Product Manager

Impact Confections is an innovative manufacturer of candies marketed under the Warheads® and Melster Candies® brand names. Warheads® are one of the most recognized (and tastiest!) sour candies in the world and the fastest growing brand in the market!

SUMMARY

The Product Manager’s primary role is to take ownership of and drive the product commercialization process for both Warheads® and Melster Candies® brand confections. This role is the key facilitator between all involved departments and coordinates and ensures execution of all critical responsibilities associated with the product life cycle. From conception through launch, the Product Manager ensures that projects are delivered on time and on budget. This position will have extensive interaction with key stakeholders throughout the organization and must be a dynamic individual capable of developing and fostering productive working relationships across departments. This is a hybrid position but must be available for on-site work at our Janesville, WI production facility at least one day per week.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads, motivates and influences cross-functional teams through the commercialization process by creating product roadmaps and project timelines while effectively working with key stakeholders to ensure on time and on budget product launches.
• Manages the development and design of new products and product line extensions to include product conception, sourcing, production capabilities, and financial requirements.
• Performs viability evaluations for co-manufacturing opportunities and communicates findings and recommendations for decision-making.
• Manages the seasonal product corrugate routing and approval process by utilizing brand style guides from customers for packaging components.
• Utilizes understanding of BOM costing inputs to recommend cost savings/ product improvements.
• Evaluate market trends to identify opportunities for new products and line extensions that align with customer needs and consumer trends.
• Partners closely with field sales reps to scope market requirements and product features.
• Develops positioning and packaging direction based on the internal capabilities and market fit.
• Uses IRI/ Syndicated data for sales reporting purposes and to create compelling sales stories and identifying marketplace gaps.
• Produces and maintains item information specifications throughout product lifecycle.
• Manages and ensures completion of all tasks associated with item setup / sales materials and artwork approvals.
• Must be able to travel to vendors/suppliers, industry events as needed (minimal travel required)
• Required to attend initial and annual training for GMP, HACCP, SQF and Food Defense.
• Must be able to successfully demonstrate knowledge to the above topics and adherence to current Good Manufacturing Practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing or directly related field.
• At least 3-5 years of demonstratable related experience and/or training; or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have a general understanding of P&L concepts, BOM cost drivers and sales margin calculations.
• Previous experience in consumer products industry preferred.
• Developed written and verbal communication skills required.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast paced and fluid working environment.
• Highly organized, detail-orientated self-starter with a positive, team-centered attitude.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• There are no supervisory responsibilities with this role.