Senior Apparel & Accessories Product Leader (Hybrid)

Wolverine Outdoors, Inc. (United States); Rockford (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Merrell is seeking a Senior Product Line Manager for Apparel & Accessories to shape the future of the category, influence license partners, and harness consumer insights to drive growth across product platforms.

The role sits at the intersection of brand strategy, product creation, and commercial opportunity, requiring leadership across cross-functional teams and external partners to deliver best-in-class consumer experiences.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive Product Line Management, Merchandising or related experience within the outdoor, athletic, lifestyle, apparel, and/or accessories industries.
• Strong experience across both apparel and accessories categories is highly desired and considered critical for success in this role.
• A comprehensive understanding of the competitive landscape, product development, trend and innovation as well as materials.
• Proven leadership skills with experience influencing cross-functional teams, external partners, and key stakeholders without direct authority.
• Exceptional communication, storytelling, and presentation skills, with the ability to operate and influence in a matrixed organization.

Responsibilities

• Translate strategic direction into a global Apparel & Accessories product line strategy and range architecture, ensuring alignment with brand vision, consumer needs, category trends, and business growth objectives.
• 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 empower third-party Licensees to develop best-in-class 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.
• Act as the brand's go-to resource for Apparel & Accessories business insights, translating data into strategic recommendations and clear direction for leadership, cross-functional teams, and Licensee partners.
• Identify and champion new category opportunities, whitespace opportunities, and growth platforms that expand the Apparel & Accessories business.
• Influence and evolve range architecture frameworks, planning processes, and go-to-market approaches that support future business growth and operational excellence.
• Present product vision, category strategies, seasonal concepts, and business recommendations to senior leadership, retailers, sales teams, and key external partners.
• Build strong collaborative relationships with external Licensees while holding partners accountable for delivering products that meet Merrell's quality, innovation, and consumer expectations.
• Act as a strategic leader within the product organization, helping to bring clarity, alignment, and decision-making discipline to complex and evolving business opportunities.
• Performs duties consistent with the company’s AAP/EEO goals and policies.
• Performs other duties as required/assigned by Manager.

Skills

Product Line Management

Merchandising

Leadership

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Merrell is seeking a Senior Product Line Manager for Apparel & Accessories to shape the future of the category, influence license partners, and harness consumer insights to drive growth across product platforms.

The role sits at the intersection of brand strategy, product creation, and commercial opportunity, requiring leadership across cross-functional teams and external partners to deliver best-in-class consumer experiences.