At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product and merchandising strategies while integrating AI for smarter decision-making.
- Company: Join Vivobarefoot, a conscious brand focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse workplace, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to sustainability and creativity.
- Why this job: Shape the future of product strategy in a creative, eco-conscious environment.
- 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 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 digital-first organisation, we leverage AI and technology to enhance our product and merchandising strategies, offering employees a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable business practices. Our commitment to diversity, collaboration, and personal growth ensures that every team member can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our mission of creating a regenerative impact.
