Shakespeare - Associate Manager, Product Development - Columbia

Shakespeare Co - Columbia, SC

Full-time - Mid Level

Columbia, SC

Food Services and Drinking Places

About the position

The Marine Associate Product Development Manager will oversee a portfolio of products within the marine electronics category under the Shakespeare brand. This role is pivotal in managing the full product life cycle, focusing on both the development of new products and the enhancement of existing ones. The successful candidate will report directly to the Business Director of Marine & Military Antennas and will be responsible for defining product strategies, conducting market research, and leading the stage-gate process from concept to commercialization. This position requires a strong project management skill set and the ability to collaborate effectively with various departments including sales, marketing, engineering, operations, supply chain, customer service, and logistics. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, organized, and possess a strong work ethic along with good financial acumen. They will be expected to research and understand consumer needs, build business cases for innovative products, and ensure that these products are cost-effective and meet market demands. The role also involves managing the integration of new product development activities into the workflows of cross-functional teams, creating detailed product requirements, and working closely with marketing and sales teams to develop promotional materials and customer programs. Additionally, the Marine Associate Product Development Manager will conduct technical training for internal sales and customer support staff, engage with supply chain and sales teams to forecast product performance, and monitor the quality of the product portfolio. They will analyze consumer reviews and work with design and operations teams to resolve any technical issues. Participation in sales meetings, training programs, conventions, and trade shows is also a key aspect of this role. The candidate will be expected to maintain effective work relationships within the department and the broader organization, ensuring they uphold the company's purpose, vision, and mission.

Responsibilities

• Define the product strategy for existing and new products and 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 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.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to develop packaging, POP displays, trade show materials, and customer programs 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.
• 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 collaborating with product design and operations teams to resolve these issues.
• Attend and participate 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.

Requirements

• BS/BA in Business, Marketing, Engineering or related subject or equivalent experience required.
• 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 communication skills, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated knowledge of product management, sales process, trade, category management, and supplier management.
• Proven track record of consistent results in product management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice-to-haves

• 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.