Product Development Manager - Retail Channels

We are looking for an experienced Product Development Manager to be focused on driving sales while increasing profitability within the assigned retail Mass and DIY channels.

We would like to meet people who are product-oriented, accustomed to being in front of Buyers with a dynamic personality suited to sales and a disposition for the more technical aspects of product development - without needing to be a product designer. 

This is a wonderful development opportunity working with a fantastic team in an Oakville ON office. Suitable to someone who lives under a one-hour drive to Oakville is ideal for a schedule that will require at least 2-3 days per week working in the office. The atmosphere and company culture is beyond incredible. Stunning office, incredible amenities, a gym on-site, open beautifully designed space made to foster creativity, communication, collaboration, and fun! Proximity to Go station, plenty of parking, electric car charging stations-- all meticulously designed with the employee in mind. 

Job Overview

• Focus on driving sales while increasing profitability within the assigned retail Mass and DIY channels
• Develop an understanding/expertise of the relevant Home Organization categories within the Mass and DIY channels
• Complete periodic market and competitive research for related product categories
• Work with sales to identify and qualify retail opportunities (both Listing and Promotional) within the Mass and DIY channels
• Work with the Head Engineer to review concepts, assess samples/prototypes, evaluate design changes, and measure against testing requirements
• Work with the Packaging Specialist and Marketing Team on developing product packaging concepts, die lines, merchandising configurations, photography, and artwork and finished packaging
• Build and grow the listing and promotional presence based on opportunities and priorities defined in the following ways :

– Source new products through a network of offshore factories (primarily China and Vietnam-focused)

– Guide the product development process toward the creation of unique and innovative channel-specific / consumer-specific product solutions

• Lead the new product development team (engineering, sales, and Zebra - innovation team) to optimize the product portfolio for Mass and DIY channels
• Establish the development priorities and timelines and coordinate all product development activities from concept through to product launch
• Work collaboratively with the design team on the concepts and designs of new products
• Ensure alignment with target cost, and suggested retail, while delivering the appropriate features & consumer benefits including the development of the financial model to ensure on target from a profitability standpoint

Skills, Experience, and Education

• Bachelor’s Degree / 5+ years previous product management experience within a retailer/manufacturing environment
• North American major account retail familiarity (Mass - Walmart, Target) and/or DIY (Home Depot, Lowes) including an understanding of operational requirements and protocol
• Strong grasp of product trends, fashion, and colour/pattern
• Exposure to offshore manufacturing and importing
• Strong presentations and selling skills – the ability to make a well-supported argument / engage with sales team and buyers face-to-face
• Strong technical orientation with an ability to interact with the development team and factories specializing in plastic injection, cut and sew, and multi-material fabrication