Sr Manager, Soft Goods Product

Soft Goods Category Leader

This role will own the strategy, development, and execution of the soft goods category, with a strong emphasis on technical mountain biking footwear. This role will be the subject matter expert (SME) for footwear while also overseeing lifestyle apparel, technical apparel, and accessories such as tailgate pads.

Leading a small but high-impact team, this role will ensure category growth, deliver best-in-class product, and drive the long-term strategy for Ride Concepts footwear and related soft goods under the Fox Factory portfolio. This leader will collaborate closely with design, sales and marketing, and operations to bring innovative, performance-driven products to market that meet consumer expectations and company goals.

Position Responsibilities :

Define and own the long-term vision and roadmap for the soft goods category with an emphasis on footwear innovation.

Own category P&L accountability for footwear, apparel and accessories, ensuring revenue, margin and inventory targets are met.

Act as the in-house footwear SME, guiding product decisions, competitive positioning, and technical development.

Develop annual and multi-year line plans in collaboration with product, sales, and marketing leadership.

Lead pricing strategies, cost negotiations and business case developments for new products and initiatives.

Monitor category performance and sell-through to drive continuous improvement.

Monitor industry trends, consumer insights, and competitive landscape to identify opportunities for growth and differentiation.

Oversee product planning, forecasting, costing, and lifecycle management across footwear, apparel, and accessories.

Partner with internal teams and external design consultants to deliver products that achieve margin, quality, and delivery targets.

Create clear product briefs with clear performance criteria, pricing and GTM timelines

Manage line planning, SKU efficiency and seasonal assortments to optimize consumer choice and margin.

Champion consumer testing, field validation, and warranty feedback loops to drive product improvements.

Ensure compliance with product safety, labeling, and regulatory standards across global markets.

Lead, mentor, and develop team members, ensuring alignment with category goals and professional growth.

Create a collaborative, performance-driven culture with clear expectations, priorities, and accountability.

Partner with sales and marketing to ensure product positioning, packaging, and storytelling resonates with target consumers, drives commercial success of the product line, and aligns with the product roadmap.

Collaborate with operations on inventory forecasting, production planning, and supply chain optimization supporting annual growth and aligning with product lifecycles.

Provide global sales teams with product training, merchandising guidance, and go-to-market support.

Specific Knowledge, Skills or Abilities Required :

Proven expertise in technical footwear development (materials, fit, construction, and performance testing).

Strong knowledge of apparel and soft goods lifecycle management, from concept to commercialization.

Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence across functions and levels.

Analytical mindset with proven ability to manage costing, margins, and forecasting.

Strategic mindset with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.

Hands-on approach with a willingness to engage deeply in both strategic and tactical work.

Strong leadership presence with ability to inspire, coach, and guide a team.

Customer- and consumer-centric orientation.

Highly organized with ability to manage multiple priorities under tight timelines.

Passion for cycling, outdoor, or action sports industries strongly preferred.

Position Qualifications :

Education :

Bachelor's degree in Business, Product Development, Industrial Design, or related field; advanced degree a plus.

Experience :

8+ years of progressive experience in product management or category leadership within footwear and / or soft goods.

Experience leading and developing teams in a cross-functional environment.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements :

Office environment

Disclaimer : This list does not represent all physical demands. Descriptions are representative of those that must be met by employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the jobs' essential functions.

Fox provides equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, results of genetic testing, or service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by the laws or regulations of any jurisdiction in which we operate. We base all employment decisions including recruitment, selection, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, promotions, transfers, layoffs, terminations and social / recreational programs on merit and the principles of equal employment opportunity. Fox offers an excellent compensation package and wide-ranging opportunities for professional development. Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Spending and Dependent Care Savings Accounts, Disability and Life Insurance benefit programs are available, as is a 401k plan with employer matching. Eligibility for all benefit programs is defined by the applicable plan document or employee handbook.