Footwear Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As the Director, Merchandising – Global Footwear, you contribute in defining the future of our footwear strategy, creating consumer‑centric, industry‑leading products and stories. You play a lead role in translating marketplace insights into products that meets and exceeds the needs of our guest, elevates brand positioning and delivers the financial and strategic objectives of Arc’teryx. You lead a seamless footwear product creation process, integrated within the brand, guiding the product from vision to strategy and execution.

This role is based out of our Portland office and is expected to be performed on site.

The Arc’teryx team creates innovative, beautiful product that exceeds the core mountain athlete needs in the outdoors across climbing, hiking, and trail running. We are builders, problem solvers and passionate outdoor enthusiasts. Fueled by curiosity, we take an immersive approach to identifying our athlete’s future needs then build, test, and validate products that solve for real functional challenges. We are passionate collective with a focus on collaborative teamwork, and our vision is to redefine the industry.

• Developing and driving long‑term merchandising strategies for Footwear, realizing the creative vision to bring our footwear product to market
• Leading a collaborative team through complex processes and fostering an environment rooted in respect, stability and innovation
• Partnering with the Regional Merchandising and Product triad teams in developing assortments that exceeds our athlete’s and consumer’s needs, are aligned to global brand strategic initiatives and achieve short and long term KPIs and financial goals
• Leading the marketplace insights process in partnership with Regional teams, harmonizing feedback to inform short- and long‑term product decisions
• Owning the seasonal color briefing process in partnership with product director
• Owning the end to end footwear product Go To Market (GTM) process in partnership with PLM, Commercial, Brand and Planning teams
• Understanding and leveraging the competitive landscape, inclusive of product, distribution, market share and influences the line with these insights
• Facilitating content and product plans to support initiatives in Sales, Brand and Retail teams
• Participating in broader organizational Footwear strategy and planning, beyond the footwear category into other product types
• Travelling regularly as required

• Identifying a new white space for Arc’teryx footwear in the marketplace, based on insights from focus groups you have led
• Identifying innovative ways to differentiate and segment a global marketplace
• Contributing to a collective of talented footwear experts to drive the business forward as the category grows

• You have 10+ years of footwear product experience, in a global merchandising role, with a top athletic and/or outdoor brand
• You have a Bachelor’s Degree, or 2 additional years of experience in lieu
• You have a high degree of footwear product acumen, strong business acuity and a proven ability to make strategic decisions
• You have a strong global consumer and marketplace knowledge
• You are an excellent communicator and presenter, fluent in both digital and verbal skills
• You have strong analytical skills with a solid understanding of financial and retail metrics
• You are experienced in creating and executing a product strategy and vision, while bringing key stakeholders and team members along in the process
• You have proven ability to lead and influence multiple stakeholders across the organization, with the ability to build and nurture strong relationships
• You demonstrate initiative, agility, and commitment, while balancing autonomy and collaboration
• You remain highly flexible and adaptable when faced with ambiguity, and thrive in a fast paced, diverse, ever evolving and values led environment
• You inspire breakthrough thinking and continuous improvement
• You have excellent interpersonal and English communication skills (written and verbal).
• Your passion for your work is paralleled by your passion for getting outside and living it
• You are willing and able to travel regularly, domestically and internationally, to collaborate and engage with partners (up to 35% commitment)

The salary range for this role is USD$154,000 - USD$202,000

Most new team members join between the start and midpoint of the range, where you can contribute right away while continuing to grow your craft, your collaborations, and your impact at Arc’teryx. This range reflects market alignment and the scope of the role. Individual pay is determined by your skills, experience, and level of responsibility.

We’re committed to fair, equitable, and competitive pay, reviewed regularly to ensure internal alignment and market relevance. Transparency is part of how we follow through on our commitments and how we honour the value you bring to our team.

In addition to base pay, Arc’teryx supports people through benefits designed to sustain both work and life:

• Health &wellbeing - Extended health, dental, and vision coverage, including mental health support, fertility benefits, gender-affirming care and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Financial wellbeing -RRSP matching and eligibility for Arc'teryx Annual Incentive Plan and access to Employee Stock Purchase program (ESPP) where applicable.
• Time & Flexibilit y - Paid time off, wellness time, and No Wasted Day program (dedicated paid days to get outside & explore).
• Family support - Parental leave top-up and a nesting period for new parents.
• Growth, community & gear - Professional development opportunities, Arc'teryx Academies (outdoor skill-building events), Employee Belonging Councils, and access to employee discounts and Pro Deals (exclusive discounted pricing on gear).

*Eligibility for certain programs may vary by role.

Arc’teryx is committed to actively creating and fostering a culture of inclusivity where voices are heard, people are seen, and values are respected. We care about the uniqueness of our applicants, employees, and guests, and we do so in a safe space fueled by curiosity and acceptance.

Creating an inclusive workplace is connected to our core value Do Right while also having the added benefit of helping make our business better. We believe inclusion helps us to create a healthier, happier workplace, drive creativity and innovation, and reflect the communities where we operate.

All applicants, employees, and guests can expect equality of opportunity and fair treatment in alignment with our values.

We believe that the mountains transform us, that how we adventure matters, and that there’s always a better way.

Join us in creating positive change in ourselves, our communities, and the world.

Live it. Get out there - the mountains make us better

Disruptive evolution. In pursuit of better. Always.

Commit. We set bold objectives and see them through.