Manager Brand Marketing Keds

Designer Brands Inc. • Burlington, MA

7h • Hybrid

About The Position

At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe
Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across
North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the
footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo
Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix
No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and
sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a
robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At
Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration,
innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee’s unique perspective
contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of “We Love What We Do,”
“We Own What We Do,” “We Do What’s Right,” and “We Belong,” we continuously
drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot
forward.

Keds has always stood for movement—creative movement, personal movement, and
cultural movement. As the Brand Marketing Manager, you’ll be at the center of
bringing this iconic brand’s stories to life. You will develop and guide
thoughtful, integrated marketing strategies that spark connection with consumers
across wholesale, social, PR, and global markets.

This role is hands on, creative, and collaborative. You’ll lead campaigns from
concept to execution, champion consistent brand expression, and partner closely
across teams to ensure every marketing moment feels purposeful. For someone who
loves balancing strategy with creativity, this is a chance to shape where the
Keds brand goes next.

This role reports to the Director, Digital and Brand Marketing and manages 1–3
direct reports.

Requirements

• Proven ability to lead teams and manage multiple initiatives with clarity and organization.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across all levels.
• Expertise in social media strategy, influencer marketing, and PR execution.
• Comfort interpreting data and applying insights to shape strategy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, plus familiarity with marketing analytics tools.
• 5+ years in marketing, including at least 2 years in a managerial or leadership role.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the footwear or fashion industry.
• Understanding of wholesale and international marketing dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of integrated marketing strategies across wholesale, PR, social media, and influencer channels.
• Strengthen brand equity and drive sales through cohesive, consumer centered marketing plans.
• Partner with leadership teams on brand collaboration and partnership opportunities.
• Direct campaign planning across seasons and market moments to ensure alignment with brand voice, positioning, and visual identity.
• Oversee the creation of campaign assets, ensuring they reflect the Keds DNA and support key brand milestones.
• Guide social media and PR initiatives, including content calendars, influencer partnerships, product seeding, and agency collaboration.
• Ensure all external touchpoints feel authentic, inclusive, and connected to broader brand goals.
• Review campaign performance and competitive activity to understand what’s landing with consumers.
• Translate data into actionable insights that improve future strategies.
• Manage marketing budgets, including forecasting, tracking, and invoice processing to support thoughtful investment decisions.
• Work closely with Sales, Product Development, and international teams to create tools and assets that support selling and sell through.
• Partner with Creative, Digital, and other internal teams to ensure all collateral aligns with brand guidelines and timelines.
• Coach, support, and develop direct reports, encouraging a collaborative, curious, and solutions-oriented environment.

Benefits

• Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more. Explore our offerings at https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi [https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi].
• Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired—wherever you do your best work.
• Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.
• We are Shoe-Obsessed: Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you’ll enjoy 30% off at DSW & com [https://www.dsw.com/], plus discounts across our family of brands.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager