Development Manager - Sportstyle

Job Description

Key responsibilities 

Sportstyle Product Portfolio Management

• Oversee the development of Sportstyle collections from the creation phase through to industrialization handover.
• Ensure projects are delivered in line with seasonal timelines, budget targets, and quality requirements.
• Provide end-to-end oversight of development programs and ensure successful execution throughout the product lifecycle.

Product Performance Management

• Ensure development milestones and standards for quality, comfort, performance, and durability are consistently met.
• Identify, anticipate, and assess technical, industrial, or organizational risks that may impact project delivery.
• Implement appropriate action plans and escalate critical issues to stakeholders when necessary.
• Identify optimization opportunities and propose innovative solutions to improve product and process performance.

Resource Management and Prioritization

• Effectively allocate projects and workload across a team of Development Project Managers.
• Anticipate fluctuations in workload and adjust resources according to business priorities.
• Align and prioritize activities in collaboration with other department leaders and management to ensure successful execution of objectives.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the capabilities of the Development team.
• Conduct performance reviews, provide regular feedback, and foster employee engagement.
• Identify high-potential talent and support their professional growth and career development.
• Ensure business continuity through effective backup plans and proactive management of team absences.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

• Foster strong collaboration with Marketing, Design, CMF, Testing, Quality, and Industrialization teams to ensure project progress.
• Act as the key point of contact for all product development-related topics with partner functions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and promote the adoption of company-wide processes and tools, including the 360 Calendar and PLM systems.

Tools and Information Systems

• Ensure project data is accurate, up to date, and traceable across all reporting and tracking tools.
• Manage the project portfolio through App Range Unique.
• Monitor testing results and development approvals within the PLM System, including validation status and Green Light criteria.
• Ensure data quality and compliance with project management and product development processes.

Qualifications

HARDSKILLS: 

Project and Portfolio Management

• Proven experience managing multiple projects simultaneously and coordinating complex development portfolios.
• Ability to prioritize initiatives, allocate resources effectively, and secure project timelines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong risk management and problem-solving skills.

People Management and Leadership

• Strong experience leading teams and developing talent.
• Ability to set clear expectations, delegate effectively, and support team development.
• Proven capability to balance operational performance with team well-being.
• Experience in recruitment and talent retention is a plus.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Influence

• Excellent ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including Marketing, Design, CMF, Testing, Quality, and Industrialization.
• Strong negotiation, prioritization, and decision-making skills within a matrix organization.
• Ability to align stakeholders, gain buy-in, and drive change effectively.

SOFTSKILLS : 

• Inspiring leadership style with a strong results orientation.
• Proactive mindset and strong sense of ownership.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Pragmatic, resilient, and collaborative approach.

Additional Information

Beyond technical expertise and project management capabilities, we are looking for a manager who can engage, inspire, and mobilize their team. The successful candidate will be able to build commitment around key decisions, lead teams through changing priorities, and support employees in a transforming organization. They will combine strong business acumen with emotional intelligence and a genuine commitment to talent development.