The Associate Product Manager is responsible for assisting Product Manager in developing and executing product-oriented plans that fit the company's selling tactics, distribution channels, strategy, and financial goals, Directly responsible for managing tactical execution details on assigned product categories or product introductions.  This position ensures timely execution of product specific plans and effectively communicates critical information. This position will supply market, product, financial and end user data analysis to drive business decisions. As needed, this position will be responsible for financial objectives on small product category in addition to assisting Product Manager/Director on large, strategic product categories.

Key Responsibilities

1. Assist Product Managers and Director on short and long term product plans.

2. Execute plans for assigned product categories or projects to include special promotions, new products, forecasts and other relevant activities. Responsible for achieving financial plans for each product/project.

3. Provide data analysis on the competitive environment, current product offering, customer needs, sales trends along with specific, and targeted recommendations. Assists Product Manager or Director to seek out, evaluates, and prioritizes opportunities for product improvements, product line additions, new markets, improved merchandising, promotions, and other growth prospects.

4, Support assigned products/projects by overseeing and executing plans, including product launches, product modifications, and promotions.

5. Display leadership qualities when working with cross-functional teams. Drives effective communication and collaboration within the organization. Fosters good working relationships among team members and other functional contacts.

6. Stay in touch with the market through interaction with sales people, distributors, and end users through a variety of venues. Collects and maintains market information. Conducts market research as necessary. Spends 15% of time in the field and documents this time and how and where it is spent learning about customer needs.

7. Understand basic tactical product knowledge on product functionality, pricing, packaging, merchandising, use, and applications. Provides product-related assistance to other areas of the company as needed.

8. Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in business, marketing, or related technical field and two (2) years of relevant business experience. MBA preferred.
• Ability to project manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Ability to understand and perform basic mathematics and financial calculations.
• Experience in consumer goods (durable preferred) distribution through Retail or Commercial channels is desired, but not required.
• Must have strong communications skills, verbal and written. This includes basic PC/Internet skills such as E-mail, Word, PowerPoint and Excel.