Senior Manager, Product (Footwear)

Senior Manager, Product

16-Month Maternity Leave Contract (Target Start Date: May 2025)

Vancouver, BC

Work Location: Native Shoes is a hybrid organization based in Vancouver, BC. Employees located in the Greater Vancouver Area are expected to be in the office a minimum of 2 days per week, with some flexibility for seasonal product reviews or meetings require or when other situations arise.

Relocation or Travel Assistance: Candidates must be eligible to work in Canada or the USA and willing to relocate or travel to Vancouver for this role. Relocation and travel assistance is available for this position, as needed.

Why Native Shoes?

We're here for curious explorers who embrace the present while caring for our shared future. At Native Shoes, we design footwear to stand the test of time and be gentle on the planet—so that everyone can live lightly. Our team brings our values to life every day through:

• Team: We all contribute to an environment of inclusion and connectedness. Individually, we are great, and together, we are unstoppable.
• Ownership: We act like owners, recognizing our agency to bring the change we want to see at work and in life.
• Curiosity: We ask more "what ifs" and choose to be courageous in the pursuit of greatness.
• Belief: We believe in the possibility of greatness, in our team and ourselves.

At Native Shoes, we bring these values to life in everything we do. Our fast-paced, ever-evolving work environment is built for big ideas and fresh thinking—where honesty and challenges are encouraged in a supportive space.

Who is Native Shoes looking for?

We’re on the hunt for a powerhouse Senior Manager, Product to drive our product team forward—delivering innovative, consumer-loved, and profitable product lines, on time and on point. If you’re a seasoned leader with proven experience in footwear product line management and driving Go-To-Market success, this is your moment to shine.

You’ll bring deep expertise in managing design, development, and product operations, leading teams with vision and precision. As a key player in our organization, you’ll collaborate across functions to bring world-class designs to life, ensuring every product reflects our brand DNA. If you’re ready to make your mark in the footwear industry, let’s talk!

Your Team

The Product team at Native Shoes is composed of Design, Development, Product Operations and Sustainability. This role will lead a lean but mighty team of 4, while working closely with cross-functional partners in overseas Vendors, Production, Quality Control and local Planning, Sales and Marketing team members. Additional seasonal work and projects are supported with an experienced roster of freelancers.

Key Responsibilities

• Empower and manage team, freelance talent, budgets, and resources to successfully execute strategic plans.
• Partner with leadership to execute on the long-range line plan strategy, while bringing your unique perspective on consumer and marketplace opportunities.
• Own the end-to-end design and development processes, leading the product team through research, briefing, design and development phases, ensuring product is delivered on time and hitting targets.
• Set the framework for a successful seasonal collection and lead the team through the design and execution of each category (adult & kids) and the various SKUs, packs, and assortments needed to meet all business and channel needs.
• Serve as the voice of the product, effectively presenting the product line vision to internal and external stakeholders to drive alignment, excitement, and strategic growth.
• Take a clear point of view as a product leader, problem-solving roadblocks in a way that aligns with business goals and consumer needs.
• Build and maintain strong cross-functional relationships, ensuring appropriate input and aligning on objectives and timelines.
• Be curious and stay informed about target consumer needs and market dynamics leveraging cross-functional teams to uncover insights and validate theories.
• Identify "white space" opportunities in our competitive landscape that blends fashion, sport, and culture keeping a focus on innovation, differentiation, and Native Shoes’ DNA.
• Manage and continuously improve design processes, project direction, and strategic decision-making.

Preferred Experience

• 8+ years of experience in footwear design, development and product line management.
• Proven track record of managing teams, freelance talent, budgets, and resources to drive efficiency and performance.
• Experience working with overseas factory partners, ideally in the Asia region
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite, Adobe Suite, PLM and PM tools.
• Adaptable leader who seamlessly transitions between strategic vision and hands-on execution, ensuring both big-picture goals and intricate details are effectively managed.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with proven experience collaborating on vision and strategy cross-functionally.
• Deeply understands consumer needs and market trends, effectively articulating product vision to external partners to drive alignment and strategic growth.
• Entrepreneurial and resourceful, with a proactive mindset and a willingness to navigate ambiguity, solve challenges, and drive results.

Compensation

This role is expected to be compensated between $120,000 - $150,000 base salary, depending on experience and job-related qualifications.

Perks You’ll Love

• The Chance to Create – Bring your ideas to life and make an impact every day!
• Get Paid Well & Stay Covered – Competitive salary, health benefits, and life insurance to keep you feeling secure.
• Plenty of Time to Recharge – Generous vacation days, plus extra time off for volunteer work and self-care.
• Invest in Yourself – Annual wellness and professional development allowance to keep you growing.
• Wellness Days, Just Because – Company-wide days off sprinkled throughout the year for some much-needed R&R.
• Shoes, Shoes, Shoes! – A generous shoe allowance and sweet discounts for you and your favorite people.