POSITION SUMMARY
Associate Product Manager works closely with the Product Manager on their assigned product line to develop the strategy, planning, and engineering of product line(s). Conducts customer and competitor research, tests prototypes, and collaborates with key stakeholders like Sales and Operations to create products that serve the market needs and can be produced efficiently. Responsible for the full lifecycle of assigned product lines, from ideas to implementation, optimization, and retirement for both in-house and outsourced products.
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS
- Collaborate with Product Manager and other stakeholders such as sales & marketing to define the go-to-market strategy and the positioning for assigned products.
- Conduct, collect, and synthesize quantitative product data and metrics through market research.
- Represent the company by visiting customers and retail stores to understand customer problems for the development of product solutions, as well as soliciting feedback and observing current product(s) in use for optimizing future product performance.
- Follow phase-gate methodology facilitating the process throughout the product lifecycle, speeding up or slowing down based on the product and customer need.
- Work with the internal teams to help develop, prioritize, and implement strategic projects that increase sales and decrease costs.
- Act as a resource for the creative team with regards to technology and development guidelines and to help create interest and understanding about new innovative products.
- Develop an understanding of the retail horticultural industry by working closely with the Product Manager, Sales, Marketing, and Design to create a knowledge base for marketing trends and merchandising tools. Act as a “messenger of the market” from the outside-in to the rest of the organization.
- Use engineering principles and techniques to research, design, analyze, test, and select new product designs, technologies, materials, and prototypes during product development. All development is done in a strong partnership with Operations.
- Help drive buy-build-partner analysis, and where necessary, review potential partner relationships for the product.
- Serve as an added resource to Production Staff.
- Recommend methods and materials and provides drawings for product improvements based on manufacturing needs and capabilities.
- Assist in researching alternative substrates, processes, and sources for internal and external production of products.
- Provide an atmosphere that aligns with MasterTag’s culture to perform big and put people first.
OTHER FUNCTIONS
- Communicate professionally both within the company and externally.
- Liaise with all areas of the company in thought leadership to meet or exceed goals and customer needs.
- Provide an atmosphere that aligns with MasterTag’s culture to perform big and put people first.
- Any other duties as assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Graphic, or Arts Degree preferred.
- 5-10 years of proven work experience in the above fields.
- Positive thinking, innovative, results-driven, self-starter with sound judgment and decision-making skills.
- Excellent communication, problem solving, and facilitation skills and an ability to reach consensus and get buy-in from a team.
- Excellent project and time management skills. Must be disciplined about following up with team members to maintain momentum on projects, deliver on milestones and maintain timelines to ensure completion.
- Ability to both collaborate within a team and work independently to solve problems and generate ideas.
- Proficient in Macintosh and an understanding of Microsoft Project software.
- Broad perspective on business operations and product manufacturing.
- Must possess strong computer skills and have fast/reliable internet connection.
- Must be willing to travel 10-15% of the time.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Compensation package:
Experience level:
Schedule:
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Education:
Experience:
- Engineering, Graphic or Arts: 5 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Montague, MI 49437 (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person