About this role
<p><strong>PURPOSE & OVERALL RELEVANCE FOR THE ORGANIZATION</strong></p> <ul type="disc"> <li><strong>Orchestrate cross-functional product creation teams</strong> across apparel, accessories, and footwear to deliver the category vision to target consumer groups across all creation layers and distribution channels.</li> <li><strong>End-to-end ownership and management</strong> of the project lifecycle, including strategic roadmap planning, milestone execution, senior leadership alignment, and high-level engagement with external partners (creation partners, key accounts).</li> <li><strong>Translate high-level strategies into actionable tactical plans</strong> to drive effective consumer connection and cultural adoption.</li> <li><strong>Partner directly with local and global stakeholders</strong> to ensure cohesive local/global ranges are brought to market with a powerful, balanced mix of storytelling, product excellence, and commercial availability.</li> <li><strong>Act as a proven strategist, negotiator, and leader</strong>, decisively auditing and steering product creation direction based on consumer insights and commercial viability.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>KEY RESPONSIBILITIES</strong></p> <ul type="disc"> <li><strong>Lead, inspire, and develop</strong> a high-performing team, maximizing functional and leadership capabilities through active coaching and mentorship.</li> <li><strong>Foster a highly collaborative, matrix-focused culture</strong> within the team to ensure seamless cooperation with interlinked regional and global departments.</li> <li><strong>Lead by example</strong> embodying and championing core brand values and corporate culture.</li> <li><strong>Serve as a visionary anchor</strong> for team members by co-developing and clearly communicating strategic directions, product creation processes, and critical milestones.</li> <li><strong>Proactively identify business opportunities and mitigate risks</strong> initiate decisive action plans in partnership with internal and external cross-functional stakeholders.</li> <li><strong>Leverage expert-level knowledge of the end-to-end product creation process</strong> across all product divisions to streamline operations and accelerate speed-to-market.</li> <li><strong>Engage and align with cross-functional leadership</strong> in Japan and South Korea to maximize the market impact of regional product drops.</li> <li><strong>Drive product development and leverage category sourcing strategies</strong> to deliver cutting-edge material and design innovation while consistently hitting profitability and margin targets.</li> <li><strong>Accelerate Key Account business</strong> by delivering superior service, optimized product tiers, competitive pricing, and precise launch timing.</li> <li><strong>Shape the long-term product vision</strong> by establishing a robust innovation agenda and a multi-year product roadmap in collaboration with design and development partners.</li> <li><strong>Serve as the central cross-functional product marketing anchor</strong> and strategic point-person for respective team units.</li> <li><strong>Monitor and optimize category financials and KPIs</strong> (including sell-in/sell-through rates, article efficiency, and volume metrics), implementing immediate commercial or structural solutions when needed.</li> <li><strong>Curate, prepare, and present product ranges</strong> during creative, design, and selection review sessions, ensuring alignment at major internal brand milestones.</li> <li><strong>Collaborate closely with the Senior Director</strong> to architect short-, mid-, and long-term product creation strategies that secure industry leadership for the creation center.</li> <li><strong>Cultivate an influential industry network</strong> translating external market insights into actionable business opportunities for the brand.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERTISE</strong></p> <ul type="disc"> <li>Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams to conceptualize and execute industry-leading products.</li> <li>Exceptional leadership capabilities: adept at setting clear frameworks for performance, autonomy, and professional growth.</li> <li>In-depth, comprehensive knowledge of apparel, accessories, and footwear product creation pipelines.</li> <li>Advanced analytical acumen paired with a solution-driven, results-oriented, and highly creative mindset.</li> <li>Thrives in high-velocity, fast-paced environments with shifting priorities.</li> <li>Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.</li> <li>Strong lateral thinking capability with the courage to challenge the status quo to achieve superior brand outcomes.</li> <li>Expert understanding of the Japanese and South Korean consumer landscape, retail accounts, macroeconomic trends, and market dynamics.</li> <li>Adept at conflict resolution and diplomatic negotiation in high-stakes environments.</li> <li>Strong change management capabilities with a track record of guiding teams through organizational or process evolutions.</li> <li>Highly collaborative nature with an innate ability to build and maintain high-trust relationships.</li> <li>Willingness and flexibility to travel as required by the business.</li> <li>Deep passion for sports, fashion, art, music, and sneaker culture.</li> </ul> <p><strong>KEY RELATIONSHIPS</strong></p> <ul type="disc"> <li>Product Design</li> <li>Product Operations / Development (Multiple Locations)</li> <li>Japan Business Unit & Local Cross-Functional Teams including Senior Leaders</li> <li>South Korea Business Unit & Local Cross-Functional Teams including Senior Leaders</li> <li>Global Lifestyle Business Unit & Go-To-Market Teams</li> <li>Global Business Affairs Team</li> <li>Global Sourcing Team</li> </ul> <ul> <li>External Collaboration Partners/Accounts</li> </ul> <p><strong>REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS</strong></p> <ul type="disc"> <li>University degree or equivalent professional education required.</li> <li>Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional work experience.</li> <li>5+ years of experience managing diverse, cross-functional, or global teams within a complex matrix organization.</li> <li>5+ years of experience in product creation, product marketing, or merchandising within the fashion, lifestyle, or sportswear industries.</li> <li>Proven track record of success in high-tier product marketing and strategic partnership management.</li> <li>Advanced proficiency in standard business tools (MS Office Suite, internal PLM software).</li> <li>Fluency in English and Japanese (written and spoken) is required.</li> </ul>