Job Information
Clarks Shoes Assistant Product Line Manager in Needham, Massachusetts
Assistant Product Line Manager
Location:
Needham, MA
Job Advert Description
The Assistant Product Line Manager supports the Product Line Manager in developing and implementing strategies to drive the success of a specific product line or category that meet the needs of our target consumers. This role collaborates with cross-functional teams such as sales, marketing, and operations to ensure the smooth execution of product initiatives and meet business objectives. Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills are essential for this role.
What You'll Be Doing:
Maintain an in-depth understanding of our target consumers’ needs, of market trends and of how these relate to the Clarks brand.
Support the PLM team in the delivery of shoe ranges which are designed and developed to the agreed timetable and quality standards.
Follow standard processes for the development of the line, by supporting the PLM team in briefing Designers, and managing information.
Support the development of design briefs that are communicated in a clear and consistent method, so comparisons of output verses brief are possible.
Progress meaningful product concepts for consumers, differentiating Clarks from competitors.
Controll product development costs and design costs to deliver target margin.
Support the delivery of average price, product cost and margin targets.
Support the development of commercially viable products for sources to develop and manufacture in order to minimize costs and lead times.
Work collaboratively with other functions on a day-to-day basis in order to achieve the segment objectives.
Gain an understanding of regions in seasonal sales performance.
Prepare and deliver compelling product messages / presentations for the season.
What You'll Bring With You:
Knowledge:
Experience as Trainee Product Line Manager preferred.
Basic knowledge of footwear and shoemaking – constructions, leather, other materials, cost components etc.
Current footwear market trends
Effective retail marketing and selling techniques.
Fashion and Trends
Footwear and footwear constructions
Marketplace and competition
Footwear product development processes and sourcing
Experience:
Plan a product range with a clear structure and using meaningful criteria.
Challenge and continuously seek improvement – e.g., in design, in shoe technology.
Instinctive recognition of good and bad aesthetic appeal of a prototype shoe to its target consumer – particularly last shape and material
Tenacity to make sure that new designs are 100% right.
Write and communicate clear design briefs.
Able to collaborate and work with people from different countries and culture.
Skills:
MS Office proficiency e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint
Understanding of Range Tracker/PLM
Good presentational skills
Commercial awareness and ability to deliver commercial targets.
Structured approach to planning, organization and research
Manage detail.
Decision making
Action focused.
Clear communication of plans and action
Communication and influencing skills.
Numerically confident
About Clarks
Clarks, based in Somerset, England, has been at the forefront of innovative shoemaking since its foundation in 1825, when brothers James and Cyrus Clark made a slipper from sheepskin off-cuts. At the time it was ground-breaking: a combination of invention and craftsmanship that has remained at the heart of what the brand does now. In the Clarks archive of more than 22,000 pairs are shoes that have sparke;d revolutions and defined generations. From the original Clarks Desert Boot, first designed by Nathan Clark and launched in 1950, to the iconic Wallabee, each design has an instantly recognizable signature that makes it unmistakably Clarks.
This season, we’re proud to introduce the Clarks Collective: five incredible activists championing authentic social change. From mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights to greater racial equality, these trailblazers are committed to creating a brighter future for us all – bringing to life Clarks’ new global campaign, For the World Ahead. Through spotlighting their stories and supporting their chosen charities and initiatives, we’re ready to lead the way. After all, we’re originators, not imitators. It’s who we are, who we’ve always been. And to change the world of tomorrow, we’re doing things differently today.
As a global employer, Clarks is committed to embracing diversity throughout our workforce by creating an inclusive environment that reflects the many cultures and locations where we work. We strive to create a productive environment which everyone has an equal chance to succeed at all levels through the organization. We will not discriminate on the basis of sex, age ,disability, marital status, color, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or gender re-assignment’, complying with local legislative requirements.