Strategic Product Director - Knits

Role: Strategic Product Director - Knits

Location: Wilmington, DE

The LYCRA Company is a premier supplier of differentiated fiber products from a global manufacturing base with assets in Europe, USA, Mexico, Brazil, China, and Singapore.

Our Apparel business works with leading consumer brands, retailers, and fabric mills all over the world to leverage our innovative ingredient brand fibers including LYCRA® fiber, COOLMAX® fabric, THERMOLITE® fabric, SUPPLEX® fabric and TACTEL® fiber. The LYCRA Company is a leading supplier in the global apparel markets including ready-to-wear, intimate apparel, swimwear, activewear, outdoor and career apparel.

We have built a leading position in the Apparel industry over the years via a continuous stream of value-adding fiber, fabric, or garment innovations enabled and supported by a network of strategic partners across the entire value chain. This contributed to making the LYCRA® brand a unique asset that still powers today one of the most iconic and valuable corporate franchises in the Apparel industry. It is all reflected in our corporate vision: “enhancing life through innovative garment solutions.

Role:

We are seeking to hire a Strategic Product Director – Knits who will have responsibility for strategic leadership and direction for business opportunities in knits, which includes active, intimate, swim and compression. S/he will be a leader with a self-starter mindset and develop strategic direction of innovation and market opportunities globally by identifying market trends, opportunities, and growth drivers for the success of the business in knits applications. Based on experience of the candidate, the role may have additional responsibilities.

Reporting to the VP Global R&D and End Use Research, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

Job Summary:

• Lead development and execution of 3–5-year strategic roadmap for knits category and applications
• Drive innovative garment solutions in collaboration with the R&D, technology and commercial team and define the long-term product, portfolio strategy and prioritization for the knits category.
• Utilize market insights, trends research, consumer research, technology, and commercial feedback channels to identify market needs and opportunities to create category strategies that are globally applicable but also drive regional relevancy in key markets of growth.
• Promote and elevate sustainable solutions for knits category that are developed as part of The LYCRA Company’s sustainability goals and initiatives.
• Collaborate with product market merchandising, commercial and brand/comms teams to establish Go-To-Market plans that drive effective product positioning for new product development offerings.
• Work within the R&D and technical community to develop workstreams to support from concept to commercialization, driving success in achieving core business deliverables and targets.
• Collaborate with commercial teams globally to support strategic commercial customers and relationships.
• Create new unique collaborations with key strategic customers and other third-party entities.
• Engage globally with customers and at global events to drive the voice and presence of The LYCRA Company as trade leader in knits technology solutions (intimates, active, swim, compression) – be an ambassador for the organization.
• Own the product segment budget and calendar (calendar and execution of events in collaboration with commercial and brand/comms team)
• Work to ensure strong market and value chain knowledge to ensure successful deployment and engagement of innovations and market activities.
• This includes, but is not limited to, the following areas:
• Ability to provide leadership and guidance to global team members on ensuring successful execution of strategic goals and targets for knits category across various organization functions.
• Contribute to global culture and environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and accountability for actions to yield successful deployment of innovations to drive profitability.
• Work with a bias for action and ensure alignment on prioritization of initiatives to support key business growth bets.
• Conduct all affairs lawfully and with integrity under the guidelines of The LYCRA Company compliance, legal and EHS policies.

Education and Experience:

• 15+ years apparel product development, marketing, or strategic leadership experience with the knits category/industry
• Preferred master’s degree (Textiles, Business Administration, or other similar fields)
• Globally connected and knowledgeable about knits category (fabrication, supply chain, markets) – active, intimates, swim, compression
• Strong and effective communication and presentation skills
• Proven results developing and launching new fiber, fabric, or apparel technologies.
• Demonstrated experience in global leadership, including working across cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional product strategies and programs to market.
• Experience in utilizing market analytics and consumer research to develop and support business insights and strategic goals.
• Demonstrated experience as an entrepreneur mind-set, setting priorities and balancing both long and short-term needs.
• Proven ability to proactively overcome obstacles while demonstrating flexibility and resourcefulness.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills to work in a global, multi-functional team environment, developing a strong network of relationships inside and outside the company.
• Ability to travel ~30-40% to work with regional commercial and technology teams and customers.

Compensation/Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.

The LYCRA Company innovates and produces fiber and technology solutions for the apparel and personal care industries. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, The LYCRA Company is recognized worldwide for its innovative products, technical expertise, and unmatched marketing support. The LYCRA Company owns leading consumer and trade brands: LYCRA®, LYCRA HyFit®, LYCRA® T400®, COOLMAX®, THERMOLITE®, ELASPAN®, SUPPLEX®, and TACTEL®. The LYCRA Company’s legacy stretches back to 1958 with the invention of the original spandex yarn, LYCRA® fiber. Today, The LYCRA Company focuses on adding value to its customers’ products by developing unique innovations designed to meet the consumer’s need for comfort and lasting performance. For more information, visit www.thelycracompany.com.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status