Product Line Manager (gn) Outdoor

BIRKENSTOCK is a global lifestyle brand that stands for quality, function and all-round well- being. The historic roots of this long-standing family-run company can be traced back to the year 1774. Nowadays, the product portfolio comprises sandals and closed shoes, accessories, natural cosmetics as well as beds and sleep systems. With more than 5.500 employees, BIRKENSTOCK is the German shoe industry’s largest employer. BIRKENSTOCK has 16 locations in Germany, with privately owned distribution companies in Europe, Asia and the USA.

For our division Product Management at our location in Cologne we are looking for a

Product Line Manager (gn) Outdoor

• You already have worked in the outdoor field and are now ready to start a new adventure and take responsibility for the successful financial and strategic development of your outdoor product line.
• You understand that crucial for your success are the six big Cs: Consumer (trends & habits), Category (innovation & key success factors), Competitor, Country (specific requirements, trends, and markets), Channel (developments) and, of course, Customer (key accounts). Under your supervision seasonal range creation process in the field of active & outdoor footwear will run smoothly and efficiently (including preparation and execution of proto review meetings) and you further facilitate productive interactions across all relevant functions within the team (i.e. design, development & innovation).
• As the “face” of your portfolio, you act internally and externally as an important connector to our sales division (presentation and delivery of the range in sales meetings) as well as key accounts and customers (trade shows, assistance in sell-ins).
• Furthermore, you know market trends better than anyone else and identify business opportunities for your segment.
• Lastly, you review past seasons systematically, analyse sell-ins & sell-outs, plan and control turnover quantities as well as margins and schedule & execute important milestone meetings.

• Business / Economic university degree or professional training in shoes / fashion / sports A relevant experience in the field of outdoor footwear product management and a good product and market knowledge of the outdoor industry
• Deep knowledge of product management, analytical segment planning and trend resp. potential analysis
• Business fluent English is a must, German a plus
• MS Office skills and ideally know-how in ERP and Range Admin Systems Exceptional ability to sell ideas and goods
• Generalist with an analytical and strategical mindset
• Born networker, team builder, moderator, and presenter
• Above average problem-solving and troubleshooting ability
• Willingness to travel regularly and globally

BIRKENSTOCK offers you all the advantages of a successful, fast growing, global company: dynamic work environment, considerable design freedom, authentic and open corporate culture and excellent development opportunities.