The posting
The Home Decor Division is looking for a Sr. Product Manager to join their Medford, MA team. In this role, the Sr Product Manager will be responsible for developing unique, innovative and successful new products. This extends from increasing profitability of existing products to developing new products for the company. This includes spending time in the market to understand current problems and then find innovative solutions for the broader market. It is also required that each Sr. Product Managers become proficient in their areas of responsibility. Candidates must have firsthand knowledge of how products perform based upon their own use and familiarity with the product. The Senior Product Manager will serve as a mentor to Assistant Category Managers and/or Category Managers in the company. This is a hybrid role with required office days in our Medford , MA location Essential Job Functions
Responsible for the sales and gross margin dollars of the individual category. Gross margin percent must be maintained or grown during the course of the year.
Provide innovation through the development of new concepts, procedures, price-points, packaging and presentation ideas.
Focus on the end consumer first to ensure products resonate with the target customer.
Familiar with all levels and types of retailers including, traditional “Brick and Mortar” as well as internet and mail order catalog merchants.
Provide direct support to the retailer in regards to packaging, presentations and execution, coupled with programs and products innovative enough to deliver better margins for all involved while ensuring placement and support of product(s).
Understand and facilitate the supplier’s needs for accurate and timely information concerning product design, packaging, samples, regulatory requirements, production requirements and shipping dates.
Develop an understanding of the production process and materials used in order to improve comprehension of how goods are manufactured.
Participate in the re-engineering of products to hit key price points.
Ensure the on-time delivery of all new programs by calculations of raw material availability, production time, inspection time, packaging, shipping and customs requirements.
Maintain inventory at acceptable levels, as directed by the Division President. Includes the monitoring of forecasts from the sales force and identification of discontinued and overstock quantities on a monthly basis.
Visit stores on a regular basis to remain up to date on what competitors are doing and to increase knowledge regarding competitive factors relative to newness, uniqueness and creativity.
Requires overseas travel to factories, based on business need, in order to become familiar with the materials and production methods used by our suppliers within the category.
Lead the collaboration with internal departments to ensure timelines are on track and relevant information is provided within a timely matter.
Coach and develop Assistant Category Managers/Category Managers to ensure they have an understanding of the requirements of the next level position.
Drive the entire product lifecycle from conception, requirements, gathering and design, development, testing through launch.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree preferred
5 – 7 years in the field or in a related area
Sourcing experience required
Experience with SAP and/or PDS. Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge of gross margin calculation and its requirements in our business.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to manage time in an efficient manner and prioritize effectively. Strong understanding of the retail industry.
