THE WHY
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!
