for all team members
• Variety of other perks once passed probation.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Canteen
• Casual dress
• Company car
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Flexitime
• Free parking
• Gym membership
• On-site gym
• On-site parking
• Store discount

Schedule:

• Flexitime
• Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

• Yearly bonus

Ability to commute/relocate:

• London, N3 2HH: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in London, N3 2HH

Reference ID: 1187