Product Manager of Sourced & Special projects

Buck Knives•Post Falls, ID

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Buck Knives’ mission is to create purpose-built knives that perform for generations. As a key member of the Marketing and Product Development Team, this role helps define the vision, direction, and performance of a key segment of Buck Knives’ product line. As the leader of Buck’s sourced and special projects portfolio, this position drives key elements of the assortment from market / consumer-led ideation to concept, development, commercialization, launch, and end-of-life. Rooted in financial analysis, consumer feedback, competitive insights, and a strong understanding of our market and brand, this role identifies trends and opportunities that reliably bring exceptional products to market. The Product Manager improves processes, accelerates time-to-market, and leverages Buck’s legacy as a core outdoor brand to create compelling and profitable assortments. While Buck Knives remains rooted in American manufacturing, some product categories require selective use of trusted global partners. This role manages those sourced programs—ensuring they complement our U.S.-made lineup and meet Buck’s standards for quality, performance, and design. The position also leads our Special Projects division, including Limited Editions, customer exclusives, and other small-run, high-value offerings that bring energy and innovation to the brand. Carrying responsibility for these product areas, the Product Manager is expected to demonstrate strong business acumen, an understanding of market and industry trends, and expertise in performance and stylistic standards.

Requirements

5+ years of experience working with international manufacturing and engineering.
Demonstrated strong project management experience.
Demonstrated ability to seek out information, analyze and formulate data, and synthesize information into an organized and educated communication set.
Strong verbal and written communication skills including presenting, meeting organization, and training.
Familiarity and comfort working with and around outdoor categories to include firearms, motorized and non-motorized recreational equipment, edged cutting tools, and power tools.
Ability to communicate at all levels within the organization.
Must be proficient with Microsoft programs, Axapta knowledge is a plus.
Ability to adapt to changing organizational and operational needs and the ability to drive a project to completion.
High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation.
Minimum of 10 years progressively responsible experience in product management or product development at a consumer products company, preferably with a combination of sourced and domestic manufacturers. Experience extracting and analyzing relevant market data, market trends consumer and channel research, and competitive information. Has a passion for the outdoors preferably in hunting and fishing. A polished, professional demeanor with the ability to communicate conviction and confidence in the direction of Buck products. Proven track record of getting products to market on time.
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, engineering, or a closely related business administration degree. Experience in an equal level of professional experience in this field will be considered.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with project management software or applications is a plus.
Familiarity with Solidworks, 3D printing, and CNC is a plus.

Responsibilities

Bring world-class products to market that perform for generations.
Start to finish execution of product life cycle (from market need to end of life).
Identify, craft, and guide a product strategy that aligns with brand standards and brand direction.
Create and manage the product plan that identifies need, evaluates opportunity, examines feasibility, and positions the product for assimilation into a well-defined and organized roadmap consisting of 50+ SKUs annually.
Oversee and direct the organizational efforts of product development driving process refinement, milestone achievement, adherence to deadlines, and performance and aesthetic definition.
Continually examine, study, and maintain a pulse on the market landscape, including consumer needs and competition/brand position.
Be an expert and advocate for the Buck Knives product assortment by training, presenting, and communicating product features and benefits to educate and motivate internal/external stakeholders.
Lead the go-to-market success pathway for new product introductions by engaging development teams, operations, marketing, sales, and organizational leadership in project scope and mission to ensure on time, on plan, successful B2B/B2C launch.
Evaluate, create, and deliver product line and profitability analysis and present project opportunities for selection and initiation.
In conjunction with Project Engineers, drive efforts to stay on time and on plan to coordinate internal/external milestones and hit market launch without compromise on quality or direction
Coordinate in-person and electronically with Buck’s domestic and selected global manufacturing partners to support feasibility, quality, and on-time development
Manage iterations and revisions to meet both the consumer needs and manufacturing constraints.
Assist in formulating new product positioning, pricing, forecasting, and marketing/sales strategies that meet product objectives and success measures.
Define, create, and implement KPIs that lead to cross-functional visibility and greater depth of understanding for NPI success.
Oversee completion and accuracy of technical specifications for catalog and marketing documents.
Expertly sell, present, and articulate product plans and features in person, in clinic, and in interview/on-camera formats.
Champion a product-driven/consumer-first mindset with a tireless sense of optimism and enthusiasm for the product and brand.