At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product direction and innovation for Vivobarefoot's footwear, balancing creativity and sustainability.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking brand committed to regenerative design and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private healthcare, and discounts on footwear.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable fashion while inspiring creative teams.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in product leadership with a passion for sustainability and design.
- Other info: Collaborative environment that values diverse perspectives and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking a visionary, commercially minded Product Director to lead the evolution of Vivobarefoot's product direction - balancing creative ambition, performance credibility and regenerative innovation. This role sits at the intersection of design, innovation and brand storytelling, guiding our product strategy from concept to consumer. You'll combine creative excellence with commercial and manufacturing rigour to deliver the best footwear in the world.
OUR PRODUCT DESIGN PILLARS
- Performance Credibility - products that perform naturally, built with biomechanical intelligence and real world testing.
- Everyday Versatility - minimalist design that moves effortlessly between life's terrains.
- Distinctive Identity - unmistakably Vivobarefoot in form, function, and philosophy.
- Sustainable Efficiency - reducing waste, energy, and materials through regenerative design and circular systems.
WHERE YOU'LL PLAY
- Define and own the global product direction, design DNA, and category narratives (style language, materials, silhouettes).
- Lead colour and material strategy, balancing innovation, performance, sustainability, and commercial goals in partnership with Sourcing.
- Act as guardian of the brand's product identity and storytelling, ensuring every design reflects our mission and regenerative promise.
- Inspire and mentor the Product, Design, PLM, ReVivo & Regeneration teams - building a culture of creativity, collaboration, and accountability.
- Direct the range architecture and lifecycle planning - category mix, pricing, continuity vs. newness, and margin management.
- Build clear, cross-functional processes linking Design, Development, Merchandising, Brand, and Commercial teams into a feet first approach.
- Champion circular and regenerative innovation, working closely with development, sourcing and ReVivo (resale and repair), Regen (materials and manufacturing), and Innovation pipeline.
- Lead creative and product review cycles - ensuring alignment on design intent, cost targets, and production feasibility.
- Set and track commercial, sustainability, and performance KPIs to drive measurable impact across collections.
- Stay close to consumer and market insight, translating data into meaningful design and range evolution.
ALL ABOUT YOU
- Proven experience (10+ years) in senior Design and/or Product leadership, ideally in footwear design across multiple categories (contemporary, outdoor, lifestyle or performance).
- Proven track record leading end-to-end product creation from concept through production.
- Deep technical knowledge of footwear design-for-manufacture, fit, tooling, materials, and prototyping.
- Skilled in trend analysis, silhouette development, and material innovation - with strong intuition for what drives both performance and desire.
- Passionate about sustainability, regeneration, circular design with a strong portfolio showcasing clear sustainable, regenerative, and circular design principles.
- Proficient in sketching, CAD, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop); experience or openness to 3D tools (CLO, Rhino, etc.).
- Inspirational leader - proven ability to build, coach, and empower creative teams.
- Commercially sharp - understands cost, margin, and manufacturing realities, comfortable managing to performance and financial targets.
- Excellent cross-functional collaborator with strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment.
OUR BAREFOOT BENEFITS
- 25-day holiday allowance (pro rata), 4 additional days each year to volunteer, get outdoors or focus on your wellbeing, and a day off for your birthday.
- Private Medical Health care, including mental health, dental and eye care.
- Livebarefoot Pot - up to £1,000 per year to inspire you to live barefoot (embrace hobbies and passions) and or boost your natural health.
- Free seasonal Vivo footwear and discounts for you, your friends & family.
- Pension matched to 5%.
- Generous gender-neutral parental leave.
- Death in service plan up to 6 times your salary.
- Group income protection insurance.
- Long service awards.
- Car salary sacrifice scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
At Vivobarefoot, we value different perspectives because they spark creativity, drive innovation and empower everyone to bring their whole selves to work. Every new team member brings unique talents, experiences, and potential. Through collaboration and open feedback, we create space for people to grow, explore new ideas, and connect. That's why we are committed to inclusive hiring - welcoming people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. We look forward to walking this barefoot journey with you!
Product Director employer: Vivobarefoot
Contact Detail:
Vivobarefoot Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and engage on social media. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested in Vivobarefoot.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your creativity! Bring a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects that align with sustainable and regenerative design. Let your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of the Vivobarefoot family.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sustainability: Make sure to highlight your passion for sustainability and regenerative design in your application. We want to see how your values align with our mission at Vivobarefoot, so share any relevant experiences or projects that showcase your commitment.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Tailor your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Product Director role. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with our product pillars.
Be Creative and Authentic: Let your creativity shine through in your application. Whether it’s your CV design or the way you express your ideas, we appreciate authenticity. Show us your unique style while keeping it professional and relevant to the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll get to explore more about our culture and values while you’re there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vivobarefoot
✨Know Your Product Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Vivobarefoot's product range. Understand their design pillars and how they align with your vision for footwear. Be ready to discuss how your experience can enhance their product direction and storytelling.
✨Showcase Your Creative Process
Prepare to share specific examples of your past projects that highlight your creative excellence and commercial acumen. Discuss how you've balanced innovation with performance and sustainability in your previous roles, and be ready to explain your design philosophy.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since this role requires cross-functional collaboration, think of instances where you've successfully worked with different teams. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve inspired and mentored others in a fast-paced environment.
✨Stay Current with Trends
Be prepared to discuss current trends in footwear design and sustainability. Show that you’re not just aware of what's happening in the industry but also how you can leverage these insights to drive Vivobarefoot's product evolution.