Job SummaryResponsible for supporting the growth, profitability and financial return of the company's assigned product portfolio through innovation and consumer insight. Contribute to building a profitable product portfolio that aligns with product and brand strategies, company/business unit objectives, and consumer needs. Provide project leadership on complex product development projects, from concept to delivery, to a cross functional team through the product development process.
Duties and Responsibilities- Identify and develop new products delivering against unmet consumer needs and increase consumer satisfaction.
- Lead moderately complex to complex product development projects; deliver high quality products through innovation.
- Conduct consumer research to refine product and/or brand categories to best meet consumer needs.
- Continuously refresh the assigned portfolio of products; ensure products align with consumer needs; ensure products meet brand and style guidelines.
- Collaborate with and lead a cross-functional team through the product development process; coordinate with multiple departments (i.e., sourcing, operations, engineering, and materials).
- Ensure a well-rounded product development process is utilized to include consideration for environmental, regulatory, competitor products, consumer trends, and unmet consumer needs.
- Collaborate with marketing in support of new product introductions; prepare product for commercial retail to include the development of packaging, artwork, promotional campaigns, and sales materials.
- Manage target consumer mix to maximize sales and optimize profits.
- Ensure product development, manufacturing, and fulfillment is cost efficient;
- Develop, monitor, and maintain accountability for all project plans to include timetables, deliverables, and budgets.
- Develop and execute product strategies that are aligned with the brand and product segment; continuously analyze Point of Sale (POS), sales data, and financial margins against forecast and modify strategy accordingly to maximize product Return on Investment (ROI).
- Manage the product lifecycle for one or more products, or brand categories; to include SKU rationalization and E&O disposition.
- Keep a current and up-to-date knowledge of industry and consumer trends; develop and maintain a strong partnership with sales team(s) and distribution channels.
- Other duties as deemed necessary.
Qualification RequirementsMinimum Education: Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or related field.
Minimum Work Experience: Three (3) years of marketing experience within the consumer products industry.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities- Knowledge of product development/management and branding.
- Knowledge of consumer research methodologies.
- Knowledge of marketing concepts, strategies and standard practices.
- Knowledge of the product development lifecycle from concept to Point of Sale.
- Proficiency using a Personal Computer (PC) to include Microsoft Word, Excel, Visio, and Outlook.
- Proficiency using product development software (i.e., Stage Gate).
- Strong project management skills and the ability to coordinate the work of multiple teams.
- Leadership skills and the ability to drive engagement of others towards a common goal.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to derive solutions through analysis.
- Analytical skills and the ability to be detail oriented.
- Financial and budgetary management skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate in English.
- Ability to use and understand the business acumen within the consumer products industry.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
- Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.
- Ability to work in a constant state of alertness
Physical RequirementsNormal Office Environment with up to 25% Domestic and International Travel.
