Sr. Product Line Manager, Apparel & Accessories - Merrell

Wolverine Worldwide•Rockford, MI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Product Line Manager, Apparel & Accessories will provide strategic leadership to shape Merrell’s Apparel & Accessories business, influence external license partners, identify growth opportunities, and establish structure in an evolving business. Working across consumer insights, marketplace trends, brand strategy, product creation, and commercial opportunity, this role identifies product concepts and category opportunities that can drive growth. The role calls for a builder who can navigate ambiguity and create processes, frameworks, and cross-functional alignment to accelerate the business. Meaningful experience across both apparel and accessories, along with the ability to influence stakeholders and external partners, is important to success. In close partnership with Product Leadership, Marketing, Footwear, and third-party Licensees, this role translates strategic direction into global product line strategy and range architecture aligned with Merrell’s brand vision, consumer needs, category trends, and growth objectives. The role owns the financial understanding of the business, develops product briefs and category strategies, identifies growth platforms, and presents product and business recommendations to internal and external audiences. It also builds Licensee relationships and helps bring clarity and decision-making discipline to complex business opportunities. The position is based in a normal office environment. Some travel may be required. Wolverine Worldwide offers a flexible hybrid schedule, with three days in the office and two days remote.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
At least 7 years of progressive Product Line Management, Merchandising, or related experience in the outdoor, athletic, lifestyle, apparel, and/or accessories industries.
Comprehensive understanding of the competitive landscape, product development, trends and innovation, and materials.
Proven leadership skills and experience influencing cross-functional teams, external partners, and key stakeholders without direct authority.
Exceptional communication, storytelling, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence audiences from senior leadership to external partners in a matrixed organization.
Strong analytical ability and comfort using data to identify opportunities, evaluate performance, and inform decisions.
Performance-driven, with a test-and-learn mindset and critical-thinking skills to assess, interpret, and integrate learning from multiple sources.
Ability to navigate ambiguity, establish priorities, and drive results in dynamic, fast-changing business environments.

Nice To Haves

Strong experience across both apparel and accessories categories; described as highly desired and critical for success.

Responsibilities

Partner with Product Leadership, Marketing, Footwear, and third-party Licensees to translate strategic direction into global Apparel & Accessories product line strategy and range architecture.
Develop category and product strategies informed by consumer insights, market intelligence, competitive analysis, emerging trends, and innovation opportunities.
Create and deliver clear, inspiring product briefs that enable third-party Licensees to develop products aligned with Merrell’s brand positioning and commercial goals.
Own the financial understanding of the Apparel & Accessories business, including category performance, assortment productivity, revenue, margin, and growth targets.
Serve as the brand’s go-to resource for Apparel & Accessories business insights, translating data into strategic recommendations and direction for leadership, cross-functional teams, and Licensee partners.
Identify and champion new category opportunities, whitespace opportunities, and growth platforms.
Influence and evolve range architecture frameworks, planning processes, and go-to-market approaches to support business growth and operational excellence.
Present product vision, category strategies, seasonal concepts, and business recommendations to senior leadership, retailers, sales teams, and external partners.
Build collaborative relationships with external Licensees and hold partners accountable for Merrell’s quality, innovation, and consumer expectations.
Provide strategic leadership within the product organization, bringing clarity, alignment, and decision-making discipline to complex and evolving opportunities.
Perform duties consistent with the company’s AAP/EEO goals and policies, and other duties as required or assigned by the Manager.