Product Manager - Consumer Arts and Crafts

THE COMPANY: Our client is a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and marketing of consumer packaged products. Long known for innovative design, quality products, effective marketing strategies and state-of-the-art supply chain systems, this organization will assist you in the development and growth of your professional skills and responsibilities to help you further your career within the world of consumer products.  Over the years, our firm has placed several marketing professionals, who have gone on to have spectacular careers with this organization


This position reports to the Director of New Business Development and has no direct reports.  As Product Manager, you will identify, design and develop new products for our clients arts and crafts product lines.


RESPONSIBILITES:


· Identify trends and product opportunities in the craft industry to develop new categories, products and lines extensions for strategic channels


· Direct marketing, creative and product development


· Manage the product development process from concept through introduction, introducing product on time and within budget


· Conduct ongoing market research through store visits, trade Publications, consumer interaction, trade shows, and web site monitoring


· Expand artist and vendor base (both domestic and international) to provide quality product design


· Establish creative tone for new packaging within specific channels of distribution. 


· Develop timeline and product availability schedule


· Manage budget on product development


· Review and maintain Pricing and Product Margin information


· Review monthly sales results and maintain data for analysis


· Develop support materials for sales


· Work closely with retailers to develop strategy for specific customer needs


· Develop plan-o-grams and/or updates


· Inspect new product deliveries


 


REQUIREMENTS:


· A Bachelor’s degree in a related field


· Minimum of 5 years experience in product development/management and marketing in a creative, consumer product environment 


· Experience in arts and crafts category preferred


· Experience selling product lines into key accounts


· Consumer package expertise


· MS Office proficiency