Lead Product Line Manager in Beaverton, Oregon - #73707 | VanderHouwen

Description

Job Id: 73707

Lead Product Line Manager
Our client is seeking a Lead Product Line Manager to drive the strategy and execution of their footwear portfolio within a highly collaborative, matrixed organization. This role will lead products from initial consumer insight and briefing through development and commercialization, partnering closely with cross-functional teams to deliver compelling footwear for young athletes. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, highly communicative product leader who brings strong footwear expertise, attention to detail, positive energy, and the ability to create alignment across complex teams.

This role is a hybrid model in Beaverton, Oregon.

Lead Product Line Manager Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end product line management process for Kids Basketball footwear, from initial briefing and concept development through testing, refinement, and commercialization.
• Translate consumer, athlete, marketplace, and competitive insights into clear product strategies, briefs, and opportunities that address the needs of young basketball athletes.
• Partner closely with Design, Development, Engineering, Materials, Merchandising, Brand, and Marketplace teams to guide product creation and maintain alignment throughout the development process.
• Develop and manage seasonal Kids Basketball footwear collections and key product franchises, identifying opportunities to strengthen product relevance and portfolio growth.
• Lead the development of youth-focused versions of signature or licensed basketball products, ensuring the product delivers the appropriate performance, design, functionality, and consumer appeal for younger athletes.
• Evaluate concepts, prototypes, materials, testing results, and consumer feedback while helping cross-functional partners make informed product decisions and trade-offs.
• Establish clear priorities and maintain momentum across multiple products, timelines, and workstreams within a fast-paced product creation environment.
• Communicate product vision, strategy, positioning, and storytelling effectively to stakeholders across a complex matrixed organization.
• Balance consumer needs and product innovation with commercial considerations including cost, pricing, timing, assortment, and marketplace requirements.
• Serve as a strong advocate for the Kids consumer throughout the product creation process, ensuring youth-specific needs remain central to product decisions.

Lead Product Line Manager Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in product line management, with footwear product management experience strongly preferred; relevant apparel product management experience may also be considered.
• Demonstrated experience managing footwear products from initial briefing through development and commercialization.
• Strong understanding of the footwear product creation process and the ability to translate consumer or marketplace insights into actionable product strategies.
• Proven ability to lead projects and influence decisions across complex, cross-functional or matrixed organizations.
• Strong communication, presentation, and storytelling skills, with the ability to create clarity and alignment among diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams, including Design, Development, Engineering, Materials, Merchandising, or related product functions.
• Experience with signature athlete products, licensed products, or comparable high-profile product programs is highly desirable.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Keynote and Microsoft Office/365; experience with MMX or comparable product management systems is a plus.
• Demonstrated curiosity and enthusiasm for basketball, footwear, youth culture, and the evolving needs of young athletes.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, solutions-oriented, and able to bring positive energy while navigating ambiguity and challenging teams to deliver stronger products.
• Prior experience within the footwear, athletic, or broader consumer products industry is preferred.

Compensation: Up to $56/hr. (DOE)

VanderHouwen Contractors Enjoy Exceptional Benefit Perks!
As an eligible contract employee with VanderHouwen, you’ll have access to a full suite of benefits designed with your well-being in mind. Our comprehensive package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and a matching 401(k) to help secure your future.

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