The Blueprint (Role Profile)Product Managers manage a category &/or product line(s) and apply an understanding of the market, category, and end user to build category leadership. They lead innovation and product portfolio management and provide input into category strategies and priorities. They work collaboratively with cross-functional partners to develop and commercialize new product pipelines, deliver revenue, and gross margin targets.
The Build (Responsibilities)- Manages the day-to-day operations of a category &/or product lines.
- Assigns employees clear projects and tasks, and coaches and develops their skills.
- Tracks external data and trends, including macroeconomic data, market and category trends, competitive information, customer insights and suggests conclusions and recommendations.
- Proposes category &/or product line long-term vision, strategies and 3-5-year financial targets.
- Makes product branding and naming recommendations in line with brand architecture and visual identity.
- Collaborates with Graphics to ensure product, pack and marketing assets support brand communication priorities and style guide.
- Assesses product portfolio choices to determine product classes to enter, exit, or maintain.
- Participates in price strategy discussions. Understands the principle of extracting maximum value via pricing and recommends promotional guardrails for category &/or product line.
- Proposes distribution/penetration goals for new product launches. Monitors results vs targets and recommends adjustments to ensure success.
- Provides input into annual base and stretch revenue and gross margin targets for category &/or product lines.
- Delivers category &/or product line revenue and gross margin targets. Takes action to address financial risks and opportunities, including optimizing pricing/programming and managing mix.
The Toolbox (Qualifications)- Four-year college/university degree; MBA preferred.
- 4+ years of marketing and/or general management experience with consumer goods, durable, or professional products companies.
- Demonstrated success in developing new products from concept through to commercialization and in-market success.
- Proven ability to work in cross-functional teams to complete initiatives and deliver business results.
- Understands P&Ls and financial management, including how to drive revenue and profitability.
- Proven communication, collaboration and influencing skills.
