Product Manager

Human Resources•Laguna Hills, CA

19d•$62,000 - $83,000•Hybrid

About The Position

U Brands is a California based company obsessed with bringing design, innovation, and productivity together. We know that people don’t just work from the office anymore, sometimes it's the kitchen table or even that coffee shop with the really good lattes, and we need tools that will help keep us inspired anywhere our work takes us. We are driven to creating those tools, making useful products that are versatile and elegant. The Product Manager is responsible for the full product life cycle within the assigned product category. Direct the development of new products, product improvements and changes to products to include design, production method, packaging, labeling and copywriting.

Requirements

4-year degree required.
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in product or project management
Strong MS Office skills
Excellent written communication and copywriting skills
Strong presentation and influencing skills to gain support for product development ideas from senior level management.
Strong organizational and planning skills
Addition to detail
Strong analytical skills
Ability to manage projects across multiple teams and functions.
Able to work in a fast-paced environment.
Strong problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

Customer goods product development experience a plus
Previous experience supervising or managing staff preferred.

Responsibilities

Drive the new product development process for assigned product categories as well as explore opportunities in new categories.
Own and create the product roadmap for assigned categories, including prioritization based on business impact and growth potential.
Research and analyze market conditions, competitors and consumer trends to evaluate feasibility of new products.
Present product ideas to senior leadership for approval
Determine product specifications outlining key requirements for the product.
Manage the production development schedule working with suppliers to ensure production deadlines are met.
Communicate status updates internally with appropriate groups (design, marketing, data management, etc) related to products.
Coordinate with engineering, design, marketing, supply chain regarding all matters concerning product development, improvements or changes.
Work collaboratively with internal groups to ensure the creation of new item set up numbers including costs, dimensions, packaging, UPC and other important components.
Review and finalize details on product and approve samples for production.
Identify potential suppliers and evaluate proposals/quotes for cost, price, delivery; negotiate with suppliers to ensure most cost effective options.
Conduct and lead weekly product ideation meetings with designers to brainstorm new product ideas.
Communicate and implement changes in product that effect production and distribution.
Conduct ongoing profit/loss analysis on assigned products. Suggest and implement improvement strategies including pricing, packaging and product changes.
Create copy for packaging, collateral and log copy website.
Work with marketing and design teams on marketing campaigns including securing samples for photography and other marketing initiatives.
Review product line for products that are obsolete or no longer in demand creating a plan to sunset products.