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 :
INDUSTRY EXPERTISE
- 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 dcor, 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 vendorsUnpack, label, and organize all samplesEnsure sample room is tidy and organized at all timesPerform monthly inventory and organization of sample rooms, including archiving dated samples and dispensing of samples no longer neededPhotograph samples and upload to shared foldersINTER-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 fieldExcellent time management, multi-tasking and organizational skillsProfessional level written and verbal skills using Word, Excel and PowerPoint is a mustAbility to prioritize and anticipate needsStrong attention to detail, accuracy and follow-throughExperience working on cross-functional teamsPositive, can-do attitudeAbility to travelAbility to work in a fast paced, deadline driven environmentPhysical 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
