VP & Global GM, Utility

General Summary

The VP & Global General Manager, Utility will have accountability for the Utility division and is responsible for the global revenue, gross margins, and contribution profit. This role will lead and engage marketing and sales teams to achieve the division goals. In addition, this leader will collaborate with and leverage product, brand marketing, ecommerce, merchandising, direct to consumer, and planning partners in a matrixed environment to gain strategic alignment to execute short term and long term strategies.

Essential Responsibilities

• Interact with the KEEN leadership team and department executives to promote the division opportunities across distribution channels and ensure the division's operational and commercial priorities are aligned with the company long range plan and objectives
• Responsible for setting the Utility commercial plan for the 3-year long range plan (LRP). Propose and gain approval for annual and long term business plans and budgets
• Actively engage with the regional leaders to understand current and changing market dynamics that will impact a global business plan
• Drive global revenue across channels of distribution by utilizing market insights to achieve revenue targets and brand growth for the division by bringing together and collaborating with cross functional teams consisting of Product Management, Design, Development, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Direct to Consumer, Insights & Engagement, Sales, Planning, Forecasting, Operations and Finance
• Deliver current year business and financial results as well as LRP results that achieve profitable topline growth through brand awareness and innovative product opportunities.
• Set division objectives, define metrics, and champion brand initiatives. Communicate and cascade the division plans and educate teams on global goals and competitive landscape.
• Oversees the development of sales plans, sales organization and key sales personnel designed to meet predetermined financial projections and goals, aligned with sales leadership to successfully execute the strategies as agreed
• Leverage resource allocation and division planning to build effective key account plans and achieve sustainable, long term results in sales and profit
• Serve as a proactive leader to guide and motivate teams and direct the execution of the division's LRP
• Cultivates and develop diverse talent within the direct reporting team to improve performance and results
• Maintain working knowledge of all phases of operation and provide support

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in footwear, operations or business unit management. Experience in work boot or related business preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, or related field is required. MBA is a plus.
• Strong project management skills and experience managing cross functional internal and external teams.
• Proven success in long range planning, forecasting, meeting gross margin targets, and driving profitable growth.
• Strong financial acumen and understanding of P&L components. Previous P&L responsibility required.
• Outstanding data analytics and articulation skills
• Excellent presentation and communication skills with an ability to compel action at all levels of the organization.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of the entire footwear product lifecycle, including manufacturing and development
• Comprehensive understanding of U.S. and international markets and how to develop global product line offerings across segments, regions, and price points
• Proven Direct-to-Consumer and "shop from anywhere" experience
• Proficient in MS Office Suite, especially Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability to provide clear direction, set measurable goals, and stay ahead of industry trends
• Additional Competencies:
  • Strong Business Acumen with P&L Experience
    • Proven experience owning full P&L with track record of driving top-line growth and protecting gross margins
    • Strategic thinker with deep understanding of market dynamics and ability to build 3-year LRP and annual budgets
  • Growth-Oriented and Market-Savvy
    • Able to identify and scale high-potential product opportunities within key and specialty accounts across the U.S. and Canada
    • Understands regional and global competitive landscapes and how to win in both legacy and emerging markets, leading with an entrepreneurial, owner's mindset.
  • Leadership & Team Mobilization
    • Inspires and directs multifunctional teams (sales, product, marketing, DTC) in a matrixed structure
    • Strong track record of developing talent and cultivating high-performance culture
  • Cross-Functional Influence
    • Must bring together cross-functional teams from product, design, supply chain, planning, and sales to execute division strategies
    • Excellent communicator and influencer at all levels, especially within a highly matrixed org
  • Channel and Customer Insight
    • Deep understanding of both B2B (key accounts, wholesale) and DTC strategies
    • Able to balance growth across channels while protecting brand and operational health
  • Results-Oriented Operator
    • Analytical mindset with ability to interpret and act on data (sell-through, margin contribution, market share)
    • Experience building and executing against account plans with tangible outcomes

Travel Required

Up to 20% of work time will involve travel

Base Salary: $288,000 - $325,000 yearlyThis range represents the low and high end of the anticipated base salary range for this position. The actual base salary will depend on numerous factors such as: experience, knowledge and skills, and location. Our base salary is just one component of our competitive total rewards strategy which includes numerous benefits and perks as well as specific health and welfare benefits.

Why Work at KEEN: Driven by a passion for life outside, KEEN is a values-led, independently owned brand from Portland, Oregon, that's on a mission to create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire outside adventure. Founded in 2003, KEEN launched a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport adventure sandal, and has donated more than $18 million to non-profit organizations and causes around the world to promote responsible outdoor recreation, including conservation efforts to protect open spaces. KEEN strives to show the world through its products and its actions that a business for good can actually be good for business. By giving back, reducing impact, and activating communities and individuals to protectthe places where we work and play, KEEN puts its values in motion and takes action to leave the world a better place.

At KEEN, we believe in a more just and equitable future for all people. As a global brand, we acknowledge that our business, buildings, and daily lives exist within the traditional territories of indigenous peoples. We strive for a future that recognizes the knowledge, rights, and resilience of these peoples.
KEEN Footwear is an equal opportunity employer. We value an inclusive and diverse community. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.