An Product Line Manager supports the Product Leader in developing and implementing strategies to drive the success of a specific product line or category. that meet the needs of our target consumers. They also collaborate 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. 61 Insights & Input - Support Leader and Collection Merchandiser in the research, development and analysis of consumer-led and commercial opportunities that will drive the development of an effective product line, deliver the best expression of the brand in the market place and drive consumer engagement and commercial growth. - Gain and utilise and in-depth understanding of the market, consumer and Clarks brand to develop a successful seasonal product proposition that delivers against business performance targets. 61 Drive and Manage the Product Creation Process - Manage the delivery of the seasonal product line on time and to target cost for a category/gender, working with the Design and Product Development teams. - Accountable for ensuring key stage gates through the seasonal development calendar are managed and delivered against. - Applying the defined range framework, create commercial design briefs for each product, including target product costs, defining the framework for the design team to design a product line that will deliver engagement and growth through a differentiated brand proposition in the market place. - Control and manage the ongoing product specification change process through the development calendar. 61 Product Documentation, Data & Article Create - Responsible for ensuring product data, at line level, is accurate, updated and maintained. - Responsible for ensuring all product data is completed and handed into central data teams to complete article create on time and accurately in lines with the seasonal development calendar defined timing. 61 Maintaining an in-depth understanding of our target consumers’ needs, of market trends and of how these relate to the Clarks brand. 61 Supporting the PLM team in the delivery of shoe ranges which are designed and developed to the agreed timetable and quality standards. 61 Following standard processes for the development of the line, by supporting the PLM team in briefing Designers, and managing information. 61 Support the development of design briefs that are communicated in a clear and consistent method, so comparisons of output verses brief are possible. 61 Progressing meaningful product concepts for consumers, differentiating Clarks from competitors. 61 Controlling product development costs and design costs to deliver target margin. 61 Supporting the delivery of average price, product cost and margin targets. 61 Supporting the development of commercially viable products for sources to develop and manufacture in order to minimize costs and lead times. 61 Working collaboratively with other functions on a day-to-day basis in order to achieve the segment objectives. 61 Understanding of regions in seasonal sales performance. 61 Prepare and deliver compelling product messages / presentations for the season. Qualifications 61 Knowledge: 61 Experience as Trainee Product Line Manager preferred. 61 Basic knowledge of footwear and shoemaking – constructions, leather, other materials, cost components etc. 61 Current footwear market trends 61 Effective retail marketing and selling techniques. 61 Fashion and Trends 61 Footwear and footwear constructions 61 Marketplace and competition 61 Footwear product development processes and sourcing 61 Experience: 61 Plan a product range with a clear structure and using meaningful criteria. 61 Challenge and continuously seek improvement – e.g., in design, in shoe technology. 61 Instinctive recognition of good and bad aesthetic appeal of a prototype shoe to its target consumer – particularly last shape and material 61 Tenacity to make sure that new designs are 100% right. 61 Write and communicate clear design briefs. 61 Able to collaborate and work with people from different countries and culture. 61 Skills: 61 MS Office proficiency e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint 61 Understanding of Range Tracker/PLM 61 Good presentational skills 61 Commercial awareness and ability to deliver commercial targets. 61 Structured approach to planning, organization and research 61 Manage detail. 61 Decision making 61 Action focused. 61 Clear communication of plans and action 61 Communication and influencing skills 61 Numerically confident
