Principal Product Marketing Manager - Footwear

Columbia Sportswear

Portland, OR

Full Time

Senior

20 days ago

Job Description

About the Role

Our mission at Columbia Sportswear is to unlock the outdoors for everyone. We are looking for a passionate and strategically minded Footwear Product Marketing Manager to lead product marketing initiatives across a range of activity-based business categories. This role is ideal for someone with a strong track record of success in footwear marketing, a passion for the outdoors, and who understands the unique needs of hikers, trail runners, and outdoor enthusiasts. You'll reflect the voice of the consumer, shaping product stories that resonate with target audiences, and drive brand loyalty.

Key Responsibilities

Outdoor-Focused Product Positioning: Craft compelling product narratives that highlight performance, durability, sustainability, and footwear innovation tailored to outdoor consumers
Go-to-Market Leadership: Drive seasonal GTM strategies for outdoor footwear collections, ensuring alignment across product, brand, and commercial
Consumer & Market Insights: Analyze footwear market trends, consumer behaviors, and competitor activity to inform product development and marketing strategies
Product Lifecycle Management: Oversee the full lifecycle of footwear products—from concept to launch, ensuring alignment with brand and long-term business goals
Sales Enablement: Develop tools and training for sales teams and retail partners that highlight technical features, use cases, and brand storytelling to enable sell-in
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Product Creation, Product Line Managers, Designers, Merchants, and Digital Marketing to ensure cohesive and authentic messaging
Performance Analysis: Track product and campaign performance, consumer feedback, and sell-through data to refine future strategies

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in marketing, Business, or related field
8+ years of professional experience in marketing and/or product marketing, preferably in outdoor footwear, apparel, or gear
Experience with technical product storytelling and performance marketing, ideally in the footwear industry
Data-driven experience, communicating analytics and data through presentations (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
Experience with DTC and specialty outdoor retail channels
Familiarity with PLM systems and digital asset management tools
Knowledge of product development and insight-driven marketing
A deep understanding of the outdoor industry and consumer mindset
Strong project management and cross-functional leadership skills
Excellent communication and presentation abilities
Passion for the outdoors, including hiking, trail running, angling, or backpacking

Nice to Have

Experience in outdoor footwear, apparel, or gear marketing
Technical expertise in product storytelling and performance marketing
Familiarity with digital marketing tools and strategies

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in marketing, Business, or related field
8+ years of professional experience in marketing and/or product marketing

Benefits & Perks

Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account
401k plan with generous company match
Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services
EAP + free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services
Extensive wellness benefits, employee discounts, and a generous time off program

Working at Columbia Sportswear

Columbia Sportswear Company values outdoor enthusiasm, collaboration, and innovation. The company is committed to diversity and inclusion, providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, and fostering a supportive work environment that aligns with employee well-being across physical, social/emotional, financial, career, and community aspects.

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