Backyard Discovery is a company with a proven ability to drive growth, having tripled sales in the last 6 years with over 60% of our sales coming from products developed in the last 3 years. We are defending our industry leading market share in 3 product categories, expanding our share in 5 categories, entering 5 NEW product categories, and creating 2 new-to-consumer categories. Backyard Discovery offers a flexible work -life balance, we support independent thinking, and encourage fact-based decision making.
Purpose
The Assistant Product Manager assists the Director of Product in the day-to-day execution of product innovation and maintenance of the specified product lines, taking the assigned product lines from concept through the entire product lifecycle. Lead key initiatives to meet business objectives and strategies, perform market analysis to identify business opportunities and risks. As part of a cross-functional team the Assistant Product Manager will interact directly with sourcing, engineering, sales, and finance in an effort to continue category growth and leading-edge innovation. This position is based in Pittsburg, KS and will report to the Director of Product.
Essential Functions
Direct to Consumer champion for respective categories - work closely with marketing team to develop, correct and edit content, obtain images, read reviews and summarize to team.
Intimately involved in the development of all new products from concept to completion; working closely to identify consumer and customer gaps.
Assist with the preparation of business plans justifying new product opportunities and lead cross-functional team through the new product development cycle.
Actively participate in line reviews and be able to independently deliver line reviews to small to mid-size customers.
Assist in consumer events, trade shows and other off-site business development activities as needed.
Interface regularly with internal and external customers and consumers.
Interface regularly with departmental staff, Sales, Marketing, Engineering, Sourcing, Operations, and Finance, on design, specifications, pricing, and change requests.
Coordinate activities related to launch and maintenance of the product line (copy writing, catalogue, sell sheets, website maintenance, sales bulletins, launch kits, photography samples, etc.).
Manage the development and maintenance of a library of competitive data, consumer trends, industry news, custom and syndicated research files and keeps team members informed of relevant changes and trends in the marketplace.
All other duties as assigned by management.
Knowledge, Experience and Skill Requirements
One to three years of experience in marketing, product management, brand management, category management.
Excellent project management skills: demonstrated ability to set priorities, meet timetables, manage budgets and complete projects meeting/exceeding results.
Results focused with strong attention to detail.
Demonstrated solid understanding of business acumen including finance, supply chain, distribution, customer service, legal, and consumer service.
Strong team player with the ability to lead a cross-functional team and gain alignment.
Demonstrated capability to develop and deliver persuasive, informative presentations to management, customers and sales personnel.
Ability to build effective working relationships with suppliers and internal and external business partners.
Proficient in Microsoft Office products including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Ability to work flexible hours as needed.
Travel as needed to attend meetings, trade shows, and functions.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
Include a statement on commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Backyard Discovery is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. Backyard Discovery is an equal opportunity employer and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion, and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical toour success.