Lead Product Excellence limited 18 months

Leads the global Product Excellence function, setting the strategic direction for fit, performance, quality and testing standards across the brand while representing the function in senior leadership forums. It works in partnership with PGS, business units, Innovation, Design, Development and SCM, as well as Product Data & System Excellence, to align physical product standards with digital product data, systems logic and lifecycle management. The postholder also manages, empowers and develops a Product Excellence team that includes Senior Manager, Manager and Junior Manager roles.

• Lead the global Product Excellence function, setting the strategic direction for fit, performance, quality and testing standards across the PUMA brand, representing the function in senior leadership forums, and providing direction, escalation support and strategic risk mitigation.
• Define and govern the one PUMA product standard, partnering with PGS, business units, Innovation, Design, Development and SCM to build and enforce holistic material, trim, labelling and packaging standards, ensure global consistency and reduce internal complexity.
• Steer long-term innovation and technology strategies, including lifecycle planning, access strategy and cross-BU integration, while supporting the global 3D design team and sponsoring the evolution and adoption of standardised development and design processes, workflows and tools.
• Oversee the consolidation of the sustainability strategy across product types and ensure alignment with brand-wide sustainability targets.
• Lead organisational change management, driving “One Way of Working” across all product-creating functions.
• Identify and unlock synergy opportunities across business units for product initiatives, platforms and product business models.
• Ensure strategic end-to-end collaboration with Product Data & System Excellence, aligning physical product standards with digital product data, systems logic and lifecycle management.
• Manage, empower and develop the Product Excellence team, including Senior Manager, Manager and Junior Manager roles.

• 8–10 years' relevant experience in product management or the international apparel and sporting goods industry.
• Degree in fashion management, business administration, marketing, sports management or a related field; bachelor's or master's preferred.
• Strategic expertise in the sports and sportswear market, retail, industry and consumer trends.
• Strong analytical and commercial acumen to solve complex challenges and improve policies, processes and ways of working.
• Passion for sportswear and the ability to turn consumer and market insights into impactful product strategies.
• Excellent English and the confidence to represent the function independently within and beyond the organisation.
• Advanced MS Office skills, especially Excel and PowerPoint, with effective use of data for strategic decisions.
• Collaborative, influential and structured team player who mentors colleagues and provides expert guidance.
• Proven ability to lead complex processes and strategic initiatives autonomously in a fast-paced, international environment.
• High energy, sound judgement, attention to detail and confidence to make decisions with immediate organisational impact.

• Experience with a leading global sports brand is ideal.

PUMA is a global sports brand creating footwear, apparel and accessories that inspire athletes and everyday movers. The PUMA Group owns PUMA, Cobra Golf and stichd, operates in more than 120 countries and has around 22,000 employees worldwide. The company looks for SPEED & SPIRIT in its candidates, defined by values that inspire it to be driven in its performance, vibrant in its sporting legacy and together in its team spirit, while letting individual talent and experience shine.