Key Skills

Job Description

Bata Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers and retailers of quality footwear. A global concern with more than 30,000 employees, 24 production facilities, over 5,000 stores in more than 70 countries across the globe, Bata has been providing the best shoes at the best prices, backed by unparalleled service, for 120 years. Since its founding in 1894 by Thomas Bata, the company has consistently demonstrated its commitment to responsible and innovative business models in the belief that capital is not just money, buildings, or technology, but, more importantly, people, knowledge, and core values. This visionary approach has enabled the company to meet each new challenge with creativity and foresight, while earning the trust and confidence of customers, employees, and the communities in which it does business. Today, Bata's pioneering decentralized production system, featuring semi-autonomous regional facilities guided by three regional business units, allows the company to quickly adapt to changes in the marketplace and seize potential growth opportunities. It also continues Bata's long tradition of being sensitive to cultural and national differences and enables it to proudly function as a local company in every country it serves. Bata Brand SA Bata is the leading international company in the footwear market and is present on five continents. The different continents are represented by five business units. Each business unit is organized according to the specificities of each country. Bata Global headquarters are based out of Avenue d'Ouchy 61, 1006 Lausanne, Switzerland. Description of the Role Reporting to the Director of Product Kids, the Product Manager Kids holds end-to-end accountability for assigned kids footwear categories within Bata, from line planning and range architecture through seasonal launch and post-season review. The role is hands-on and detail-oriented, translating the brand's product strategy and consumer insight into commercially successful, well-executed collections and assortments. The Product Manager Kids is responsible for the full product lifecycle of their categories, ensuring products are delivered on time, on cost, and on brand, in alignment with the “Unreasonably Good Shoe” philosophy. The scope of responsibility includes: Kids Footwear Category Management – end-to-end execution Range Architecture & Seasonal Planning Product Briefing & Development Collaboration Pricing Inputs & Margin Awareness Product Lifecycle Management Cross-functional Collaboration (Design, Development, Sourcing, Marketing) The Product Manager Kids ensures strong alignment between consumer insights, brand intent, product portfolio, pricing architecture, and go-to-market execution to deliver consistent, commercially sound seasonal results. The Product Manager – Kids plays a key role in ensuring Bata's kids footwear consistently delivers on the brand promise of being unreasonably good—combining comfort, fit, safety, design, and value. This role turns strategy into product excellence at a day-to-day execution level. Key Responsibilities Own assigned kids footwear categories from line planning through launch and post-season review. Execute range architecture, including carryovers, seasonal newness, and entry-to-premium price tiers. Create clear, well-structured product briefs based on kids' and parents' insights, age/size segmentation, fit and safety requirements, and usage occasions delivering on margin targets. Partner closely with Design to deliver strong look, touch & feel, proportion, material choices, and playful, age-appropriate colourways. Work with Development and Sourcing to manage cost targets, margin guardrails, fit integrity, quality standards, and compliance with children's product safety regulations. Work closely with local markets to guarantee that local needs are reflected, while keeping a strong global identity. Provide input into pricing and RRP strategy within the defined kids footwear architecture. Manage product lifecycle management, including SKU rationalization, refresh cadence, and simplification. Support development of seasonal consumer narratives and storytelling for kids launches. Track in-market performance (sell-through, returns, fit feedback, consumer and parent response) and translate insights into future seasons. Collaborate with Marketing, Merchandising, and Commercial teams to support go-to-market execution. Reporting Director of Product Kids – Bata (direct) Profile & Leadership Attributes Work Experience The ideal candidate brings: 5-8 years of experience in product management, ideally in kids footwear or lifestyle categories. Proven experience managing categories or sub-categories end-to-end. Strong understanding of kids' fit, comfort, safety standards, materials, and quality expectations. Solid grounding in range planning, pricing inputs, margin awareness, and lifecycle management. Highly organized, execution-focused, and detail-driven. Strong cross-functional collaborator with clear communication skills. Able to balance consumer insight with commercial and operational realities. Language Proficiency English Spanish is an advantage Conditions of employment On-roll & on-site Location Amsterdam, Netherlands Why Work at BATA People are at the heart of what we do. From the consumers and customers we serve to the communities in which we operate, to the employees who drive our success year after year. Through our CSR programs, volunteering, and philanthropy, we deepen our connections with the company, our colleagues, and the communities in which we operate. What We Offer Competitive salary, generous benefits and a respect for work-life balance form the foundation of what we offer at Bata. We then go the extra mile to train and equip our employees to make the most of the opportunities available to them. We provide industry-leading development programs to foster a Culture of teamwork, Integrity and Excellence in everything we do. As a global brand, we value diversity and mobility, encouraging our people to pursue positions in new regions that will help them grow professionally and personally. Our multicultural leadership team is representative of this commitment and our brand's international footprint. Joining Bata means joining a company where you can have an impact, where you can shape the future of a global footwear organization.

Core Responsibilities

The Product Manager Kids is responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of kids footwear categories, from initial line planning and range architecture to seasonal launch and post-season review. They collaborate cross-functionally with design, development, and sourcing teams to ensure products meet brand standards, margin targets, and safety requirements.

Requirements

The ideal candidate possesses 5-8 years of experience in product management, specifically within footwear or lifestyle categories. They must demonstrate strong organizational skills, a deep understanding of kids' product safety and fit, and the ability to translate consumer insights into commercially successful collections.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Generous benefits
• Work-life balance
• Industry-leading development programs