VP, GM - Keds

designerbrands; Massachusetts; Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid/Remote work

Education support

Career development

Shoe discounts

401(k) match

Health benefits

Job summary

Designer Brands seeks a VP - General Manager for Keds to set vision and strategy, driving growth across wholesale, eCommerce, and international channels. You will align product, marketing, and commercial efforts to deliver sales, profitability, and market share gains while leading cross-functional teams and ensuring organizational alignment.

You will translate consumer insights into compelling brand strategies, foster operational excellence, and coach senior leaders to achieve long-term value.

Qualifications

• Proven experience creating/managing brands.
• 10+ years Brand / Product / Marketing experience.
• 8 years of people management experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.

Responsibilities

• Establish and communicate a clear vision and growth roadmap for brands.
• Deliver sales, market share, and profitability targets across channels.
• Lead integrated commercial strategies for brand performance.
• Direct product, merchandising, marketing, and go-to-market plans.
• Identify insights and trends to drive growth and relevance.
• Build and lead high-performing teams and align stakeholders.

Skills

Brand management

Product leadership

Marketing strategy

People management

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in related field

Job description

Who We Are

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.

The Opportunity

The Vice President - General Manager for Keds is responsible for establishing the vision, strategy, and direction for assigned footwear brands. This role is accountable for achieving or exceeding sales, market share, and profitability objectives across all channels. The VP - GM leads the development and execution of wholesale, eCommerce, and international distribution strategies, ensuring alignment of product, merchandising, marketing, and commercial initiatives to drive growth. Through strong cross-functional leadership, this executive translates consumer insights and market opportunities into compelling brand and product strategies, while fostering operational excellence, organizational alignment, and sustained business performance.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Establish and communicate a clear vision, strategy, and growth roadmap for assigned brands, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and long-term value creation.
• Deliver or exceed annual sales, market share, gross margin, and profitability targets across wholesale, direct-to-consumer, eCommerce, and international channels.
• Lead the development and execution of integrated commercial strategies that optimize brand performance across all channels while maintaining a consistent consumer experience.
• Direct product, merchandising, marketing, and go-to-market strategies to ensure a compelling consumer proposition and achievement of financial objectives.
• Identify and capitalize on consumer insights, market trends, and competitive opportunities to drive innovation, brand relevance, and profitable growth.
• Build, develop, and lead high-performing teams through clear expectations, accountability, coaching, and talent development.
• Serve as the primary business leader and advocate for the brand, influencing key stakeholders and ensuring organizational alignment around strategic priorities.

Skills You Will Need

• Effectively communicates performance expectations through both written and verbal communication that inspires action and alignment.
• Demonstrates proactive problem-solving by anticipating challenges, leveraging data and insights, and making sound decisions that drive business results.
• Influences and aligns stakeholders across functions and levels to achieve shared brand and business objectives.
• Negotiates effectively with internal and external partners to deliver favorable outcomes while building and maintaining strong relationships.
• Develops and executes strategic plans that drive revenue growth, profitability, consumer engagement, and long-term brand health.
• Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and fosters innovation by seeking new perspectives, leveraging consumer, market, and industry insights, and encouraging continuous improvement.
• Leads by example with strong executive presence, business acumen, integrity, and authenticity, earning the trust and respect of teams and stakeholders.
• Identifies untapped market opportunities by connecting consumer insights, market trends, and competitive intelligence. Translates those insights into a focused strategy and clear roadmap that drives growth, differentiation, and long-term success.
• Demonstrates strong financial aptitude and ownership of the business, using P&L expertise, forecasting, and data analytics to balance risk, uncover opportunities, and deliver profitable growth while building long‑term brand value.
• Motivates, develops, and retains talent through recognition, coaching, and a commitment to building an inclusive and engaging culture.

Experience & Education

• Proven experience creating / managing brands and having the skills to operate one
• 10 years Brand / Product / Marketing experience
• 8 Years People Management experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field

Perks and Benefits You’ll Enjoy!

• 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.
• 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, plus discounts across our family of brands.