Product Development Manager

Our client is a fast growth consumer products company that sells its products into the arts and crafts specialty retail chain stores, independent retailers, mass merchandise, wholesalers and distributors located throughout the United States and Canada.  We are seeking a Product Development Manager who will report directly to the Division Vice President.  This person will assist in developing the right strategy that will take this business to the next level, defining and executing the product plan and path that will result in incremental placements and sales.

 

Key responsibilities for this position include:

--Identify trends and product opportunities applicable to the arts and crafts industry to develop new categories, products and line extensions for strategic channels.

--Develop products and programs that will enable the company to enter new channels of distribution.

--Conduct ongoing market research through: store visits, trade publications, consumer interaction, trade shows, and web site monitoring.

--Manage the product development process from concept through introduction; introduce new products on time and within budget.

--Establish creative tone for new packaging within specific channels of distribution.

--Develop timeline and product availability schedule.

--Review and maintain pricing and product margin.

--Develop support materials for sales division.

--Work closely with retail clients to develop strategies for specific customer needs.

--Deliver sales presentations to outline product features and benefits; partner with sales and marketing team in the development of plan-o-grams and/or updates.

 

Qualifications for this position include:

--A minimum of five years of experience in product development management or marketing in a creative, consumer products environment.

--Must have the ability to understand and anticipate market and trend dynamics and translate into capabilities that result in a successful product offering.

--This position will require close cooperation with overseas vendors and travel to those vendors will be necessary.

--Must have impeccable detail orientation, follow through and thrive in a time sensitive, deadline driven environment.

--Experience in the arts and crafts industry is preferred.

--Experience presenting and selling to the retail key accounts.

--Creativity and visual literacy is a must.

--Proficient in MS Office.

--BA degree in marketing or related field of study.

 

If you are interested in applying for this position and possess the above qualifications, please submit your resume in MS Word format via email to dean@sssclt.com or fax it to 843-375-1303. Please refer to Job ID Code #06CLT005 and include your salary history when submitting your resume.