Product Line Manager; Core Running Footwear

Product Line Manager (Core Running Footwear)

Contract (3 months) | On‑site (4/1 hybrid) | WHQ

We are seeking a Product Line Manager to support a Core Running footwear program on a short‑term leave coverage assignment. This role partners closely with cross‑functional teams to define, develop, and deliver innovative performance footwear through strong consumer insight, product storytelling, and executional excellence.

The ideal candidate is passionate about sport and product creation, highly collaborative, and able to translate consumer and athlete insights into compelling product direction and presentation materials.

This role will support multiple concurrent projects within the footwear creation process and will work closely with Product Creation, Merchandising, Design, and Development partners.

• Support end‑to‑end product creation process from brief development through product approval
• Build and deliver high‑quality product decks and presentations (Keynote / PowerPoint) for cross‑functional and leadership audiences
• Translate consumer, athlete, and market insights into actionable product briefs and seasonal direction
• Partner with cross‑functional teams (Design, Development, Merchandising, Marketing) to align on product strategy and execution
• Manage multiple active work streams (typically 3–4 concurrent projects) with strong attention to timelines and deliverables
• Maintain accuracy of product information and support sample tracking and workflow coordination
• Contribute to seasonal storytelling through product narratives, CMF (color, material, graphics), and consumer relevance
• Participate in meetings, checkpoints, and reviews, ensuring clear communication and follow‑through

• 8+ years of experience in product management or product‑adjacent roles (product marketing, merchandising, consumer insights, or similar)
• Experience working on physical consumer products (footwear, apparel, or performance goods strongly preferred)
• Strong presentation skills with experience building executive‑level decks using Keynote or Power Point
• Proven ability to translate consumer insights and market trends into product direction
• Experience working in highly cross‑functional environments
• Strong communication skills with ability to influence both upstream and downstream partners
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office tools
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment
• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required

• Footwear or performance sport industry experience
• Background in running, sport performance, or athletic product categories
• Experience with color, material, and graphics (CMF) in product storytelling or development
• Exposure to athlete insights, focus groups, or qualitative consumer research
• Retail or merchandising experience in a consumer product environment
• Strong interest in sport culture and performance innovation

• Strong collaborator who thrives in cross‑functional team environments
• Clear, confident communicator with strong executive presence in presentations
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and dependable with deadlines
• Curious and consumer‑obsessed, with a strong pulse on sport and market trends
• Comfortable balancing strategic thinking with hands‑on execution
• Positive, team‑oriented mindset with strong interpersonal skills
• Able to bring structure and clarity in fast‑moving or ambiguous situations

• Contract duration: ~3 months (leave coverage)
• Work schedule:
  
  On‑site with 4/1 hybrid structure
• Occasional domestic travel possible (as needed)
• Start: ASAP preferred
• Supports multiple active footwear creation projects in a highly collaborative environment

Global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment. Our client focuses on innovation, performance, and marketing, partnering with top athletes and teams. The company emphasizes sustainability and digital advancements to enhance the sports experience.