Head of Accessories Creation

We are looking for a visionary and technically proficient Head of Accessories Creation to lead our accessories product engine. This is a critical leadership role where you will be responsible for translating creative concepts into highly functional, durable, and commercially viable (technical) performance and lifestyle accessories. You will lead a high-performing team, drive product innovation, and own the development process from initial prototyping to final production, ensuring the highest standards of quality, performance, and sustainability. This role will report into the Global Senior Director of Product Creation & Sourcing.

Your mission is to execute the accessories development strategy and roadmap aligned with the overall brand, product, and financial goals. You will oversee development and successful commercialization from ideation to launch, including engineering, sampling, testing, milestone management, and final specifications. You will deliver against gross margin targets, manage department budgets while optimising costs. You will also provide collaborative leadership to align teams and foster an innovative work environment that encourages creativity, risk-taking and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute overall accessories development strategy and map out a roadmap which aligns with the overall brand, product, and financial goals
• Oversee all development and ensure commercialization of the product range from ideation to launch, including development engineering, sampling, testing, milestone management, and final product specifications
• Work as a partner to Design, Materials, Innovation, Product Management, and Sourcing teams to ensure successful delivery of seasonal products and execute strategic vision for the business
• Deliver against gross margin targets and manage department budgets while optimising costs
• Conduct comprehensive market research to identify emerging trends, competitive threats, and new market opportunities
• Support and partner with our Sourcing teams in Asia & Europe on building a robust global sourcing strategy that emphasises high-quality products, world-class partnerships, service, ethical sourcing and sustainability
• Implement supply chain initiatives, in partnership with our ESG team, that reduce environmental impact, such as using recycled and preferred materials, advanced water treatment and color dyeing technologies and optimising logistics with initiatives like localisation
• Stay at the forefront of emerging technologies and market trends to identify and oversee the development of innovative accessories that meet performance, durability, and sustainability requirements, which will instigate new ways of thinking about products
• Establish and enforce rigorous product testing and quality control protocols to ensure compliance with industry standards and brand requirements
• Spearhead and streamline product development and manufacturing processes to increase efficiency, reduce complexity and time to market
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, engage with industry stakeholders, including athletes and sports professionals and work with the cross-functional stakeholders to gather customer feedback and incorporate it into future product designs.