Product Manager

Kenney Manufacturing Company, a leader in the manufacturing and distribution of consumer products to the retail marketplace, has an immediate opening for a Product Manager for our Window Coverings category.  Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing, you will oversee existing product initiatives and new product development, from detailed marketing strategies to complete customer satisfaction. 

Job Summary

Determine consumer demands, develop customer profiles and initiate pricing strategies.  Monitor trends which indicate need for new products.  Work with various internal departments on all relevant product issues and to keep up to date with technological developments.  Build upon current strategic assets to maintain and improve the Company’s competitive position and profitability. 

Job Duties: 

·         Develop Company’s detailed marketing strategy by assigned product(s) and product category(s).

·         Determine consumer demand for various products, and monitor consumer product trends.

·         Identify potential markets, and develop profiles and pricing strategies.

·         Determine scope, growth direction and potential of product delivery strategy and realistic time frames.

·         Supervise product development and line extensions emphasizing market opportunities, product definition and project planning. 

·         Complete a business model and financial analysis using a pro forma system.

·         Complete periodic status reports and compile reports on product development, line extensions, and any significant problems.

·         Initiate and maintain a process for a steady stream of innovative new and existing product ideas from all relevant personnel and develop a rational objective process to evaluate product proposals.

·         Develop and implement new and periodic training programs for all direct reports.

·         Create and execute an exit strategy for excess and obsolete sales inventory.

·         Ensure that new products or extension of current products align with current and future Company strategic plans and fill an important niche within that strategy. 

·         Develop expected costs and success factors by phase and determine products’ expected life cycle to create and protect a competitive advantage.

·         Develop resources to determine and manage business and economic risks.

·         Develop promotions to move inventory.

·         Study and recommend improvements to existing products.

·         Review and evaluate results and conclusions of research projects, and participate actively in the preparation of research budgets.

·         Work with outside vendors to develop take away brochures, new packaging, etc. 

·         Manage legal and statutory regulations.  Initiate patent activity to protect new products. 

·         Keep abreast of import regulations, taxes and political and economic situation in suppliers’ countries to ensure reliability of source.

·         Participate as a team member in all activities and projects throughout the sales and marketing department.

·         Develop prospects for supply of company material and finished items by visiting foreign locations, discussing price, quality levels and delivery cycles.

·         Work with project managers within goals set by VP of Marketing.

·         Perform administrative activities and supervise staff.

·         Perform other functions or projects as assigned by the VP of Marketing.

Accountabilities: 

·         Successful maintenance and enhancement of Company’s competitive position, market size, market growth rate, expected performance of products. 

·         Knowledge of Company’s operational abilities, activities, strengths and weaknesses.

·         Reporting and keeping internal departments informed on all phases of new and existing product development. 

·         E&O and SKU management within specified goals. 

·         Creating atmosphere and techniques for summoning and stimulating creative thought and innovation.  Guiding, directing and motivating peers and subordinates, developing and building teams and resolving conflict.

·         Formulating goals and objectives, and evaluating and choosing markets for new and existing products within market research guidelines. 

·         Management of financial resources and account pricing.

·         Responsible for outcome and results, determining assignable causes and permanent solutions, and continually assessing current practices. 

Job Specifications:

·         Bachelor’s degree and 5-10 years of experience in a product management role in a manufacturing environment. 

·         Ability to move from concepts to concrete expression of ideas, and ability to work under pressure. 

·         Experience in product management, information gathering, persuasion, negotiating, developing objectives and strategies, monitoring and controlling processes and resources, organizing, planning, time management, decision making, idea generation, problem solving and prioritizing. 

·         Leadership, business management and analytical skills.

·         Interpersonal, communication and presentation skills as well as computer skills consistent with the needs of the job. 

·         A positive attitude and a creative approach to work, and a willingness to deal comfortably in an unstructured environment.  

·         Travel requirement up to 30% per month.