Associate Product Manager

Posted by Vista Outdoor on 05/16/2022

Job Basics

Industry Sector: Outdoor

Job Categories: Management - Product -Brand

Company Type: Recreation

State: CA

City: Scotts Valley

Country: United States

Required Experience: 1 - 3 years

Job Type: Full Time

Salary:

Required to Relocate: Yes

Required to Travel:

Employee May Telecommute: No

Job Seeker Must Live Within:

Job Description & Requirements

The Associate Product Manager will support implementing strategic direction of the assigned category and monitoring trends that indicate the need for new products. This role will support product lifecycle management for all existing and new SMU product initiatives line management. The Associate Product Manager facilitates cross-functional relationships and decisions along the product lifecycle for all existing and new SMU product initiatives.  The ideal candidate must possess analytical capability, strong, persuasive communication skills (written & verbal) and ability to develop ideas independently and thrive in a fast-paced environment. Supports a deep understanding of consumer needs, the competitive landscape and be able to translate consumer needs into features, pricing models, and retail merchandising opportunities to deliver an on-time and unparalleled customer experience.

Essential Job Functions:

• Be a part of the central hub for the product category and assist in coordinating category activities between R&D/product development, manufacturing, sales, marketing, planning, finance and other functional departments of the company
• Prepare and present materials and samples at multiple product development and sales meetings throughout the year
• Arrange annual sample sets, catalogs and relevant collateral materials for sales reps and customer service representatives
• Assist with outside vendor communications and solve issues that may impact delivery
• Help resolve conflicts between outside vendors and inside manufacturing/assembly as needed
• Monitor deliveries along with the planning department
• Together with quality and engineering, establish and maintain product specifications and quality standards
• Work with the Brand Marketing Manager for market product launch
• Together with product managers and operations, assist in gathering information necessary to set up and maintain part numbers in the ERP system
• Responsible for completing and submitting licensor reports and special requests (i.e., forecast and placement reports, year-end business plans, etc.). Work closely with sales to complete forecast reports upon request. Will also be responsible for completing other licensor requests (i.e., ship samples for marketing events, take and submit quality product shots for a project/presentation, etc).
• Coordinate and track all product development and approvals from concept to production stage for all our brands (Disney, Marvel, Nickelodeon, etc.). 
• Will work closely with our production and design teams ensuring all designs and samples abide by licensor guidelines and standards (i.e., ensuring the correct packaging is attached; ensuring products for new releases abide by the on shelf and embargo dates, ensure licensor PO are being cut for carryover styles, etc.).
• Update our internal system with all licensor feedback on submissions. Run a pending report on a re-occurring basis (weekly or monthly) to ensure our system is up to date.
• Schedule and prepare for meetings with brand partners (i.e., re-occurring touch-base calls, trade shows like Toy Fair and Licensing show)
• Manage and maintain internal documents (i.e., release calendar, licensor contact sheet, royalty chart, etc.).
• Assist with completing proposals/deal memos
• Manage all aspects of licensed product approval process, including concept, artwork/design, packaging, marketing materials and promotional plans
• Maintain internal database of category license agreements including associated territories, categories, sales and royalty rates, terms, and annual marketing commitments
• Assist with P&L and budget projections, including input on quarterly and YOY sales and royalty analysis, licensed product performance and category forecasting
• Work with Finance to help procure timely payments from licensees, including advances, royalties and minimum guarantees, and to process royalty payments and ensure compliance with license agreements

Education and Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management or related field experience
• 1-3 years’ experience
• Experience working in sporting goods with product lines sourced both domestically and off-shore (particularly in Asia) is highly desirable 
• Excellent proficiency in MS Office application primarily Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Illustrator and Photoshop
• SAP experience preferred
• Extensive knowledge and strong interest in the category
• Exposed to the following business functions:
  • Demand creation
  • Data and market analytics
  • Supply chain planning
  • Financial modeling
  • Product development
• Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, negotiate to successful outcomes and have fun doing it
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and sales analytics software
• Ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously
• Oodles of common sense and a sense of humor
• Comfortable with “white space”, be a creator

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent oral, written, presentation and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong teamwork skills with the ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships
• Solid business and technical acumen
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Ability to rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals
• Strong multi-tasking and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple, complex projects and work independently within deadlines
• Strong analytical, math and problem solving skills
• Careful attention to detail and accuracy
• Self-confident, self-motivated, results-oriented and success driven
• Ability to work long/non-standard hours when necessary
• Ability to travel, including two to three (1-2) multi-week trips to Asia annually

We offer a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including: medical and dental, vision, disability and life insurance, 401K, PTO, tuition reimbursement, gear discounts and the ability to add value to an exciting mission!

Our Postings are not intended for distribution to or use in any jurisdiction, country or territory where such distribution or use would violate local law or would subject us to any regulations in another jurisdiction, country or territory. We reserve the right to limit our Postings in any jurisdiction, country or territory.

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Protected Veteran/Disabled

At this time, Vista Outdoor is closely monitoring the developments on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) COVID-19 workplace rule regarding COVID-19 vaccination or testing. You will not be asked any questions regarding these items during application.

About Vista Outdoor

Vista Outdoor Inc. is a leading global designer, manufacturer and marketer of outdoor recreation and shooting sports products. We are headquartered in Anoka, Minnesota and employ approximately 5,900 skilled workers worldwide. We have multiple manufacturing and distribution facilities across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico along with international customer service, sales and sourcing operations in Asia, Canada and Europe.

We operate through two reportable segments: Shooting Sports and Outdoor Products. Together, our segments serve the outdoor sports and recreation markets through a diverse portfolio of well-recognized brands that provide consumers with a wide range of performance-driven, high-quality and innovative products.