Product Development Lab Manager Jobs in Itasca, IL

POSITION SUMMARY

The Product Specialist is vital to the success of the Product Development team and will be responsible for providing day-to-day organizational and administrative support and driving key product development tasks for the US and overseas offices. The Product Specialist keeps the PD team on task, on time, and on top of our game. We are a small group that manages a huge business, so we need an ultra-organized go-getter with a keen attention to detail and great written and verbal communication skills. The Product Specialist anticipates problems and comes up with creative solutions to keep projects on track. Under the direction of the Senior Manager, Product Development, this position touches all parts of our business to ensure maximum efficiency and support to the organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain all updates to ongoing product reference materials, including the online product database, Sales Roadmaps and product slides, and forecasts, ensuring changes are communicated in a timely manner to all teams.
• Assist at times as contributor in reviewing Circana market data, sales data, and preparing concise reports based on this information.
• Assist PD department in running ad hoc Circana market data reports.
• Oversee the Plush License process by renewing registrations, filing plush vendors with participating US states, and managing internal reporting.
• Assist in compilation, review and editing of PowerPoint presentations.
• Manage various product database requests.
• Help oversee project setup and milestone tracking in online Bynder system for all Product Managers and Producers, from initial script creation through demo video shoots for Previews and similar tasks as needed.
• Manage and organize the Product Development Lab.
• Aid Product Development team in all technical delivery aspects of project – downloading files, programs, and other devices.
• Review online consumer feedback about products and summarize the findings in a clear manner.
• Provide reporting to PD team regarding post-launch consumer feedback; concentrate on positives/negatives for Product Managers to provide to Hong Kong for product improvements.
• Visit retail stores as needed, typically in spring and fall, to photograph product sets; compile and distribute information.
• Support Product Managers in overflow of product development tasks as appropriate. e.g. Assist in reviewing product manuals using Adobe Acrobat.
• Work onsite at the office on identified company-wide mandatory all hands in-office days (typically Tuesdays and Thursdays), as well as any other days as required to support business needs.
• Collaborate through communication and teamwork with co-workers, management, clients and others in a courteous, and professional manner.
• Exercise sound business judgment.
• Work independently and collaboratively and manage time effectively in order to meet changing deadlines and priorities.
• Treat all employees, guests and customers and others affiliated with our business with respect.
• Conform and abide by all laws, regulations, policies, work procedures, instructions and VTech's Rules of Engagement.
• Conform with all safety rules and use all appropriate safety equipment.
• Other duties as needed or required.

POSITION SKILLS

• Exceptional organizational skills with emphasis on attention to detail and efficiency.
• Ability to clearly communicate with internal teams and overseas colleagues (including non-native English speakers); strong written and verbal skills required.
• Capacity to interact effectively with employees at all levels of the company including top management and tailor communications accordingly.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks independently and thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Quick learner who is flexible, takes initiative and is adaptable in an ever-changing environment.
• Effective listening and relationship-building skills.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with Microsoft Office 365 and Smartsheet preferred.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

• 3 years of progressively responsible experience in the area of Administrative Assistant or Project Management
• Bachelor's degree or any combination of experience and education that provides the necessary skills, knowledge and ability to perform essential functions of this role.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no management/supervisory responsibilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Duties are primarily performed in an office environment, although hybrid work is allowed as appropriate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Core hours will be set between employee and manager and will be based on business needs. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

TRAVEL

Travel is primarily local during the business day, although out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected 5% of the time.

SPONSORSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $63,000 - $73,500 + bonus potential + excellent benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, and maintaining internal equity. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.

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