Product Manager

Job Description

ROLE:

The Product Manager is primary responsible for managing the life cycle of the products in their assigned material substrate(s)- Paper and others as assigned. Other responsibilities include: manage the product line optimization, including SKU addition/rationalization/simplification; identify new opportunities by recognizing market and consumer trends and formulating long-term product ideas to ensure growth and profitability; analyze and track market and competitive information of the select product lines, including key competitors, sustainable competitive advantages and core product family offerings; drive product launches; working with sales to identify top targets; create new item codes and rationalize old/obsolete item codes; support Marketing in the creation of sales material and content; and additional product related duties as assigned. Responsibilities are to be completed with consideration of cost and budget requirements, efficiency, timeliness, and production of a quality product. This is a highly collaborative position requiring strong organizational, follow-up, project management, communication skills, and manager skills. The ability to cultivate relationships with corporate departments, product designers, sales, and customers is essential in the achievement of objectives.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

• Lead in the development of new products within the assigned material substrate(s).
• Subject Matter Expert on Product Families in assigned material substrate(s).
• Support the Container Decoration and Branding Process.
• Support other product lines as necessary.
• Working with Sales on defining the needs of an existing customer or potential new customers.
• Understand the market needs for assigned material substrate(s).
• Analyze competitive landscape to understand gaps in product offerings.
• Minimal Travel will be required.
• Demonstrates ability to work without supervision.
• Manage Product Life Cycle.
• Other duties, as necessary.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

Interpersonal/Communication:

• Results orientated with high level of personal initiative, energy, and ownership for product families or brands.
• Highly organized with the ability to prioritize work in an efficient and effective manner.
• Ability to participate and/or foster interdepartmental communication and teamwork.
• Ability to prioritize multi-task duties.
• Effective written and verbal communication and the ability to disseminate information in a timely and diplomatic manner.
• Ability to work under pressure and utilize critical thinking skills to meet scheduled deadlines and respond to emergency situations without loss of efficiency or composure.
• Communicate regularly and proactively with all levels of employees regarding problems or issues related to products.
• Ability to establish and build relationships with internal/external customers.
• Ability to work with multiple teams to accomplish company goals.
• Demonstrated ability to work without supervision.

Technical Knowledge:

• Ability to research and understand market trends, competitive analysis, and potential laws affecting assigned material substrate(s).
• Demonstrated understanding of assigned material substrate(s) applications and limitations.
• Computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office Suite
• Computer skills and experience with Smartsheet or similar Project Management Software, Oracle, and QlikView highly preferred.

Efficiency:

• Demonstrate ability to understand the Foodservice Packaging Industry, brand new products effectively, help support sales and marketing to differentiate from its competition.
• Ability to meet or exceed performance standards and continuously improve upon them.

Safety:

• Demonstrated ability to comply with all Company policies and procedures and to uphold, support and exemplify the safety programs and standards.
• Follow all local requirements when visiting other locations.
• Exemplify and promote safe working practices as an essential job requirement.
• Ensure housekeeping in the immediate and surrounding work area is maintained or improved to the highest level possible.
• Demonstrate ability to understand and actively participate in all company safety programs, policies, and procedures.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• College Degree Preferred but not required.
• Minimum of 3 years of Foodservice Packaging Industry experience.

Paper Packaging experience highly desired.

• Experience in product development and product launches.
• Strong marketing and development skills preferred.
• Previous project management experience.
• Strong interpersonal and oral/written communication skills.
• Knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Advanced Project Management software experience preferred.