Product Manager

Hillman is seeking a highly motivated and organized Product Manager to join our Everyday Solutions team. In this role, you will be responsible for the product development of “white label” and pet accessories, from concept to launch. You will work cross-functionally with sourcing, graphics, packaging, operations, and sales teams to bring new products to market.

This is an exciting opportunity for a self-starter who has a passion for creating products, is eager to grow in product management, and is ready to work in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, a strong communicator, and has exceptional project management skills.

Job Summary

The Product Manager is responsible for the product development, planning and management throughout the product lifecycle including investigating and prioritizing new product and customer requirements, defining product performance specifications, developing POP and merchandising solutions while working closely with Engineering, Operations and Sales to ensure revenue and customer expectations and goals are met. The Product Manager drives market research and merchandising initiatives to increase market adoption and meet consumer demand. The Product Manager serves as single point of contact for inquiries across the business and supports sales channels at product line reviews, business reviews and trade shows.

Essential Job Functions*

• Product Line Development
  • Develop, forecast, implement and monitor new & existing product lines.
  • Work with Engineering, Design (internal and external), Sales, Marketing and Licensors to support marketing and business functions in the development, design and launch of products and/or machines.
  • Research, develop and test merchandising strategies.
  • Partner on planogram development to support multiple channels & retail partners.
  • Full lifecycle management from new product design through end-of-life planning.
• Channel Support
  • Participates in the development and delivery of customer presentations, line reviews and new program opportunities with a focus on creating promotional opportunities for the sales organization.
  • Communicates regularly with the Sales & Support teams to provide information, answer questions, and assist with issues within the retail channel.
• Market Plan Development/Management
  • Analyzes revenue and margin opportunities.
  • Develops promotional suggestions in accordance with customer requirements.

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Employees are expected and encouraged to participate in safety and health program activities including immediately reporting hazards, immediately reporting unsafe work practices and incidents to supervisors, wearing required personal protective equipment, and participating in and supporting safety committee activities.

Education & Experience           

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing or related area preferred or 5 years equivalent experience.
• Three to seven years of experience managing consumer product lines, retail distribution channels or related business analysis preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft office software systems. 
• Experience in developing engineered products with internal and external R&D resources preferred.
• Experience in developing consumer-focused product packaging, pricing, positioning, messaging and collateral, demos, presentations, and other sales tools.

Competencies – Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Analytical background preferred for managing pricing and project management tools.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills; able to multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and analyzes problems; weighs relevance and accuracy of information; evaluates and generates alternative solutions; makes recommendations.
• Resilience - Positively impacts the team and the organization by dealing effectively with pressure; remains optimistic and recovers quickly from setbacks.
• Leadership - Shows a high degree of personal integrity, honesty and ethical behavior; respects & protects confidential information; holds self-accountable for results.
• Continual Learning - Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses; pursues self-development.
• Organizational Awareness- Makes decisions, and performs in a manner which is aligned with the organization's mission, vision, and values.
• Planning and Results Orientation- Balances customer requests with organization capabilities and resources 
  • Identifies opportunities to improve work processes
  • Supports others in completing tasks and improving overall effectiveness
  • Contributes to setting work priorities and direction
  • Identifies in advance when intended results may not be achieved
  • Participates in development of project plans
• Customer Focus- Makes decisions based on organizational goals
  • Uses knowledge about the customer to inform decision making, and problem solving
  • Strives to provide additional value to the customer experience
  • Actively solicits customer feedback in order improve business relationship
  • Suggests ways to improve the customer experience
  • Collaborates with colleagues to deliver high quality service

Operational Equipment

• N/A