Assistant Product Line Manager

An Assistant Product Line Manager supports the Product Line Manager in developing and implementing strategies to drive the success of a specific product line or category that meet the needs of our target consumers. They also collaborate with cross‑functional teams such as sales, marketing, and operations to ensure the smooth execution of product initiatives and meet business objectives. Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills are essential for this role.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining an in-depth understanding of our target consumers’ needs, market trends, and how these relate to the Clarks brand.
• Supporting the PLM team in the delivery of shoe ranges designed and developed to the agreed timetable and quality standards.
• Following standard processes for the development of the line by supporting the PLM team in briefing Designers and managing information.
• Supporting the development of design briefs communicated in a clear and consistent method.
• Progressing meaningful product concepts for consumers, differentiating Clarks from competitors.
• Controlling product development costs and design costs to deliver target margin.
• Supporting the delivery of average price, product cost, and margin targets.
• Supporting the development of commercially viable products for sources to develop and manufacture to minimise costs and lead times.
• Working collaboratively with other functions on a day-to-day basis to achieve segment objectives.
• Understanding regions in seasonal sales performance.
• Preparing and delivering compelling product messages/presentations for the season.

Qualifications

Knowledge:

• Experience as Trainee Product Line Manager preferred.
• Basic knowledge of footwear and shoemaking – constructions, leather, other materials, cost components etc.
• Effective retail marketing and selling techniques.
• Fashion and Trends Footwear and footwear constructions.
• Marketplace and competition.
• Footwear product development processes and sourcing.

Experience:

• Planning a product range with a clear structure and using meaningful criteria.
• Challenging and continuously seeking improvement – e.g., in design, in shoe technology.
• Instinctive recognition of good and bad aesthetic appeal of a prototype shoe to its target consumer.
• Tenacity to ensure that new designs are 100% right.
• Writing and communicating clear design briefs.
• Able to collaborate and work with people from different countries and cultures.

Skills:

• Understanding of Range Tracker/PLM.
• Good presentational skills.
• Commercial awareness and ability to deliver commercial targets.
• Structured approach to planning, organization, and research.
• Decision making and action focused.
• Clear communication of plans and actions.
• Communication and influencing skills.
• Numerically confident.

At Clarks, you’ll be part of a brand with heritage, craftsmanship, and style at its core. We offer great training, career progression, and the chance to make your mark in a global business.

About Clarks

Clarks, based in Somerset, England, has been at the forefront of innovative shoemaking since its foundation in 1825 when brothers James and Cyrus Clark made a slipper from sheepskin off‑cuts. At the time, it was ground‑breaking: a combination of invention and craftsmanship that has remained at the heart of what the brand does now. In the Clarks archive, more than 22,000 pairs of shoes have sparked revolutions and defined generations.

This document describes the general nature and level of work only. It is not designed to cover an exhaustive list of all skills, activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Other activities, duties, and responsibilities may be added at any time. This description may be changed at the company’s discretion at any time, with or without notice.