PRODUCT CATEGORY MANAGER

Job Description

Company Summary:

Blue Wave Products is a leading manufacturer/importer of home and leisure products. Our diverse customer base includes some of the most prominent retailers in the US and Canada, including Amazon, Walmart.com, Wayfair, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Overstock, and many others. The Company supports over 2,500 SKUs across our four main product categories which include: Pool & Leisure (Above Ground Pools, Pool Liners, Winter and Safety Covers, Cleaners, Pumps and Filters, Floats and Toys and Accessories) Indoor and Outdoor Games (Billiards, Air Hockey, Shuffleboards, Darts, etc.), Infrared Sauna’s (1-4 Person Hemlock and Cedar Wood Saunas) and Patio Furniture (Umbrellas, Hammocks, Patio Sets, Lounge Chairs, etc.) Based in Batavia, IL, the Company operates from a 275,000 sq ft state-of-the-art warehouse and office facility.

Primary Function:

The Product Category leader is market-driven and customer-oriented, responsible for the development and implementation of the assigned product category and line strategies. The Product Category leader identifies opportunities within the product category through extensive market research and competitor analysis; gathering and prioritizing product and customer requirements & defining the product vision. The Product Category leader drives the product planning, new product development, sourcing, and pricing throughout the product lifecycle, working closely with purchasing, marketing, sales, and the suppliers to ensure customer satisfaction is achieved.

Responsibilities:

Strategize and Drive Attainment of Category Line Objectives - Product Planning and Management

Define long term strategy of the product and create product roadmap

Identify short-term requirements to achieve current and next year’s objectives

Determine product specifications

Determine product packaging solutions and improvements

Source and negotiate with factories and suppliers

Drive and lead new product development

Manage and communicate with cross functional teams

Quality control in tracking product issues and working with the suppliers in creating resolutions

Utilize customer service quality issues recap report to pinpoint and reduce returns

Review customer product star ratings to refine existing products and use as a guide in ongoing development

Support sales and marketing with the necessary product knowledge and technical expertise

Conduct product “key features” presentations to internal teams

Other miscellaneous duties as requested by executive leadership

Research and Analysis

Research and analyze market conditions

Identify key competitor and consumer trends

Communicate market requirements and opportunities

Identify opportunities for product innovation and product enhancements

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent; master’s degree a plus

Experience in product merchandising and/or new product development

Understanding of global supply chain best practices

Proven ability to develop and execute a product category business plan

2 to 5 years’ experience in product management or merchandising including new product development

Knowledge of contract manufacturing, product specifications, trade regulations, product testing, production cycle time, seasonal calendar management, product design and quality control

Experienced in product lifecycles and seasonal trend management

Ability to drive cross-functional projects to ensure successful on-time delivery and within budget

Ability to develop project plans, select resources, identify potential risks, and develop contingency plans

Understands product design and is passionate about creating new innovative products and merchandising process for new products

Possess strong communication and negotiating skills

Proven results in obtaining cost reductions with suppliers

Knowledge of business and management principles and practices

Project management skills

Proficient in relevant software applications

Required Travel:

Limited travel required

Location:

Based in Batavia, IL, hybrid position - 1 day remote

Benefits:

Medical / Dental / Vision

Company-paid Life Insurance

Discretionary bonus

Profit Sharing 401K

3 Weeks Paid Vacation (Accrual)

10 Paid Holidays