At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product and merchandising strategy while integrating AI for smarter decision-making.
- Company: Join a creative community focused on sustainability and innovation at Vivobarefoot.
- Benefits: Diverse workplace, opportunities for growth, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and creativity in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of product strategy and drive regenerative change in a global organisation.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in product leadership and a strong grasp of AI tools.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We’re conscious mavericks – an open, creative community reconnecting people and planet through movement. As we evolve into a global, matrix organisation, we are seeking a Director of Product & Merchandising to unify how we create, curate and commercialise our ranges. This role sits at the intersection of product creation, merchandising and commercial performance shaping a globally relevant, locally responsive product strategy that delivers both regenerative impact and commercial strength. Vivobarefoot is a digital-first business. We use AI and technology not as an afterthought but as a core part of how we work. You will help shape the future of how Product & Merchandising operates at Vivobarefoot by personally applying AI, automation and data tools across range planning, forecasting and insight generation - setting the standard for how we make faster, smarter commercial decisions as a business.
ABOUT THE ROLE
- Global Product & Range Strategy
- Define and own the global product vision and range architecture across all categories
- Lead seasonal product strategies aligning brand, regeneration and commercial goals
- Translate consumer insight into clear product direction
- Balance global consistency with regional nuance
- Merchandising & Commercial Performance
- Own global merchandising strategy across channels and markets
- Lead forecasting, demand planning and stock strategy
- Drive sell-through, margin and inventory health
- Oversee category P&L performance
- Use data and analytics to refine decisions
- Product Creation & Lifecycle Leadership
- Own end-to-end product lifecycle
- Lead cross-functional product triad
- Shape seasonal briefs and critical path
- Ensure product integrity across touchpoints
- Matrix Leadership & Cross-Functional Alignment
- Act as central connector across functions
- Enable collaboration between global and regional teams
- Create clear decision frameworks
- Lead key forums and milestones
- Sustainability & Regenerative Innovation
- Embed sustainability into product strategy
- Champion regenerative product decisions
- Drive sustainability as a performance lever
- Leadership & Capability Building
- Lead and develop a high-performing team
- Build capability for matrix working
- Foster ownership and curiosity
- Elevate product and merchandising strategically
ALL ABOUT YOU
- Senior experience in product and/or merchandising leadership
- An active, hands-on relationship with AI tools not just an openness to them. You've genuinely integrated AI into how you work: using it to stress-test range plans, surface patterns in sell-through data, accelerate trend and consumer insight synthesis, draft and iterate briefs, or model scenarios that would otherwise eat days of analyst time. You can speak concretely to how you've used it, not just that you're 'comfortable' with it
- A builder's instinct for process you spot where AI can compress a forecasting cycle, sharpen a merchandising decision, or free your team from manual reporting so they can spend more time on judgment and creativity
- Strong range architecture and commercial delivery
- Understanding of product development and retail dynamics
- Balances creativity with commercial rigour
- Data-driven and analytical, with the curiosity to push past dashboards into newer tools and methods
- Experienced in matrix organisations
- Strong leadership and influencing skills — including the ability to bring a team along on adopting new ways of working, not just mandating them
- Passion for sustainability and regenerative business
- Comfortable at both strategic and operational levels
Vivobarefoot believes that diversity is the essence of its ecosystem. We encourage diversity of thought and believe that it enables creativity and innovation to flourish. Our mission is to create a fair and equitable workplace where people thrive and are empowered to become their true selves at work. We believe that feedback and fostering collaboration will allow employees to blaze new trails and enjoy every aspect of the Vivobarefoot community. Every opportunity for recruiting a new member of the Vivobarefoot family should be an opportunity for us to introduce fresh perspectives, talent and skills into our community. Therefore, our commitment is to recruit regardless of race, colour, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, mental health illness, disability, marital or parental status, national or social origin, gender identity, age or any other characteristics protected by law. We look forward to walking this barefoot journey with you!
Director of Product & Merchandising in Bristol employer: Vivobarefoot ltd.
At Vivobarefoot, we pride ourselves on being a conscious maverick in the industry, fostering an open and creative community that prioritises both people and the planet. As a Director of Product & Merchandising, you will thrive in a dynamic, digital-first environment that embraces AI and technology to drive innovation and efficiency. Our commitment to sustainability, diversity, and employee empowerment ensures that you will not only contribute to meaningful projects but also grow within a supportive culture that values your unique perspective and capabilities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Product & Merchandising in Bristol
✨Join Product Management Meetups
Get involved in local product management meetups or workshops. These events are perfect for meeting industry folks, sharing ideas, and staying updated on trends. Plus, you never know who might be hiring—it's a fantastic way to make connections that could lead to a job at places like Vivobarefoot ltd.!
✨Show Off Your Product Sense
Create case studies or mini-projects showcasing your product management skills, and share them on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn. This not only puts your skills on display but also boosts your visibility in the product community. Imagine how impressed the hiring team at Vivobarefoot ltd. would be by your initiative!
✨Utilise Online Communities
Dive into online product management communities like Product Coalition or Mind the Product. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights. These platforms are goldmines for networking and finding hidden job opportunities—many companies often scout talent from within these circles.
✨Leverage Your University Network
If you’ve recently graduated or are still in uni, tap into your alumni network for connections in product management. Many universities have their own job boards and affinity resources to help graduates land roles. Don't forget to keep an eye out for job openings at Vivobarefoot ltd. through your school's career services!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Product & Merchandising in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Product Passion:When applying for a product management role like Director of Product & Merchandising, let your passion for developing products shine through in your cover letter. Share specific examples of products you've managed, how you solved user needs, and any successful outcomes you've achieved. This is your chance to showcase your understanding of the product lifecycle!
Highlight Your Cross-Functional Skills:Product management isn't just about understanding the product; it’s about collaborating with different teams! Make sure to emphasise your experience working with developers, designers, and marketers. Use your CV to showcase your ability to bridge gaps between these areas, and include relevant experiences that demonstrate your communication and leadership skills!
Include Your Metrics and Achievements:In a full-time product management application, data speaks volumes! Quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you increase user retention by a certain percentage? Launch a product ahead of schedule? Include these metrics in your CV to paint a picture of your impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Make sure your CV is tailored for the Director of Product & Merchandising position at Vivobarefoot ltd.. Use keywords from the job description and ensure your relevant experiences are front and centre. Highlight any certifications or relevant training you’ve completed that will make you stand out as a strong candidate for the role. And remember, we’re excited to see your application on our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vivobarefoot ltd.
✨Understand the Product Life Cycle
As a product management candidate, we need to get our head around the complete product life cycle. Be prepared to discuss real-world examples of how you’ve managed product development from ideation to launch. Bring specific insights on tools like JIRA or Trello that can help streamline these processes.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Skills
Product management is all about collaboration. We should be ready to highlight how we’ve worked across teams—think marketing, engineering, and design. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you had to mediate differing opinions and how you got everyone on board with a shared vision.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In a full-time role, we can expect to encounter case study questions during our interviews. Practise solving hypothetical product problems on the spot, such as prioritising features for a new app or improving user engagement metrics. This will show our analytical thinking and decision-making skills.
✨Know Your Metrics
Let’s face it, numbers are our best friends in product management. We should prepare to discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) and how we've used analytics to inform product decisions. Dive into examples where data has driven our strategy for improvements or justified product changes.
