The posting
The Job
We are looking for a Creative Director Product to lead and shape the future of our product categories across some of the most relevant global A-brands in sport and fashion. As a trusted long-term licensing partner, we have built global brand collaborations over decades — translating brand DNA into commercially successful, consumer-relevant products at scale. This role sits at the heart of that model: connecting brand vision, creative direction, and exceptional product execution. You will define a clear product vision, inspire your team, and translate global brand strategies into standout category concepts — from technically advanced first-layer products (socks, bodywear & underwear) to high-impact fanwear collections linked to the world’s leading teams and assets.
Your Mission
• Define and drive a creative product strategy and long-term vision across all categories; • Translate brand and company strategy into compelling product concepts and seasonal roadmaps; • Bring brand DNA and storytelling to life through commercially relevant product design; • Lead the development of technically strong, best-in-class first-layer products; • Drive product execution at scale, delivering high-volume, commercially successful assortments; • Ensure products deliver on best price–value ratio, balancing design, quality and cost; • Anticipate and translate consumer needs and trends into relevant assortments; • Ensure we are present where the consumer shops, delivering the right product for the right channel;
Fanwear (integrated scope): • Lead the creation of fanwear collections for top-tier teams, translating partnerships into commercially successful products; • Operate within a triangle partnership model (brand – team – stichd) to ensure strong alignment and execution; • Drive fast, responsive product execution around key moments, turning speed into a differentiator ; • Translate real-time consumer insights (e.g. trackside, DTC) into scalable products that meet fan expectations; • Build focused assortments and capsule drops that drive engagement, conversion and sell-through.
Your Talent
You bring the creative vision, product instinct and commercial sharpness to shape collections that move at the speed of culture — and perform in the real world.
You have: • 10+ years of experience in a senior creative or product leadership role within sport, fashion, lifestyle or a connected consumer goods environment; • A proven track record of working with global brands, preferably within a licensing, partnership or brand-led product environment; • Strong experience in building multi-year product visions and translating them into clear seasonal strategies, concepts and roadmaps; • A deep understanding of technical product development, ideally within first-layer categories such as socks, bodywear and underwear; • Experience creating high-volume, commercially successful product ranges that balance brand heat, consumer relevance, quality and price-value; • The ability to lead creative direction from idea to execution — keeping the story strong, the product sharp and the business impact clear.
Core skills & mindset: • Creative visionary with strong taste level and trend awareness; • Strong ability to translate brand stories into commercially successful products; • Execution-driven mindset — able to turn concepts into scalable, high-performing assortments; • Deep understanding of price–value architecture and commercial decision-making; • Ability to connect consumer insights and data to product creation; • Strong capability to operate in complex partnership environments (brands, teams, stakeholders); • Understanding of event-driven product cycles and fast go-to-market models; • Entrepreneurial and ownership mindset; • Strong collaborator and stakeholder manager, internally and externally; • Inspiring leader who builds and empowers teams; • Excellent communicator and storyteller, able to influence and align stakeholders; • Passion for sport, street & lifestyle culture.
Who you are: • You combine creative excellence with deep product and commercial understanding; • You thrive in bridging brand vision, technical execution and market reality; • You are motivated by delivering impact at scale; • You understand how to translate trends and fan engagement into products consumers buy; • You are fast, responsive and execution-focused; • You lead with clarity, energy and accountability.
This role is based in Den Bosch, the Netherlands. Working remotely from other countries is not possible. To apply for this role, you must already have the legal right to work in the Netherlands. We will not apply for work or residence permits.
Please include a link to your portfolio or website with your application.
We Offer
• Our salaries are based on 38 hours per week, but fulltime work is 40 hours per week. Instead, you choose between a lot of holidays; 40 per year ór choose for a 40-hour salary per month with still 28 holidays. You can switch every six months; • Annual bonus scheme; • New hires (introduction) days; • Great offer of e-learnings and a training offer for personal development; • Enough free fruit for you daily vitamins; • Provided lunch at a low cost; • Choose between lease-bike, NS Business Card or travel by car for € 0,25 per km (>10km). • 8% holiday allowance, employee insurances and a good pension scheme; • Employee discount on the PUMA, Levi’s, Fuelforfans and BMW Lifestyle websites; • Hybrid working. On fulltime basis, 3 days in the office and 2 days at home (incl. allowance for home working); • Flexible working hours, modern workspace and a good working atmosphere; • International working environment with colleagues of more than 50 different nationalities; • Wellbeing activities (f.e. yoga, pilates and bootcamp) and an in-house gym; • Community involvement (STICHD impact tool); • STICHD drinks 5/6x per year in the city center of Den Bosch; • Work hard, play hard. Our STICHD-events are legendary.
About Us
We like to think of ourselves as a family of experts.
Ok, we know what you’re thinking: at over 700 members, that’s a pretty big family. But what we really mean is that, whatever our skills or our story, whatever the task or the time pressure, we’re in it together. Pushing each other, backing each other and believing in each other, always.
We’re one STICHD. And that matters, because this one company does a lot.
We partner with some of the world’s most iconic brands to create products that people love. From socks and underwear to swim and fanwear. From PUMA and Levi’s to Formula 1 and Manchester City. From design and logistics to retail and events. From our HQ in the Netherlands to sales offices and logistics centres all over the world. Like we said: a lot.
Why join us?
Because at STICHD, you get the best of both worlds. The buzz and exposure of working on a global scale with the world’s biggest brands. The freedom and flexibility to find your own passion and follow your own path. But most of all, because we care. We really care. About our brands and products. About each package and every fan’s experience. About one another.
We have some amazing people at STICHD. People with different backgrounds and skillsets, perspectives and personalities. Global leaders in their field who always stay curious, grounded and never stop learning.
Does this sound like it could be you? Click ‘apply’ and show us what you’ve got!
ACQUISITION AS A RESULT OF VACANCIES IS NOT APPRECIATED
STICHD provides equal opportunities for all job applicants, regardless of race, colour, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Equality for all is one of the core principles at STICHD and PUMA, and we do not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination.
At STICHD and PUMA, every application is reviewed by real people who are committed to fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity - no matter your background, identity, or experience. To ensure our process stays true to these values, no automated systems or AI tools are used to make hiring decisions. Every decision is made by real people -with real judgment and accountability. We may use functions supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to carry out isolated organizational steps, such as scheduling interviews. These functions have no influence on decisions in the application process. We believe in creating spaces where everyone is welcome, celebrated, and empowered to contribute authentically.
