At ASICS, our Sound Mind, Sound Body™ philosophy is more than a tagline, it’s our way of life. Over 75 years ago our founder, Kihachiro Onitsuka, saw that sport and movement had the power to lift spirits, project positivity, and propel people and whole communities forward.

ASICS provides a diverse and inclusive culture that enables learning, growth, and opportunity at all levels. Our robust employee benefits allow for real work-life balance and a strong sense of community.  We empower our employees to pursue their career goals.  If this sounds like you, then we want you on our team.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The ASICS Creation Center, LLC is ASICS Corporation’s product creation office based in Boston, MA. This organization's focus is on taking innovation and product creations to new heights. The team sits across the following areas: Innovation, Performance Running, Sportstyle and Core Performance Sports.  We are currently seeking a Product Line Manager to join our Sportstyle Team!  The Product Line Manager is responsible for setting the total category and seasonal vision as well as managing a comprehensive product cycle in a post-development environment. Responsible for briefing and developing the best Product Line for the Sportstyle category that is in-line with ASICS’ commercial expectations and merchandising needs. Ensures and manages the transfer of all product information and line plans from concept stage towards Go-To-Market meeting.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Identify market potential, establish pricing and market strategies, estimate potential sales, introduce market, distribution/channel issues, and manage mature product through end of lifecycle.

· Communicate effectively with ASICS Corporation design and development staff, as well as regional merchandisers in all global regions to evaluate, review and update category product lines to ensure on-time launches of key products.

· Plan, organize, create and coordinate seasonal design briefs for assigned silo(s).

· Manage resources to execute key product initiatives.

· Coordinate program planning with internal design and development teams to ensure identification of appropriate manufacturing schedules, goals, design criteria, costs, and similar product considerations through finalization.

· Manage designated projects within category/silo to meet company and category objectives and timelines.

· Coordinate details of product direction within the organization with a wide range of functions and individuals

· Work in conjunction with the Marketing Communications Department in mapping out direction for advertising campaigns

· Collaborate with Global Merchandising to analyze historical data, sell in and sell out results to make best decisions for future product lines and new model introductions.

· Periodic travels to key markets to gain optimal market understanding and discover new/future opportunities.

· Map out the market trends for assigned silos.

· Collaborate with Consumer Insights Team and Category Strategy to clearly understand the target consumers for SPS.

· Drive seasonal update of competitor matrix and clearly map the technologies and price points for all competing styles in the Lifestyle business.

· Drive finalization of seasonal concepts.

· Work closely with Consumer Insight and Merchandising teams in preparation of seasonal plan.

· Responsible for creating the seasonal product line plan for LAR (Line Architecture Review), containing the optimal and most effective mix of the market needs expressed by merchandising and new concepts to create newness for our brand in SPS.

· Drive the seasonal development of the product line thru Global design reviews and sample review meetings.

· Develop and drive silo long term strategic business planning in conjunction with Category Goal and direction.

· Create and plan long term technology roadmap within designated silo(s).

 

 

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITES:

· Demonstrates high degree of professionalism in communication, attitude and teamwork with customers, peers and management

· Demonstrates high level of quality work, attendance and appearance

· Adheres to all Company Policies & Procedures and Safety Regulations

· Adheres to local, state and federal laws

· Additional responsibilities assigned by supervisor related to your position/department

· Ability to work varied hours, nights, days and weekends to support the business neeDS

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

· Ability to provide solutions to support business needs through creative problem solving and creative innovation

· Ability to work independently and perform a variety of tasks with different levels of complexity by developing effective plans and organizing work efficiently

· Attention to detail, ability to multitask and prioritize tasks with strict deadlines

· Strong quantitative, analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy

· Operates with curiosity with an ability to manage ambiguity and push through business challenges with a focus on continuous development

· Working knowledge of the footwear product management process, retail environment and consumer buying habits

· Technical background, understands materials, fit, function, and end-user requirements

· Comprehensive understanding of product development, manufacturing, and retail buying process

· Schedule flexibility to manage regular evening calls with Asia.

· Ability to travel domestically and internationally around 20% of the year (with minimum 2 trips/year to Japan).

 

CORE COMPETENCIES:

· Communicates Effectively

· Connects with the Customer 

· Cultivates Collaboration

· Delivers Results Effectively

· Initiative 

· Innovative

· Job Expertise 

· Shows Great Judgment

 

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

· 3-5 years’ experience in Product management within sporting or athletic industry

· Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Retail Merchandising, or Product Development or equivalent work experience

· Experience working with international cultures and in an international environment

· Report generating and analytical experience related to merchandising, financials and sales

· Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

· Experience with Google Applications such as Gmail, TEAMs, etc. a plus.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

In general, the following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow differently-abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.

· Must be able to see, hear, speak and write clearly in order to communicate with employees and/or other customers.

· Manual dexterity required.

· Office work, some lifting, considerable walking.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

In general, the following conditions of the work environment are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow differently abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job within the environment.

· The office is clean, orderly, properly lighted and ventilated. Noise levels are considered low to moderate.

ASICS CCPA Pre-Collection Notice for Job Applications: We collect personal information (PI) from you in connection with your application for employment with ASICS Creation Center LLC, including the following categories of PI: identifiers, personal records, professional or employment information, and inferences drawn from your PI. We collect your PI for our purposes, including performing services and operations related to your potential employment. For additional details or if you have questions, contact us at hrccpa@asics.com.

 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employee(s) assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employee(s) assigned to this job. ASICS Creation Center LLC reserves the right at any time, with or without notice, to alter or change job responsibilities, reassign or transfer job position or assign additional job responsibilities within your general skill set or capabilities.  ASICS Creation Center LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.