We are seeking a Director of Product Management to work on a team at our client site in Philadelphia, PA. Tuesdays,Wednesdays & Thursdays are to be worked onsite, with flexibility on other days. The compenasation could be flexible, but the client would like to stay in the 170,000-180,000 range, if possible.
- Short-term goals for the position include stabilizing the team post-organizational change, addressing the existing backlog, and understanding our culture and operational practices.
- Medium-term goals involve reshaping the organizational structure to align with business needs, optimizing onboarding processes, and transferring specific responsibilities from current team members to the new hire.
- Candidate Profile: a candidate who can balance strategic oversight with practical execution, has a deep understanding of the industry, and can lead the team through transformational changes while maintaining focus on growth and operational excellence.
- Commercial Acumen:
- The ideal candidate must demonstrate strong commercial skills, with a proven ability to understand market dynamics and leverage this understanding for business growth.
- Industry Experience:
- A background in consumer electronics or appliances is highly desirable.
- Leadership and Team Management:
- Effective leadership skills are crucial, with an emphasis on coaching and developing team members, particularly in contexts of change or uncertainty.
- The ability to stabilize and re-energize the team post organizational change.
- Strategic Thinking:
- The ideal candidate should have the capacity to assess and reshape the organizational structure according to business needs and market conditions.
- They should be able to develop strategic onboarding processes that integrate new vendors, customers, and categories swiftly and effectively.
- Operational and Process Improvement:
- A key requirement is the ability to review and improve current processes. The ideal candidate should bring an open mind to potentially enhancing these processes.
- They need to learn & understand the intricacies of the handover processes between different departments, such as purchasing and product management.
- Vendor and Relationship Management:
- High-level interaction with vendors is expected. The ideal candidate should be capable of managing and nurturing relationships with important business partners.
- Experience in negotiating and managing contracts will be crucial, alongside evaluating vendor performance and compliance.
- Financial Skills:
- The role demands strong financial acumen, with responsibilities including the review of financial operations and the ability to make decisions that will impact the profitability and financial health of the organization.
- Cultural Fit and Adaptability:
- Adapting to and upholding the company's culture while driving change is essential. The candidate must navigate and blend existing team dynamics and company practices.
- Visionary yet Practical:
- A visionary who can also roll up their sleeves and address immediate needs. The candidate should not only strategize but also implement those strategies effectively. They must be a "do-er"
- Data-Driven Decision Making:
- They should possess the capability to leverage data in decision-making processes, incorporating insights and trends analysis to enhance product management strategies.
Logistics and Interview Process:
- The role will be based in Philadelphia to manage team dynamics effectively. Presence in the office is required on Tuesdays,Wednesdays & Thursdays, with flexibility on other days.
- Travel up to 25% of the time, including international travel (China), is expected.
- The interview process will involve initial screenings by me, followed by joint interviews with the hiring manager. We aim to streamline the process to ensure timely hiring without compromising on candidate quality.
- Final candidate will interview with SVP
Desired Skills and Experience
Position Summary: The Director of Product Management for the Consumer Division will play a critical role in shaping and executing category strategies for consumer- facing products. This individual will lead a high-performing team, drive the development and management of our product portfolio, and ensure that all products meet market needs, consumer expectations, and business objectives. The role will require a strategic thinker with strong leadership abilities and a deep understanding of consumer electronics and appliances markets.
Key Responsibilities:
Category & Product Strategy Development: Lead the creation and execution of the category strategy for the consumer division, ensuring alignment with overall company goals. Identify new market opportunities and define product vision to drive competitive advantage and growth.
Product Lifecycle Management: Oversee the full product lifecycle, from concept through to launch for our own brand portfolio, including regular analysis and refinement of product features and specifications to ensure optimal market fit and customer satisfaction. Ideal candidate also has experience in product end of life, warranty, service & understanding of reverse logistics.
Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales purchasing, operations, and finance, to bring products from ideation to market and ensure successful product launches.
Vendor Management: Identify, onboard and develop vendor brands which enhance our offering to customers and improve our divisional profitability.
Consumer Insights & Market Research: Utilize consumer insights, industry trends, and competitor analysis to drive product decisions and enhancements. Stay ahead of market demands and technology advancements to maintain leadership position.
Product Roadmap: Build and maintain a clear product roadmap, ensuring that priorities are set based on business goals, market feedback, and consumer needs. Ensure timely execution and delivery of product milestones.
Promotional Strategy: Define category and brand level promotional strategy with the Sales and Marketing team ensuring we maximize our margins and returns for all investments.
Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of product managers, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
Financial Management: Develop and manage product budgets, ensuring that projects are delivered within scope and financial constraints. Conduct cost analysis and manage product pricing strategies to meet profitability goals.
Performance Metrics & Reporting: Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to track product performance and success. Regularly report on product performance, growth, and market impact to senior leadership.
Go-To-Market Strategy: Work closely with the marketing team to define go-to-market strategies for new products, ensuring successful market entry and adoption.
Vendor & Partner Relationships: Establish and maintain relationships with key suppliers, vendors, and external partners to ensure quality, cost, and supply chain effectiveness.
Qualifications:
7+ years of experience in product management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within the consumer electronics or appliance industry.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance. For unincorporated Los Angeles county , to the extent our customers require a background check for certain positions, the Company faces a significant risk to its business operations and business reputation unless a review of criminal history is conducted for those specific job positions.