The Cookware Company is a fast-growing, international company striving to establish global leadership in housewares and consumer goods. Known as the house of innovation, we were the first to introduce ceramic nonstick cookware to the market in 2007. Our many award-winning brands include GreenPan, GreenLife, Blue Diamond, Merten & Storck, and BK, and can be found in over 100 different countries around the world. The Cookware Company offers a truly international work environment with headquarters in Belgium, major offices located in New York, and subsidiaries in the Netherlands, Germany, Hong Kong, and Jiangmen.
The Cookware Company is seeking a Product Manager, Small Appliances to join the dynamic Small Kitchen Appliances team!
OVERVIEW
This position will be responsible for new product development in the Small Kitchen Appliance area.
The Product Manager is expected to: analyze market trends, identify new opportunities, develop product specifications, costing, and features. Once the product is defined, the Product Manager will communicate applicable information with internal and external partners (Marketing, Sales, Factory, Sourcing, Supply Chain. etc). He/she is responsible for the development of “approved” products, including working with other team members to coordinate related graphics / marketing materials, and trouble-shooting of related issues. This role reports to the Director, Small Appliances.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Development of new products in new or existing ranges, including OEM (ground up development) and product modifications.
- Evaluate competitive landscape and prepare market overview of existing items and market gaps “white space” that CWC can take advantage of – using store assortments, online reviews and other available resources.
- Create product specifications including materials, features and benefits vs competition, price targets, operating specifications in keeping with Brand and Company objectives.
- Coordinate project needs with sourcing and technical team in Asia.
- Review/implement all elements of the product schedule throughout the process (e.g. prototype and sample review, product testing, fit and finish).
- Submit and follow-upon “approved” costing requests for new product configurations in alignment with Sales/Marketing targets / directives.
- Request all related materials from factory/ sourcing for new development initiatives and distribute to appropriate team members.
- Track all open projects and update department head on statuses and / or existing issues.
- Update product creation and / or specification on a timely& accurate basis. Work with cross- functional teams as needed.
- Coordinate Design, Development, QC & Testing matters with suppliers and CWC Asia.
- Analyze applicable product ranges with the goal of identifying areas for improvement (i.e. costing challenges, obsolete products, deficiencies in current offering, potential additions based on market trends, etc.).
- Coordinate with Sales & Marketing to ensure that all development milestones / agendas are met in relation to internal and external timelines (i.e. Sales is prepared for customer meetings / line reviews with all appropriate costing, renderings, samples, etc.)
- Communicate accurate packaging/ supporting material deadlines to Marketing and follow-up to ensure all resources are provided in adherence with timelines.
QUALIFICATIONS
- B.S. or B.A. degree, MBA preferred.
- Minimum 4-6 years work experience - product development of small kitchen appliances or similar product is preferred.
- Strong ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing – to ensure clear and concise direction and feedback with US and Global teams.
- Self-motivated, team player, ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks, organized.
- Mature, able to work independently, passionate about excellence
- Willing to work in multiple time zones as needed (China, Europe, US)
LOCATION
- Combination of remote and Irvington/NYC.
- Must be available as needed for meetings, sample reviews, product testing, etc.