Associate Product Manager – Structural Hardware: Fasteners

Misumi USA • Schaumburg, IL

127d • $75,000 - $95,000

About The Position

This position is responsible for developing and executing product category strategies and tactics, including market assessment and business analysis, product and supplier development, pricing, stocking, sales, costs, marketing initiatives, service improvements, product merchandising, and customer support. Work with internal & external stakeholders to support the customer’s inquiry, such as expediting delivery, product quality assurance, and RFQ.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Engineering.
• Proven experience as an Associate Product Manager or similar role for at least 2+ years generating strong growth/results, the Fasteners industry is preferred.
• Experience in product portfolio and lifecycle management, preferably in e-commerce or manufacturing.
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills in English (Japanese spoken & written a plus).
• Highly motivated, results oriented, and capable of multiple tasks/projects simultaneously.
• Strong business acumen, strategic mindset, and goal-oriented approach.
• Excellent problem-solving, interpersonal, leadership, and conflict-management skills.
• Ability to identify and analyze relevant information to develop effective solutions.
• Knowledge of Fastener and Hardware product categories is preferred.
• Knowledge of product content management (e-commerce) and digital marketing is preferred.
• Highly proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and Tableau.
• Ability to learn functions in the ERP system and operational procedures quickly is a must.
• Experience working in an international environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Fasteners product portfolio and lifecycle.
• Become a product and application expert.
• New product selection/supplier development to fill the current assortment gap, pricing, launch, promotions, merchandising on the web catalog, and maintenance of the product line for sustainable sales growth.
• Maintain master product data for the website (pricing, images, descriptions, and attributes).
• Serve as the product expert and provide product-related assistance to internal and external stakeholders related to performance, function, pricing, packaging, merchandising, and value.
• Onboard and collaborate with suppliers and ensure optimal performance standards of products.
• Understand and implement strategic planning principles.
• Work collaboratively with procurement, customer service, sales, marketing, and management to ensure all assigned projects are completed efficiently.
• Analyze and report on key financial metrics and develop product, pricing, and promotion strategies for the category.
• Conduct primary qualitative & quantitative end-user research in partnership with sales, engineering, and product management team members.
• Facilitate the development of detailed scopes for individual projects, action plans for implementation, and communication with other departments to ensure timely completion.
• Travel as required (5-10%).
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical (HMO/PPO/HDHP)
• Vision
• Dental
• Life (Basic and AD&D)
• Disability (STD and LTD)
• Legal
• Pet Insurance Plans
• 401(k) Plan with match
• Commuter Transit Benefits
• Employee Resource (EAP and GEAS) Plans
• Fitness Club Membership
• Tax Savings (HAS and FSA) Plans
• Parental Leave
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees