Product Manager

Job Description:

Product Manager - Floor Care - Anderson, SC

Role Summary:

This Product Management role is responsible for the growth and management of the identified product line leading new product initiatives, product line P&L, product planning, marketing strategy development/execution and product life cycle management. This role will also provide brand leadership and development of integrated product communications and advertising communications to support various segments of the brand's business in order to help achieve the company's overall business goals. The position works as part of a lean cross functional team.

Essential Responsibilities:

Strategic Product Category Leadership

• Establishes strategies and tactical plans for the category and all products within.
• Recommends new product functional specification, pricing, appearance, technology platform, target market, cost target and marketing plan.
• Participates in and helps set the strategic direction of the brand and marketing communications efforts.
• Works closely with Industrial Design, Development Engineering, Quality and suppliers in US & Asia to deliver on time and on cost programs.
• Works with marketing communications in establish strategic direction for product positioning message, advertising plans, promotions, P.O.P., packaging, sales support materials, etc...
• Ensure that the core brand values are followed throughout the organization including product development, channel marketing and packaging teams.
• Build marketing and advertising plans that effectively leverage company assets and deliver on business goals. Working knowledge of print and POP
• Monitors product line P&L. Establishes, with leadership team, annual financial goals including sales, gross margin, COGS, market share, price and mix. Monitors actual results and tracks progress toward goal attainment. Drives corrective actions to improve results and realize business commitments.

Analysis & Market Research

• Recommends criteria to be used in ideas / product programs for evaluating market potential and practicality.
• Participates in business cases & ROI analysis for new product programs. Drives data gathering.
• Monitors current and new technologies.
• Monitors competitive activity and product line positioning. Understands competitive product offerings, features, benefits and competitive advantage
• Coordinates market research activities to maintain a deep understanding of consumer needs and trends. Is in frequent contact with consumers and retailers. Translates this understanding into products and feature innovations and enhancements.

Team Collaboration & Development

• Coordinate product line activities between industrial design, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, sales, channel marketing, marketing communications, packaging and finance
• Guide the marketing communications team in delivering on integrated communications goals between in-store and online assets.
• Work with Channel Marketing and Sales team to deliver and execute effective trade customer programs.
• Interfaces with Channel Marketing department to establish basic product and channel selling strategies.
• Ability to coach and mentor team members (Associates and Product Managers) on a formal or informal platform.
• Foster a spirit of teamwork and unity among department members that allows for collaboration over ideas and the appreciation of diversity as well as cohesiveness, supportiveness, and working effectively together to enable each employee and the Product team to succeed.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Required - Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration or related area
• Required - experience in Marketing/Sales(corporate), Product Management, Operations, or similarly related role(s).
• Background in a leadership development program is highly preferred
• Position requires accomplished analytic, written, verbal and interpersonal skills plus demonstrated track record of achievements in positions or increasing responsibilities, problem solving and decision making abilities.
• Willingness to travel 10-15% of the time.
• Proficiency in PC skills including MS Office programs and Internet usage is required.