DC SHOES - Global Head of Footwear

Job description

SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Global GM, the Global Head of Footwear (GHoF) is the driving force behind DC Shoes’ footwear business. A dynamic leader, the GHoF is responsible for orchestrating the entire global footwear range, across all genders, categories, and styles. This opportunity demands a leader who can balance both the strategic & tactical ends of the spectrum. Managing a diverse team of global Product Manager’s and Regional Merchandisers, the GHoF leads the creation of all our products and, ultimately, directs the manner in which those products appear in the global marketplace .

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead a globally diverse, cross functional team of product managers and creators
Work directly with the planning & forecasting teams to create seasonal product plans that support broader financial targets
Partner and lead during the entire footwear creation cycle, including design, development, production, and merchandising
Line planning, inclusive of financial metrics management (sku efficiency and margin targets)
Define and drive how DC footwear enters and exits the global marketplace
Act as the central hub for how products are created from concept to consumer
Work directly with factories to ensure product integrity
Utilize consumer oriented research to guide all product creating points of view on behalf of the company
Maintain a keen outlook on marketplace & consumer, particularly in the world of streetwear
Plan and facilitate a global operating budget

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/SKILLS/EDUCATION:

Minimum of 10 years of increasingly responsible work within the footwear industry, to include 5+ years in creating and managing a global line of footwear
5+ years of active leadership experience & a propensity for building winning teams
Deep knowledge of footwear manufacturing processes
Strong ability to inspire and motivate self and others
Ability to work cross functionally across all aspects of product creation
Consumer oriented mind-set and experience in consumer oriented engagement
Deep understanding of the process of creating footwear: from concept to consumer
History of handling life cycle planning for consumer products, notably footwear and/or apparel
Ability to utilize consumer based insights to create strategic priorities
Track record of success in executing footwear product lines that drive value & support brand vision
Must have strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to interface effectively with all levels within and outside of the organization.