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VP & Global GM, Utility

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KEEN

2mo ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • Marketing
    Business, Operations & Strategy
  • Portland
  • Quick Apply

AI generated summary

  • You need 10+ years in footwear/business management, strong P&L experience, project management skills, and a deep understanding of market dynamics and product lifecycle.
  • You will lead strategic planning, engage with regional leaders, drive revenue, manage sales strategies, cultivate talent, and oversee operations to align with long-term growth objectives.

Requirements

  • Minimum 10 years of experience in footwear, operations or business unit management. Experience in work boot or related business preferred.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, or related field is required. MBA is a plus.
  • Strong project management skills and experience managing cross functional internal and external teams.
  • Proven success in long range planning, forecasting, meeting gross margin targets, and driving profitable growth.
  • Strong financial acumen and understanding of P&L components. Previous P&L responsibility required.
  • Outstanding data analytics and articulation skills
  • Excellent presentation and communication skills with an ability to compel action at all levels of the organization.
  • Advanced knowledge of the entire footwear product lifecycle, including manufacturing and development
  • Comprehensive understanding of U.S. and international markets and how to develop global product line offerings across segments, regions, and price points
  • Proven Direct-to-Consumer and “shop from anywhere” experience
  • Proficient in MS Office Suite, especially Excel and PowerPoint
  • Ability to provide clear direction, set measurable goals, and stay ahead of industry trends
  • Strong Business Acumen with P&L Experience
  • Proven experience owning full P&L with track record of driving top-line growth and protecting gross margins
  • Strategic thinker with deep understanding of market dynamics and ability to build 3-year LRP and annual budgets
  • Growth-Oriented and Market-Savvy
  • Able to identify and scale high-potential product opportunities within key and specialty accounts across the U.S. and Canada
  • Understands regional and global competitive landscapes and how to win in both legacy and emerging markets, leading with an entrepreneurial, owner’s mindset.
  • Leadership & Team Mobilization
  • Inspires and directs multifunctional teams (sales, product, marketing, DTC) in a matrixed structure
  • Strong track record of developing talent and cultivating high-performance culture
  • Cross-Functional Influence
  • Must bring together cross-functional teams from product, design, supply chain, planning, and sales to execute division strategies
  • Excellent communicator and influencer at all levels, especially within a highly matrixed org
  • Channel and Customer Insight
  • Deep understanding of both B2B (key accounts, wholesale) and DTC strategies
  • Able to balance growth across channels while protecting brand and operational health
  • Results-Oriented Operator
  • Analytical mindset with ability to interpret and act on data (sell-through, margin contribution, market share)
  • Experience building and executing against account plans with tangible outcomes

Responsibilities

  • Interact with the KEEN leadership team and department executives to promote the division opportunities across distribution channels and ensure the division’s operational and commercial priorities are aligned with the company long range plan and objectives
  • Responsible for setting the Utility commercial plan for the 3-year long range plan (LRP). Propose and gain approval for annual and long term business plans and budgets
  • Actively engage with the regional leaders to understand current and changing market dynamics that will impact a global business plan
  • Drive global revenue across channels of distribution by utilizing market insights to achieve revenue targets and brand growth for the division by bringing together and collaborating with cross functional teams consisting of Product Management, Design, Development, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Direct to Consumer, Insights & Engagement, Sales, Planning, Forecasting, Operations and Finance
  • Deliver current year business and financial results as well as LRP results that achieve profitable topline growth through brand awareness and innovative product opportunities.
  • Set division objectives, define metrics, and champion brand initiatives. Communicate and cascade the division plans and educate teams on global goals and competitive landscape.
  • Oversees the development of sales plans, sales organization and key sales personnel designed to meet predetermined financial projections and goals, aligned with sales leadership to successfully execute the strategies as agreed
  • Leverage resource allocation and division planning to build effective key account plans and achieve sustainable, long term results in sales and profit
  • Serve as a proactive leader to guide and motivate teams and direct the execution of the division’s LRP
  • Cultivates and develop diverse talent within the direct reporting team to improve performance and results
  • Maintain working knowledge of all phases of operation and provide support

FAQs

What are the primary responsibilities of the VP & Global GM, Utility?

The primary responsibilities include overseeing the Utility division's global revenue and profit, leading marketing and sales teams, collaborating with various cross-functional teams to execute strategies, setting commercial plans, and ensuring alignment with the company's long-range plan and objectives.

What is the expected travel requirement for this position?

Up to 20% of work time will involve travel.

What qualifications are necessary for this role?

Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in footwear, operations, or business unit management, a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, or a related field, and preferably an MBA. Experience in work boots or related business is preferred.

What skills are essential for success in this role?

Essential skills include strong project management, financial acumen, data analytics capabilities, excellent communication and presentation skills, and the ability to inspire and mobilize teams.

Is prior P&L responsibility required for this role?

Yes, previous P&L responsibility is required, along with a proven track record of driving profitable growth.

Are there any specific competencies the candidate should possess?

Candidates should have strong business acumen with P&L experience, be growth-oriented and market-savvy, possess leadership qualities for team mobilization, have cross-functional influence capabilities, and show results-oriented operational skills.

What is the salary range for this position?

The base salary range for this position is $288,000 - $325,000 yearly, depending on experience, knowledge, skills, and location.

What is KEEN’s mission and values?

KEEN is dedicated to creating original and versatile products, improving lives, and inspiring outdoor adventures, while also committing to social responsibility, conservation efforts, and fostering a more just and equitable future for all.

What type of workplace culture can candidates expect at KEEN?

KEEN fosters an inclusive and diverse community and is focused on values-led practices, encouraging qualified candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

Are there any specific tools or software proficiency required for this role?

Yes, proficiency in the MS Office Suite, especially Excel and PowerPoint, is required.

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KEEN

Driven by a passion for life outside, KEEN is a values driven footwear brand from Portland, Oregon.

Fashion & Arts
Industry
201-500
Employees
2003
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

KEEN is a values led, outdoor footwear brand with a mission to responsibly create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire outside adventure. Founded in 2003, KEEN ignited a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport sandal, launching the concept of Hybrid footwear into the market and setting KEEN on a path of driving consistent product innovation that exists today. As a company, we strive to live by our values, from the products we make to the actions we take, and by activating communities and individuals to protect and preserve the places where we work and play. We passionately endeavor to live fulfilling lives, challenge the status quo, do good, give back, and inspire others. Looking ahead, our vision is to be the most trusted outdoor footwear and lifestyle brand in the world.