Sr. Product Line Manager, Apparel &… at Wolverine… · Rockford

Merrell exists to share the simple power of being outside with everyone. We believe the "outdoors" is a much broader space than just the mountain summit; it’s any space beyond your front door. Our mission is to help our community rethink the outdoors by building gear that works everywhere, from technical alpine ridges to urban city streets. We don't just follow the trail; we help define where it goes next.

We are a team that lives at the intersection of elite performance and modern style. Our history on the trail and commitment to innovation has made us the most awarded brand in the outdoor space. Recently, our MTL SpeedARC Peak won the prestigious ISPO Award for its breakthrough trail-racing tech, while the SpeedARC Surge BOA was named one of TIME’s Best Inventions for its modern, futuristic design and energy return. Whether it’s the Moab 3 being named “Best Hiking Shoe” by CNN Underscored and Popular Mechanics, or the Jungle Moc being recognized by HuffPicks as the gold standard for comfort, we are consistently recognized for building the most reliable, and most innovative, gear in the world.

The Senior Product Line Manager, Apparel & Accessories will act as a strategic leader who can shape the future of Apparel & Accessories at Merrell, influence external license partners, identify new growth opportunities, and create structure in a relatively evolving business. They will work at the intersection of consumer insights, marketplace trends, brand strategy, product creation, and commercial opportunity to identify growth-driving product concepts and category opportunities.

This role is ideal for a builder who thrives in ambiguity, identifies opportunities where others see challenges, and creates the processes, frameworks, and cross-functional alignment required to accelerate business growth. Success in this role requires meaningful experience across both apparel and accessories categories, as well as the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and external partners to deliver best-in-class consumer experiences.

Primary Duties:

• Partnering closely with Product Leadership, Marketing, Footwear, and third-party Licensees, this individual will 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 compelling 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• 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, influencing audiences ranging from senior leadership to external partners.
• Highly analytical and comfortable using data to identify opportunities, evaluate performance, and inform decision-making.
• Performance-driven with a test-and-learn mindset, and a focus on critical thinking to assess, interpret, and integrate learning from multiple sources to drive better results in an agile way.
• Experience navigating ambiguity, establishing priorities, and driving results in dynamic, fast-changing business environments.

Working Conditions:

Normal office environment. Some travel may be required.

Wolverine Worldwide has a flexible, hybrid work schedule, with three days in office and two days remote.

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Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (NYSE: WWW) is a global footwear and apparel company driven by a vision to Make. Every Day. Better. Founded in 1883, the Company builds and grows iconic brands including Merrell®, Saucony®, Wolverine®, Sweaty Betty®, Chaco®, Hush Puppies®, Stride Rite®, HYTEST®, and Bates®, along with footwear licenses for Cat® and Harley-Davidson®. Headquartered in Rockford, Michigan, the Company’s products are sold in approximately 170 countries and territories worldwide. For more information, visit www.wolverineworldwide.com.

In 2025, the Company was recognized by Footwear News as Company of the Year, by Forbes as one of America’s Dream Employers, America’s Best Employers for Women, and America’s Best Employers for Company Culture, and by Inspiring Workplaces as one of the Most Inspiring Workplaces Globally.

Wolverine Worldwide is a Certified™ Great Place To Work®.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required.

Wolverine Worldwide, Inc. is committed to creating a company that is as diverse as our consumers. We value the differences in one another and believe our differences make us stronger. Our diverse and inclusive corporate culture starts with the recruitment process. We are committed to being an equal opportunity employer. We aim to create equal opportunities for our associates, customers, and suppliers regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic.