Director, Brand & Innovation

About Implus Footcare, LLC

Implus Footcare, LLC is a prominent global company specializing in consumer packaged goods with over 20 brands across footwear accessories, hosiery, specialty running, outdoor, fitness, and movement categories. Headquartered in Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, it operates internationally with locations in the USA, Australia, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, and South Africa. Its extensive portfolio includes brands like Balega, Harbinger, TriggerPoint, SKLZ, RockTape, and many others, with products distributed in more than 80,000 retail outlets across North America and over 70 countries worldwide.

Role Overview

The Director of SKLZ Brand & Innovation plays a crucial leadership role responsible for shaping and implementing SKLZ's brand growth, product line strategy, pricing, and innovations in packaging and product development. This position collaborates with geographically dispersed commercial teams to ensure effective integration of SKLZ’s market positioning, innovation plans, brand storytelling, and product development at a global scale.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong history of effective leadership with executives and cross-functional partnerships including commercial, digital commerce, product engineering, social media, influencer management, and sourcing teams to deliver impactful business outcomes. As a director and hands-on leader, this role demands strategic insight, thought leadership, and the capability to lead teams toward flawless execution, enhancing portfolio focus and launch discipline aligned with SKLZ’s strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the deployment of SKLZ’s brand identity, ensuring clarity and alignment with athletes, coaches, consumers, and internal teams.
• Translate consumer data, market trends, and competitor insights into actionable brand strategies and messaging.
• Oversee the SKLZ product lineup including product mix, lifecycle management, SKU optimization, and seasonal architecture.
• Analyze business metrics to guide assortment decisions and portfolio improvements.
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure product roadmaps and strategies meet consumer demand and commercial targets.
• Facilitate innovation by identifying gaps and guiding projects from ideation through to product launch.
• Ensure alignment and cooperation between brand, product, sales, and marketing teams for seamless go-to-market execution.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Product Line Management team, enhancing team capabilities and cultivating a high-performance environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in brand strategy, product management, product marketing, or integrated marketing.
• In-depth knowledge of brand positioning, consumer insights, storytelling, and competitive dynamics.
• Proven expertise in portfolio management, product lifecycle, SKU optimization, and business analysis.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing cross-functional teams and influencing at all organizational levels.
• Capacity to balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution and talent development.
• Collaborative and adaptable personality suited to a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Preferably experienced in sports, fitness, or consumer products sectors with familiarity in athlete training categories.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related fields required; MBA with marketing concentration preferred.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Visual focus for detailed work, report reading, presentations, and computer use.
• Effective hearing and communication skills for interaction with colleagues and partners.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, telephony, and use of office equipment.
• Mobility to attend meetings and navigate office spaces.
• Ability to frequently communicate clearly and effectively.
• Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds, with support for reasonable accommodations.
• Work environment includes standard office setting with deadlines, interruptions, and occasional travel.

Equity and Inclusion

Implus is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse culture and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified candidates will receive fair consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability, or other protected categories. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.