Assistant Product Manager - eCommerce - American Greetings

Westlake, OH

Job Description

As this is a hybrid role based out of our Creative Studios in Westlake, Ohio, we will focus on candidates currently residing in Northeast Ohio.

This position is responsible for assisting the Product Manager in the development and execution of product-related strategies aimed at driving increases in revenue and profitability across multiple product categories (e.g., greeting cards, stationery, gift packaging, party goods, stickers, etc) distributed on 3rd party eCommerce platforms as well as brick-and-mortar (i.e., B&M) omnichannel businesses (e.g., Click & Collect).

It is the responsibility of this position to manage the content of the product assortment across various dimensions including COGS, price point, caption mix, and format. Further, this position will work with cross-functional partners – including Creative, Forecasting, Manufacturing/Sourcing, Marketing, Sales, and Merchandising – to ensure that the product strategies are understood and communicated effectively to the retailer and end consumer.

In order to manage the product assortment effectively, this position must analyze the performance of our current products, understand the competitive product offering, and be in tune with the needs of the omnichannel shopper. The position must then synthesize this information in order to craft strategies that guide American Greetings’ product management efforts. Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
 Develops and manages eCommerce AG Card & Multi-Card product plans
 Responsible for the productivity and item profitability (i.e., contribution margin) of product assortments
 Responsible for key activities associated with a product plan including but not limited to product analysis, product development, competitive analysis, caption planning, pricing, initial demand forecasts, SKU rationalization, COGS management, and other product life cycle management activities.
 Responsible for writing and presenting the creative brief that informs and guides Creative work.
 Curates an appropriate C&C assortment from the core product catalog while minimizing the need to create unique C&C items (i.e., items NOT shared with the core B&M business)
 Define and execute strategies that build competitive advantage and product leadership
 Manages resources that conduct product and assortment-related performance analysis that cover:
o Editorial/Voice components and style
o Design elements including subject matter, technique, size, substrate, formats, finishes
o Identification of top performing formulas
o Product line balance recommendations (e.g., lifestyle refinement, design category, etc.,) based upon quantitative data and qualitative observations
 Responsible for gathering, assimilating and synthesizing all relevant consumer, product and market insights to drive development of product strategy. Interfaces regularly with Business Intelligence, Consumer Insights, Sales, and Marketing counterparts to obtain relevant information/insights.
 Develop eCommerce-specific testing and research requirements as needed.
 Interact with key stakeholders (i.e., Creative, BI, Supply Chain, Operations, MP&A, RD&E, Merchandising, and Retail Inventory Management) to formulate and execute product plan objectives and initiatives.
 Understand, support, and articulate general price/value guidelines for all programs under management.
 Acquires and maintains complete product knowledge of assigned programs as well as peripheral knowledge of other relevant programs.
 Develops and maintains industry expertise of both the eCommerce and B&M space (specificallly as it relates to C&C). Develops proficient knowledge of the retail environment and key omnichannel strategies of retail partners.
 Manages and validates (for accuracy and completeness) the work of the Product Management Analyst(s); provides necessary coaching where and when necessary.
 Responsible for career development and performance management of direct reports.
 Builds and maintains collaborative partnerships with internal business partners.
 Other responsibilities as defined by specific projects.

Experience Required:

Required Length & Type of Experience:
 3+ years of prior retail/consumer product experience demonstrating ability to manage projects in a fast-paced environment where attention to detail is critical
 2 years as an analyst.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
 Able to understand and use business systems and processes to get work done
 Able to collaborate with, and influence, fellow stakeholders
 Able to communicate effectively using both written and oral skills
 Able to effectively and confidently communicate up to two levels above current position
 Have strong project management skills
 Have strong analytical skills
 Able to make sound business recommendations and decisions
 Able to adapt to change and pivot as needed
 Able to delegate effectively
 Able to lead resources that are direct reports
 Able to coach…and to identify when coaching is necessary
 Innovative
o Willing to take risks, think outside the box
o Enhances solutions with knowledge of internal processes, without considering them as limitations
 Able and willing to work as part of a team
 Knowledgeable of AG products
 Able to work proficiently in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word as well as strong working knowledge of how to shop online using both desktop and mobile technology