Shakespeare - Associate Manager, Product Development - Columbia at Shakespeare LLC in Columbia, South Carolina

Job Description:

 Associate Product Development Manager - Columbia, SC

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Business Director, Marine & Military Antennas, the Marine Associate Product Development Manager will manage a portfolio of products in the marine electronics category under the Shakespeare brand. They will focus on the full product life cycle for both new and existing items, with a focus on developing new products and introducing them to the market.  This position requires strong project management skills and the ability to effectively work with others across the organization including sales, marketing, engineering, operations, supply chain, customer service, logistics and other business units. Ideal candidates should be self-motivated and organized individuals with a strong work ethic, good financial acumen, and experience with managing the complete life cycle of products and conducting market research.

Primary Functions:

• Define the product strategy for existing and new products & develop a new product roadmap

• Research and understand consumer and customer needs and build business cases to develop innovative products that are cost effective and meet the needs of our consumers.

• Lead the stage-gate process from concept to commercialization of all new products


• Manage the integration of new product development activities into the workflow of R&D, supply chain, marketing, compliance and other cross functional teams through regularly scheduled meetings.


• Work with cross functional teams to create detailed product requirements and briefs.


• Work in tandem with the marketing and sales team to develop packaging, POP displays, trade show materials, customer programs, web content across various marketing/customer channels.


• Conduct technical product training with internal sales and customer support staff.


• Engage with supply chain and sales to forecast both new and existing products on a regular basis.


• Consistently monitor the quality of the product portfolio and suggest changes when needed.


• Monitor consumer reviews of the product portfolio and work with the customer support team to understand common technical issues while working with the product design and operations teams to resolve the issues.


• Attending and participating in sales meetings, training programs, conventions, and trade shows as directed


• Monitor, analyze and issue reports on competitive activity and provide go-forward recommendations.


• Monitor, analyze and issue reports on marketplace retail pricing and provide go-forward recommendations.


• Requires regular attendance to perform essential element as contained herein between the assigned start and end times for work.


• Performing such individual assignments as management may direct.


• Establishing and maintaining effective work relationships within the department, the corporation, and the community; and maintaining the professional competence, knowledge and skills necessary for the satisfactory performance of all assigned responsibilities


• Posing no direct threat to the health or safety of himself/herself, of others, or to property. Defined as a significant risk of substantial harm that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by reasonable accommodation.


• Positive ambassador for our company’s purpose, vision, and mission


• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Education

• BS/BA in Business, Marketing, Engineering or related subject or equivalent experience required
  
   

Experience/Knowledge

• Minimum of 3-5 years of product management experience with a consumer goods company


• Ability to work effectively across functions and lead cross functional teams.


• Demonstrated problem solving, research, analytical, and decision-making skills.


• Ability to understand and build business cases, financial plans, and pricing models.


• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, and attention to detail


• Must have demonstrated knowledge of product management, sales process, trade, category management, and supplier management as well as proven ability to apply them effectively in planning and execution.


• Proven track record of consistent results


• Marine experience preferred.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

 

TECHNICAL ROLE COMPETENCIES:

• Must show aptitude to effectively interpret and use multiple information sources to develop consumer focused product pipeline.


• Well-developed organizational, communication and time management skills


• Ability to function in a team environment.


• Must be self-motivated.


• Must have strong negotiation skills.


• Excellent communication (verbal & written), presentation, and time management skills required.

 

Preferred Experience/Qualifications:

• A general understanding of Radio Frequency and Electrical current


• Consumer Products Experience (Marine Electronics preferred)


• Experience with West Marine/Marine Distributors/OEM 


• Experience collaborating directly with suppliers (both domestic and overseas)


• Successful history of developing and launching new products.


• Experience working in a corporate environment.

• Private label and national brand experience

 

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Sitting at workstation approximately 85% of work time.  Standing and walking approximately 15% of work time.


• Must be able to travel up to 20% of work time.


• Ability to work flexible hours or occasionally on weekends with short notice depending on customer deliverables.


• Typical office environment with shelves overhead and above work surfaces

 

The above statements describe the general nature and level of responsibilities for this position and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position. Company management may assign other relevant, business-related duties. 

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