Director of Sport Product Management - Running Accessories

Role Overview

The Director of Sport Product Management for Running Accessories will lead a product management team focused on Running, Training, and Brand Impact sports accessories. Reporting directly to the VP of Global Accessories, this position plays a critical role in developing innovative accessories shaped by strong athlete and consumer insights. The Director contributes to strategic discussions at the general management and leadership team level, representing sport-specific accessories in strategy, concept, and seasonal product initiatives. The role requires inspiring a cross-functional group composed of product management, design, and product development to deliver high-quality athlete uniform solutions and capitalize on significant market opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the sport accessories product creation strategy specifically for Running, overseeing two direct reports responsible for Training and Brand Impact sports.
• Develop and champion the vision for athlete uniform products, including headwear, socks, and bags, for promotional and retail purposes.
• Craft comprehensive strategies, direct insight gathering and innovation planning, align seasonal objectives with merchandising and chassis teams, and manage all phases of the product creation process.
• Partner collaboratively with sport category functions and innovation teams to identify accessories opportunities rooted in athlete and consumer insights, managing briefings through to product line handovers.
• Translate broad sport and accessories objectives into detailed, actionable strategies, measurable roadmaps, and operating plans aimed at maximizing brand and business impact.
• Provide sport point-of-view leadership for accessories across category, chassis, and geographic partners, driving outcomes with urgency and focus.
• Navigate complex and ambiguous challenges by balancing consumer insights with market intelligence to produce consumer-aligned products for promotions, sport moments, and seasonal launches.
• Fulfill critical leadership duties including managing annual and seasonal product plans, fostering team development and culture, leading performance reviews, and making resourcing decisions.

Desired Qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in business management, merchandising, or a related discipline; or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• Over 10 years of experience managing product creation, merchandising, or closely related fields.
• Proven track record of leading and empowering cross-functional teams.
• Strong capabilities in cross-functional leadership and talent development.
• Experience utilizing consumer, cultural, and marketplace insights to inform strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to establish trust and collaborate effectively across matrixed organizations.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally up to 20% of the time.

Additional Information

Interview accommodations are available, including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible interview locations, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications. Candidates requiring assistance due to a disability are encouraged to request accommodations during the application process.