Head of Sports Product

Requisition ID 75667 -Posted - Asics Creation Center (AHQ-ACC-OF) - Location/Regions (1) - Functional Area (1) - Position Level (1) - Permanent - Full Time - Education Level (1)

The ASICS Creation Center, LLC is ASICS Corporation’s product creation office based in Boston, MA. This organization's focus is on taking innovation and product creations to new heights. Innovation, Performance Running, Sportstyle and Core Performance Sports.

Over 75 years ago our founder, Kihachiro Onitsuka, saw that sport and movement had the power to lift spirits, project positivity, and propel people and whole communities forward.

ASICS provides a diverse and inclusive culture that enables learning, growth, and opportunity at all levels. Our robust employee benefits allow for real work-life balance and a strong sense of community. The Product Line Manager is responsible for setting the seasonal product direction and vision for their designated areas of responsibilities as well as managing a comprehensive product cycle in a post-development environment. Responsible for briefing and developing the best Product Line for the Sportstyle category that is in line with ASICS’ commercial expectations and merchandising needs. Communicates effectively with ASICS Corporation design and development staff, as well as regional merchandisers in all global regions, in evaluating, reviewing and updating category product lines to ensure on‑time launches of key products

Plans, organizes, authors and coordinates seasonal design briefs

Coordinates program planning with customer to ensure identification of appropriate manufacturing schedules, goals, design criteria, costs, and similar considerations

Delegates projects within category to meet objectives and timelines

Collaborates with Merchandising to analyse historical sell‑in and sell‑out numbers to make best decisions for future product lines and new model introductions

Travels to markets to gain optimal market understanding and discover opportunities. Collaborates with Consumer Insight to clearly understand the target consumers for your specific category

Drives seasonal update of competitor matrix. Drives finalization of seasonal concepts. Works closely with Consumer Insight and Merchandising teams in preparation of seasonal plan

Responsible for creating the line plan for Architecture Cut, containing the optimal and most effective mix of the market needs expressed by merchandising and new concepts to create newness for our brand in the category

Drives the seasonal development of the product line through Global design reviews and sample review meetings

Demonstrates high degree of professionalism in communication, attitude and teamwork with customers, peers and management

Demonstrates high level of quality work, attendance and appearance

Adheres to all Company Policies & Procedures and Safety Regulations

Adheres to local, state and federal laws

Ability to work varied hours, nights, days and weekends to support business needs

Ability to provide solutions to support business needs through creative problem‑solving and creative innovation

Operates with curiosity and an ability to manage ambiguity and push through business challenges with a focus on continuous development

Technical background, understands materials, fit, function, and end‑user requirements

Comprehensive understanding of product development, manufacturing, and retail buying process

Schedule flexibility to manage regular evening calls with Asia

Ability to travel domestically and internationally around 20% of the year (with minimum 2 trips/year to Japan)

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Retail Merchandising, or Product Development or equivalent work experience

Experience working with international cultures and in an international environment

Report generating and analytical experience related to merchandising, financials and sales

Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Experience with Google Applications such as Gmail, TEAMs, etc. Must be able to see, hear, speak and write clearly in order to communicate with employees and/or other customers

Office work, some lifting, considerable walking

The office is clean, orderly, properly lighted and ventilated. ASICS CCPA Pre-Collection Notice for Job Applications: We collect personal information (PI) from you in connection with your application for employment with ASICS Creation Center LLC, including the following categories of PI: identifiers, personal records, professional or employment information, and inferences drawn from your PI. We collect your PI for our purposes, including performing services and operations related to your potential employment.