The Plusmark Product Manager is responsible for meeting sales and profit objectives for specific categories and/or retailers, primarily private label programs. This role is highly accountable for P&L performance and has direct responsibility for costing and pricing and provides overview of product specifications. The Product Manager functions as a product expert, staying in-tune with and ahead of consumer needs, product trends, the competitive environment, and margin/cost factors. When needed, t... more details
This is a hybrid role, based out of our Creative Studios in Westlake, Ohio. As such, we will focus on candidates who currently reside in Northeast Ohio.
GENERAL SUMMARY:
The Plusmark Product Manager is responsible for meeting sales and profit objectives for specific categories and/or retailers, primarily private label programs. This role is highly accountable for P&L performance and has direct responsibility for costing and pricing and provides overview of product specifications. The Product Manager functions as a product expert, staying in-tune with and ahead of consumer needs, product trends, the competitive environment, and margin/cost factors. When needed, the Product Manager interfaces directly with retail buyers to sell and/or support the sales effort. They are directly responsible for determining cost, quoting prices and managing the catalogue of products available for sale. Through work with creative, they guide and inform product design to meet retailer needs, thereby protecting existing business and winning new business. This position plays a key role in AG’s Celebrations growth strategy by driving sales in seasonal gift packaging.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Sets and executes plans to achieve sales and margin targets for programs under management; owns the P&L
• Leads execution of programs under management from start to finish:
o Partners with Sales, Creative, Supply Chain, Licensing and Fulfillment all along the development path; serves as the consistent touchpoint for all internal partners
o Masters the details of (private label) programs under management to ensure line lists, forecasts, distribution plans and labeling/packaging graphics are all correct and in full
• Owns the master product catalogue (including line size, spec’s supported, price mix, and COGS) and collaborates with Sales and Creative teams to add new items to the master catalogue as needed
• Communicates with internal and external partners to develop, pitch and execute programs
• Analyzes POS data and competitive offerings to inform strategic plans and product offering
• Guides Creative on the development of new designs based on retailer feedback and margin expectations
• Runs financial models to assess feasibility and financial impact of price/cost/volume scenarios. Owns financial decisions on what is presented to the retailer.
• Supports cost management efforts for assigned categories
• Presents programs and products to buyers, alone or in conjunction with sales team, as needed
• Drives ongoing professional development of team member(s) and category expertise Required Length & Type of Experience:
• Minimum 8 years prior experience in a Product Management role, preferably in retail/consumer products field
• Minimum 5 years prior experience managing a team
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
• Strategic planning and business development
• Highly detail oriented
• Excellent communicator, both internally and externally
• Strong project / program management skills
• Financial acumen; detailed understanding of the components of the P&L and how they work together
• People leadership
• Demonstrates the following Leadership
Competencies: Inspirational Leadership, Highly Collaborative, Customer Centric, Accountability, Results Focused, Financial Acumen
• Demonstrates the following Category Team Strategic Capabilities: Analytical Skills, Communication/Presentation Skills, Project Management Skills, Consumer Insight, Product Aptitude
• Strong PC skills to include excellent knowledge of MS Office
