Manufacturing Product Manager Airbeds (Furniture in future)

 We are a leading Outdoor retailer looking for a talented Manufacturing Product Manager and Designer in the Airbed Category, who ideally could also focus potentially on the furniture category. 

This position is responsible for the skillful execution of the product management process for the air mattress category.  Role will require strategic category planning, research, analytics, development, and execution involved in leading these categories to profitable growth.   Ideal candidate may potentially own Furniture Category as well in the future.  

MARKET & PRODUCT RESEARCH 

• Explores new trends and consumer needs that lead to relevant new product opportunities   
• Conducts thorough market research to identify and validate opportunities
• Regular evaluation of product sell-in, sell-through, inventory and margin health for proactive lifecycle management
• Management of category product lines, upgrading the design and development of current and/or new concepts, generating and developing new categories and product concepts for review and consideration. 
• Must be proactive in leading product development.
• Responsible for generating and developing new category and product concepts for review and consideration. 

CATEGORY PLANNING

• Leads an on-going 3-year category roadmap with annual brand/customer specific product plans
• Presents annual business plans to management, tracks and reports progress regularly
• Close collaboration with Sales team to ensure plans align with customer objectives and opportunities
• Develops product and design briefs for new product launches
• Close collaboration with Asia offices in the strategic planning of vendor platforms including development and operational execution

DEVELOPMENT

• Leads cross-functional project teams in development of new products:
  1. Collaborates with internal design and external resources for development of innovative product solutions
  2. Partners with Asia offices in the development of new products, materials, manufacturing methods and packaging
  3. Regular communication with manufacturing teams to validate new product manufacturing and cost assumptions
  4. Manages product cost to ensure marketable features and margin structures are met
  5. Develops and maintain detailed product specifications to ensure accurate manufacturing.
  6. Manages development calendar to ensure key milestones are met in full and on time
• Understands category specific compliances and partners with the Compliance Manager, the Design team and the Asia Offices to ensure that all products meet all relevant regulatory standards.

SELL-IN AND COMMERCIALIZATION

• Develops initial brief for marketing to develop messaging and necessary collateral to effectively communicate new products to management, sales and internal support teams
• Communicates confirmed new products and timeline requirements with Asia team
• Ensures a strong working knowledge of commercialization status for problem-shooting scenarios and team updates
• Collaborates with Compliance teams in meeting all product labeling, testing and quality standards
• Close, cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Operations and Asia teams through pre-production and production phases to ensure quality product and on-time launch

MARKETING

Works with Creative, Communications and Distribution teams to build consumer information in your category, and communicates the value of our products by:

• Assists in developing communication strategies for target markets
• Supports the development of collateral materials such as catalogs, consumer literature, website/social channel content, and point of sale material including merchandise packaging
• Participates in trade and consumer shows.  

• Minimum of three years of product management or product development experience.
• Minimum of one year experience mass product development 
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Analytical mindset to deploy in identifying trends using quantitative analysis and product performance
• Domestic and overseas travel may be required.

• Strategic, Innovative, “Out of the box” thinker with a progressive and open-minded outlook 
• Excellent interpersonal and management skills to deal with customers, outside vendors and suppliers.  Strong relationship builder
• Highly organized with a proven ability to handle multiple tasks and projects effectively
• Excellent presentation, verbal, written and communications skills; the ability to overcome the complexities of a diverse language environment
• Ability to work with teams in overseas liaison offices and an ability to negotiate with suppliers  
• Enthusiasm, drive, and a positive attitude to achieve personal and team goals.
• Must have excellent analytical, communication and leadership skills.
• B.A. or equivalent required

• Proficient computer skills (preferably in Microsoft Office environment) (Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop and Indesign) are a plus

• Knowledge of the consumer goods industry, international sourcing, and commercialization process
• Self-Motivated to achieve personal and team goals

A collaborative, work environment located in Pasadena California, where team members share a common desk area. 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

This job description is an overview of the scope of responsibilities for this job and is not intended to be an inclusive list of job tasks and expectations. With the evolution of Exxel Outdoors, LLC, the responsibilities of this position may change. The job must be prepared to accept new responsibilities and transfer others. 

Exxel Outdoors offers 3 Medical Plans, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, programs for additional life insurance for self, spouse and family, critical illness, short-term disability, and pet Insurance. Additionally, we offer an open work environment with a workout facility for employee use, telephone booths for privacy, and an expansive employee breakroom with an awesome view of the Flatirons. All employees receive 60% off MRSP on all our company websites, in addition to discount programs from many outdoor industry companies through Pro-Deals. Each year every employee receives a $200 allowance to buy any company product, plus you still can get the discount on any items purchased. In our corporate office, employees can bring dogs to work 2 days a week, and after 90 days have option for one work from home day, or 9 9-hour days dependent on role in the organization. Exxel offers a minimum of 80.0 hours vacation, and 7 days sick to all Full-time employees, prorated for Part-time employees, and when during the year an employee begins with the company. Exxel invests in their employees by offering this benefit selection to all employees in our Colorado market!

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Salary for the Product Manager Air Beds Position is $80k-$90k annually based on education and prior experience.