Project Manager - Uncommon Goods

ABOUT US 

Uncommon Goods partners with independent makers and small businesses to offer a wide, constantly evolving assortment of original, creative products. 

We are built on better business practices and committed to having a positive impact. Learn more here.  

The best part of Uncommon Goods is us—our team. We've been around for over 20 years because of all the wonderful people who make UG the one-of-a-kind company it is. 

Learn more about our products, B Corp certification, guiding principles, Better to Give program, and team members you might be working with. Listen to the story of Uncommon Goods from our Founder and CEO here and here. 

EVERYONE IS WELCOME HERE 

At Uncommon Goods, we believe we're all out of the ordinary.  That's why we're committed to making diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging part of everything we do. We strive to make significant changes to our business, from how we find our products to how we build and cultivate our team—so we can be everyone's favorite place to work. 

We are an equal-opportunity employer. If you would like to request any accommodation during the application process, please email people@uncommongoods.com. 

ABOUT THE ROLE 

We're hiring a Project Manager to join our dynamic team! In this role, you'll lead essential business processes and oversee organization-supporting projects in collaboration with partners across all business units. Your primary focus will be on supporting Product Development, Merchandising, and Creative teams, driving the yearly Product Development new item plan, managing daily pipeline operations, and establishing long-term project infrastructure. You'll also play a key role in managing the print catalog workstream alongside the Merchandising and Creative teams, ensuring timely quarterly file delivery. Additionally, you'll take on cross-functional projects as needed to drive larger initiatives forward. Success in this role is measured by your ability to execute projects smoothly and deliver on time while aligning PD and catalog programs with company goals and department strategies. If you're passionate about project management and thrive in a collaborative environment, we want to hear from you!

This hybrid role works on-site at our waterfront Brooklyn location 2 days per week, preferably on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Collaborate with Product Development divisions including Design, Production, and Compliance/Licensing/Manufacturing to establish clear project objectives, deliverables, and timelines.
• Drive the advancement of the item development process by serving as the central point of contact for all PD team divisions, Buying team stakeholders, and leadership. Develop a keen sense of when to provide direct support versus encouraging self-service.
• Conduct ongoing assessments of the Product Development item development process, facilitating team discussions to identify challenges and spearheading the implementation of scalable process improvements.
• Ensure the successful execution of the yearly item development plan, with a focus on reducing production timelines and accelerating speed to market.
• Collaborate with the Merchandising and Creative teams to oversee the end-to-end execution of the quarterly print catalog program. This includes managing assortment planning, creative production timelines, and relevant tools.
• Lead initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Product Development pipeline and catalog programs, as well as improving operational relationships where necessary.
• Support the advancement of company and merchandising project roadmaps by taking on cross-functional projects as required, ensuring alignment with overarching goals and objectives.
• Continuously assess and reimagine cross-departmental processes to minimize waste, boost productivity, and foster a culture of positive collaboration throughout the organization.

SKILLS/BACKGROUND 

• Experience leading and delivering projects in collaboration with cross-functional teams  
• Nice to have prior experience working with creative teams 
• Strong verbal and written communication 
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills 
• Strong organizational skills 
• Competent in Asana or similar project management software  
• Project management certification preferred  
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment and in an entirely cross-functional role; this role will be on-site at the Brooklyn office at least two days per week 

COMPANY PERKS

• Benefits: We invest in your well-being through subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance, and in your future via 401K matching. You can even invest in our future through employee stock options.  
• Education Subsidy: We reimburse up to $5,250 (the yearly IRS limit) of tuition for college coursework or professional training.  
• Service: We offer eight hours of paid time off each year for volunteering. 
• Commuter benefits: We offer a pretax discount for those who take public transportation (train, bus, and ferry). For those who prefer to pedal to work, we offer significantly discounted yearly Citi Bike memberships and/or will provide money to help with the purchase or repair of your own bike.  
• Team member discounts: Our team members can buy our goods at a 40% discount (and take our Uncommon Experience classes free).  
• Work/life balance: We offer generous paid time off, and we supplement New York State Short-Term Disability for 3 weeks and New York State Paid Family Leave for 8 weeks. 
• Casual environment: No need to dress up—wear comfortable clothes every day. And we hold occasional, fun, company-wide events. 
• Open book policy: We share our financial results with the entire team every week in our management update email and our monthly company-wide meeting, UncommonCo. 
• Collaborative environment: Whether it's a data analyst recommending products to the buyers or a warehouse manager providing the theme for an email blast, we welcome your talents and insight, wherever they apply.
• Learn more about your FMLA rights here.

This position's annual base salary range is $70-75k. This role is eligible for our annual performance bonus program and options. 

To apply, please submit: 

• Resume 
• Cover letter that includes answers to the following two questions in the application form: 
  • What motivates you to excel in a project management role, and why are you particularly interested in joining our organization?
  • What strategies do you employ to foster effective communication and collaboration among diverse team members, especially in a cross-functional setting?