What are the responsibilities and job description for the Product Development - Sourcing Manager position at Century Martial Arts?
About Company:
Why Work for Century?
Join Century Martial Arts, a trusted leader in the martial arts industry since 1976! As a team member, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k matching, product discounts, paid holidays, and free onsite martial arts classes. We also offer an onsite workout facility, company-paid life insurance, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and short-term and long-term disability. Be part of a company that values your growth, health, and well-being—apply today!
Owned and Operated by Martial Artists
One reason Century is so passionate about what we do is that many of our employees are martial artists. Our founder, Mike Dillard, won two Karate National Championships as a competitor. Some Century employees own or instruct at martial arts schools or spend their after-work hours and weekends competing and training.
Title: Product Development/Sourcing Manager
Reports to: VP of Merchandising
Type: Full-time; 40 hours/week
Classification: Exempt
Summary of Position:
Do you have a passion for Martial Arts and creating new products and sourcing them from all over the world? If so, this is the position for you. This role will develop and refine products from the concept stage to launch to market along with selecting suppliers and manufacturers to produce components and finished products for Century Martial Arts.
Essential Functions:
- Analyze current products to ensure they are still viable for the overall performance goals of the company.
- Work with a marketing counterpart by providing strategic reasoning for new product introductions including product platform, features & benefits.
- Be the first point of collaboration with vendors in the development process.
- Define product strategy and roadmap.
- Manage a product from inception to launch.
- Work with an engineering (R&D) counterpart
- Deliver KPIs to management.
- Responsible for conducting rigorous research.
- Identify Gaps in product assortment.
- Prepare short and long-term sales and margin contribution forecasts for new product launches.
- Determine product pricing.
- Negotiate costs with vendors.
- Responsible for leading multiple projects.
- Understand quality & compliance requirements (CPSIA)
Competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities):
- Technical Expertise: Proficiency in design software and understanding of manufacturing processes
- Creativity and Innovation: The ability to generate new ideas and solutions
- Advanced knowledge regarding raw materials
- Knowledge of technology & manufacturing processes
- Demonstrated success in defining and launching products
- Advanced knowledge regarding competition.
- Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams without formal authority
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Skilled in Illustrator and Photoshop
- Good organizational skills
- Flexible attitude
- Must be a team player
- A Martial Arts Background is not required but is a plus
Required Education and Training:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Design or related field
- Three-plus years of experience in Product Development and or Sourcing
Work environment: Typical office conditions – no exposure to adverse environmental conditions or loud noises
Physical Demands:
- Sitting – 90% daily
- Bending, crouching, stooping, kneeling, standing, or walking – 10% daily (occasional)
- Visual acuity (20/40 – correctable by glasses/contacts)
- Repetitive motions such as typing
- Occasional lifting, pushing, pulling
- Talking and Hearing
Travel: up to 10% annually
*Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.