Product Manager

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Product Manager is responsible for the product planning and execution of new products and, in some cases, managing the product through its lifecycle. This includes: gathering and prioritizing product and customer requirements, defining the product vision, and working closely with sales, marketing, project management and engineering to ensure that revenue and profitability goals are met. The Product Manager job also includes developing a commanding level of understanding of the storage and organization market, end-user needs, channel, customer and company economic requirements specifically in areas of focus for Waterloo Industries.

SCOPE & RESPONSIBILITIES:  Define product strategy, feature set, pricing, and line positioning for multiple simultaneous projects and customers / segments. Be the product champion for all assigned projects including the aesthetic appeal. Understand channel-partner strengths and position in the market, as well as the competition in development of product strategy. Manage product costing and profitability to accomplish objectives. Be an expert with respect to the competition Develop the core positioning and messaging for the product Assist in the development of sales tools and collateral

SPECIFIC DUTIES: Develop product feature sets, sizing, color, etc… at a very detailed level to enable engineering to design and cost proposed solution. Work with marketing department in defining research initiatives to identify and understand end-user, channel, and customer needs and justify new product/market initiatives. Conduct field interviews, customer drive-alongs, store shops and research to identify and understand end-user, channel, and customer needs and justify new product/market initiatives.Interface with customers, vendors, and other internal departments to define new products Responsible for managing product costing and profitability scenarios as well as the final pricing model in collaboration with engineering, finance and sales. Provide product knowledge leadership in assigned product areas Utilize telephone communication with international vendors and Company personal that may occur during early morning or evening hours. Manage project risk and communicate key issues with stakeholders. Resolve and/or escalate issues in a timely fashion. Understand how to communicate difficult/sensitive information tactfully. Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS:Undegraduate degree required.  Concentration in business or marketing preferred.M.B.A. preferred.Extremely detailed oriented yet able to think at a high levelSolid understanding of P&L statements and discounted cash-flow analysisExperience in at least one of the following:

o 5-8 years experience in product/brand management of a complex nature preferred.

o 5-8 years experience in sales, marketing, market research and/or product development in packaged goods or durable goods categories preferred

·  Excellent written, oral and presentation skills with ability to tailor communication to audience

·  Ability to successfully lead, manage, and motivate multi-functional teams required

·  Ability to manage multiple projects and successfully deliver solutions to agreed upon time lines in a dynamic product development organization.

·  High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

·  Must be results oriented, energetic, proactive, and a team player.

·  Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate to all levels within an organization.



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