Product Development Manager

Job Description:

The Product Development Manager is responsible for leading the product development strategy and execution of all products, from design through handoff to the supply chain/production team. The Associate will lead the product development and commercialization process working in close collaboration with all of the internal and external cross functional partners from Design to Merchandising, Planning, Packaging, Quality, Sourcing, and supply chain/production teams as well as suppliers to deliver product on time and efficiently. This role is accountable for delivering the product, consistent with Merchandising and Brand aesthetic vision, on time and with a strong focus on meeting the business requirements for margin, quality and timelines. This position will also utilize product and process knowledge to execute the development and on-time commercialization of assigned styles. The position will also champion the company's Five Principles & practices by maintaining effective collaborative relationships and supports brand integrity and consistency.

What are we looking for?

Minimum Requirements

• Required: Bachelor's degree
• 6+ years product development experience or related field of work
• Strong Product development skills and understanding of product manufacturing
• Strong decision making skills supported with facts and analysis
• Advanced computer skills required, including Microsoft Office
• Experience working in a high paced retail environment highly recommended
• Proven self-starter with a record of staying on track and pursuing solutions without supervision
• Up to 25% travel

What will be your key responsibilities?

Project Management

• Co-Creation of product development strategy and long-term goal setting for PD organization
• Creation and implementation of product development tools and processes to promote efficiency and profitability
• Leads the product creation process from initial concept to commercialization and production
• Manages the creation of time and action calendar to ensure key milestones as well as critical stakeholder inputs are met and delivered in a timely manner
• Leads the development process to ensure on time delivery and development according to critical dates, product specification, sustainability, performance, and profitability goals
• Lead communication with Global G&G and Brand guidelines to ensure projects are completed within guidelines
• Lead development input on overall costing strategy with Merchants, Commercial and Planning teams to achieve margin targets aligned to the corporate financial objectives
• Lead cost and minimum order quantity (MOQ) negotiations with vendors to ensure we are achieving margin goals and targets for individual items and overall category
• Lead concept and up-front development with merchants, R&D, and vendors, bringing the latest innovations to the forefront of the development process
• Partners closely with merchandising/brand/planning teams, as well as external vendors regarding all relevant changes from design hand-off through product finalization
• Identifies and addresses key issues and challenges in construction/manufacturing and plans accordingly to deliver proven and tested product
• Communicate with outside vendors/internal partners to ensure that materials are developed, approved and purchased within calendar and budget requirements, ensuring that the product meets the high quality standards of the brand
• Oversees the management and maintenance of the Brand Manager system throughout the product development process, including key stakeholder inputs

Product Management

• Manages the creations and maintenance of appropriate documentation for assigned products; ensures all appropriate development documentation is completed, including product specs, costing and prototype notes
• Responsible for the management of reference samples, sampling, prototyping and top of production samples for all products in and out of the Merchandising Lab
• Accountable for ensuring appropriate samples are received for critical milestones, inclusive of samples needs for digital photography to support mms.com launch
• Responsible for researching and understanding manufacturing capabilities to be able to anticipate problems, facilitate problem-solving and attain resolution in a timely manner
• Oversees the set up and maintain tech packs/BOM's in system at the beginning of each season and make all necessary updates throughout the design and development process, including all comments, approvals, product specs, and packaging information that apply
• Lead the design, product review sessions/approval process, as well as sending comments & maintaining documentation of development of each item
• Keeps abreast of market trends, team goals, new technology and consumer needs throughout the development process.
• Partake in consumer and marketplace trade shows to stay informed and up to date on latest and greatest trends, techniques, and technologies

Cross Functional Partnership

• Lead and motivate the cross functional teams and vendors/factories to hit key deliverables each season, including all product development deadlines
• Lead partnership with vendors and key stakeholders to promote more efficient and profitable ways of working within the product development process
• Lead collaboration with cross functional teams and vendors to hit key deliverables, including all product development milestones
• Collaborate closely with key stakeholders across the business to achieve a successful product launch

People Leadership

• Coach, engage and inspire the Product Development Associate towards becoming a more capable, confident, and fulfilled member of the One M&M'S team
• Responsible for ensuring strong connections and consensus between the leadership team and other internal and external business partners

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles
• Join a purpose driven company, where we're striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus

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Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.