Assistant Product Manager

• Intimately involved in the development of all new products from concept to completion; working closely to identify consumer and customer gaps as the marketing member of the NPD Team; preparing and presenting the business plan for each new product proposed
• Coordinate activities related to launch and maintenance of the product line (packaging, copy writing, sell sheets, website maintenance, sales bulletins, launch kits, public relations, sales samples, etc.).
• Interface regularly with Departmental staff, Sales, Trade Development, Marketing Communications, Engineering, Sourcing, Sourcing Operations, Purchasing, and Customer/Consumer Service Depts. On design, specifications, pricing, changes requests, consumer questions etc.
• Understand pricing strategy and product costs and use that information to implement pricing programs in the marketplace.
• Track and maintain spreadsheets and manage reporting of account specific and category specific product listings as well as account/overall company top SKUs in: ship dollars, ship units, POS dollars, POS units, etc.
• Assist in consumer events, trade shows, store associate training workshops and other off-site business development activities.
• The development and maintenance of a library of competitive data, consumer trends, industry news, custom and syndicated research files and keeps the organization informed of changes in the market dynamics · Implements the Strategic Plan for the category
• Main contact for all promotional display/merchandising development related issues working closely with Brand Design and Sales.
• Monitor consumer trends, market dynamics, competitive activity and industry news. Keep team members informed of relevant changes in the marketplace.
• Respond to and follow up with Customer/Consumer Service inquiries.
• Coordinate logistics and follow-up of catalog and POS materials for production; involves working closely with Brand Design; verifying correct product specifications and pricing; recommending catalog layout and appearance, etc.
• Other duties as required as assigned by management.
• Requires regular attendance to perform essential elements as contained herein between the assigned start and end times for work.
• Establishes and maintains effective work relationships within the department, the Corporation and the community; and maintains the professional competence, knowledge and skill necessary for the satisfactory performance of all assigned responsibilities.

• A BS/BA in business/marketing or the equivalent in related work experience.
• Experience in product management, program development, marketing analysis, and sales systems.
• Strong attention to detail and proficiency in managing tactical execution a must.
• Experience in product development, collateral development, project management and business plan development.
• Knowledge of forecasting, budgeting, and distribution channels.
• The ability to manage multiple projects with excellent project management, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Self-starter mentality; someone who can help lead and champion this business both inside and outside the organization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Powerpoint, Excel)