Product Assistant

Responsible for assisting in the development of new candle products and accessories for defined target market. Focus based on marketing direction, customer direction and corporate goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Develop a comprehensive knowledge of the product development process, including a topside understanding of the science involved, for all candle forms.

· Stay abreast of new candle, candle accessory, packaging and related home fragrance product trends. Understand their connection with lifestyle, home décor, design and color trends.

· Conduct ongoing market shopping trips and review trade/trend publications to keep updated on product trends. Be an expert on candles, candle accessories and related home fragrance products available in the marketplace.

PROJECT CONTROL & COMMUNICATION

· Learn to understand and participate in the strategic direction for each collection. Develop the skills necessary to provide all product rationale and background documentation.

· Initiate solutions to problems as needed. Understand when to elevate issues and when to work independently.

· Develop strong strategic alliances internally and externally. When dealing with all levels, always communicate an upbeat, constructive and progressive message.

· Create weekly project recaps and keep supervisor informed. Learn to properly set priorities.

· Develop proficient use of internal information systems to gather information related to costing, inventory and bill of materials.

· Assist in accurately entering PCO’s (new product initiation system used to validate product and obtain costing) in a timely fashion and ensure they are properly prioritized for processing.

· Create, update, and maintain raw pages and spec sheets; take ownership in requesting raw number assignments, new item confirmations, and UPC’s.

· Communicate with plant for accuracy in UPC, raw material part numbers and item number assignment.

· Follows up if details change to ensure every PCO remains accurate and up-to-date. Institute any changes that are requested during the development phase or for subsequent reorders.

· Follow up on any product quality, safety and damage issues relating to product or product packaging design.

· Conduct a hindsight meeting with Senior Product Manager at the completion of each project to learn how to capitalize on what went well and how to improve on what went wrong.

INNOVATION

· Work with manufacturing, product development lab and engineering to assist in the development of new candle products. Work closely with vendors and manufacturers from initial design specification through prototype and final approved sample.

· Identify opportunities for product or process improvement and strategize with Senior Product Manager to implement.

DEVELOPMENT OF PRODUCT, PACKAGING AND GRAPHICS

· Initiate and track development of product, packaging and artwork.

· Proof artwork for labels, UPC’s, packaging and collateral materials - route through plant and provide samples, as needed, for approval.

· Provide needed product and photo samples requested for sales presentations and catalogs.

· As needed, act as a liaison with outside packing and raw material vendors.

FRAGRANCE EXPERTISE

· Attend presentations and work with in-house fragrance expert to learn about the fragrance industry and the fragrance selection process.

IMPORT DIRECTION (if within scope of form assignment)

· Work with Product Manager and Import Manager to assist in the procurement of candle accessories and non-Candle-lite manufactured product.

· Attend weekly project update meetings and ensure Import team adheres to timelines (i.e. sample procurement, timely inventory delivery to Leesburg).

· Ensure imports comply with product testing.

SAMPLE COORDINATION AND MANAGEMENT

• Submit raw material sample orders through Leesburg and outside vendors
• Unpack, label, and organize all samples
• Ensure sample room is tidy and organized at all times
• Perform monthly inventory and organization of sample rooms, including archiving dated samples and dispensing of samples no longer needed
• Photograph samples and upload to shared folders
  

INTER-DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION

· Demonstrates a positive, can-do attitude. Solve challenges within the framework of an optimistic and constructive atmosphere.

· Depending on assignment, attend various meetings in Leesburg (color approval, product development implementation, safety, quality).

· Complete and track lab requests.

· Learn to present new lines at line review meetings for the PD and Marketing Departments. Provide all product rationale and background documentation.

· Perform ad-hoc requests as assigned.

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing or Merchandising preferred -or-Minimum of 1-2 years work experience in a similar industry or field

· Excellent time management, multi-tasking and organizational skills

· Professional level written and verbal skills using Word, Excel and PowerPoint is a must

· Ability to prioritize and anticipate needs

· Strong attention to detail, accuracy and follow-through

· Experience working on cross-functional teams

· Positive, can-do attitude

· Ability to travel

· Ability to work in a fast paced, deadline driven environment

Physical Demands

Vision and hearing correctable to within normal ranges

Able to hear average or normal conversations and receive ordinary information

Average, ordinary visual acuity necessary to prepare or inspect documents

Must be able to speak and write clearly and distinctly

Must be able to bend, stoop and lift approx. 10-20 lbs. throughout the day

Must be able to use required mechanical equipment

Finger Dexterity

Using primarily just the fingers to make sure small movements such as typing & cutting.

Repetitive Motions

Movements frequently and regularly required using the wrists, hands and / or fingers

Able to distinguish between subtle color & fragrance differences.

Work Environment

Must be able to work around fragrances, oils, potpourri, candles, related products, etc. on a daily basis

Availability and ability to travel occasionally unassisted.