Associate Product Line Manager, Trail Run

Role Overview

The Associate Product Line Manager for Trail Run at Patagonia supports the creation and delivery of an exceptional global Trail Run product line that balances revenue growth, gross margin targets, and environmental sustainability, aligned with Patagonia's mission to protect the planet.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a globally competitive product line tailored specifically to Trail Run athletes, focusing on customer needs, margin growth, and minimizing environmental impact.
• Create detailed product briefs and communicate effectively with Design, Development, Marketing, and Materials teams.
• Provide up-to-date product, market, competitor, customer, and trend insights for the Trail Run category and occasional support for the Active Essentials category.
• Assist the Product Line Director in maintaining accurate line plans, retail pricing, color management, and product information within PLM and relevant planning tools.
• Collaborate with design and development teams to ensure product fit, brief adherence, costing, and margin targets are achieved.
• Contribute to product development that adheres to Patagonia’s design philosophy and meets Trail Running community needs.
• Foster strong teamwork across departments to enhance the product development process and empower partners.
• Support presentations and discussions with global sales channels, buyers, and dealers to gather insights shaping product and line strategies.
• Lead and assist in creating sales and marketing content and deliver presentations at Global Line Reviews and Sales Meetings.
• When needed, support Active Essentials product management including merchandising and planning efforts for seasonal collections.

Candidate Profile

• Collaborative approach, working well across cross-functional teams supporting Trail Run product lines.
• Passionate trail runner with thorough understanding of the sport, community, and related products.
• Inclusive mindset with experience collaborating across diverse groups.
• Strong interpersonal influence to address complex workplace issues constructively.
• High emotional intelligence encompassing self-awareness and empathy.
• Flexible in transitioning between strategic planning and tactical execution.
• Meticulous attention to detail ensuring consistent communication and timely follow-up.
• Inquisitive and driven to innovate and explore global market opportunities.
• Proactive, delivering complete follow-through on responsibilities.

Experience & Skills

• Minimum three years’ experience in sales or product roles within wholesale, retail, or direct-to-consumer channels, preferably in outdoor or running apparel industries.
• Familiarity with product development, merchandising, assortment planning, and strategic creation processes.
• Expertise in designing versatile, multi-functional product assortments for various outdoor activities with an understanding of relevant trends, aesthetics, brands, and collaborations.
• Insight into market trends, competitor products, and customer demands in alpine and climbing sectors.
• Proficiency with Flex PLM or similar product lifecycle management systems.
• Basic knowledge of apparel construction and sourcing methods.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including large group presentation capability.
• Strong business acumen with a proven record of meeting key performance indicators aligned to marketing objectives.

Compensation & Benefits

The hiring salary range for this position is $83,000 to $87,000 USD annually, reflecting location-specific market medians and individual factors such as expertise and budget availability. Patagonia provides a comprehensive benefits package covering medical, dental, vision, retirement, and leave plans, with slight variations depending on employment type.

Work Arrangement

This is a hybrid position based in Ventura, CA, with onsite work required primarily Tuesday through Thursday. Remote work is allowed on other days, with occasional additional in-person engagements for team or critical meetings.

Workplace Culture & Equal Opportunity

Employees are expected to foster an inclusive and professional environment through respectful interactions with colleagues, customers, and vendors. Patagonia is an equal opportunity employer, welcoming all qualified candidates regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected categories.