Vendor Manager, Product (Cookware & Cooking Tools)

Made In is the leader in the digitally-native kitchen space. We bring Chef expertise and centuries-old cookware manufacturing techniques to craft professional-quality kitchen tools for the home and professional cook. We are backed by some of the best chefs in the world and have been featured in publications and shows such as the TODAY Show, NY Times, Fast Company, Business Insider, and more. 

As the Vendor Manager, you will be responsible for aiding in the execution of a variety of projects within our product team. This includes: Category Diligence, Product Development Execution and New Product Packaging. 

The ideal candidate will have a background in product development, preferably within the cooking tools sector, and a proven track record of successful project management. 

This role is based in Austin, TX and candidate must live in the Austin area.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with our merchandising director to identify potential new products, evaluate market sizes, merchandising strategies, and product vision
• Work with our product team to help evaluate and source new vendors, ensuring timelines and key tenants of MADE IN product pillars are met
• Aid in the execution of new, multi-channel packaging development and help manage our packaging vendors
• Work closely with cross-disciplinary teams to identify potential risks and mitigate them; ensuring the project aligns with the intended outcome
• Make effective decisions when presented with multiple options on how to move the projects forward including adjusting schedules and targets on the project as needed
• Serve as a point of contact for select vendors. Coordinate communication between various MADE IN departments and the vendors
• Present status updates and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure company alignment
• Identify project risks and escalate issues in meeting critical deadlines 
• Coordinate with our Test Kitchen for product testing programs
• Serve as a product expert for other teams in the organization (i.e. marketing, customer service.)

Qualifications:

• Minimum 3+ years working within a product team managing technical projects
• Experience in consumer goods required
• Demonstrated efficient work methods and ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced, agile environment
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with both internal business functions and external suppliers
• Entrepreneurial mindset that embraces critical questioning, innovation, service and continuous improvement
• Ability to demonstrate project and product cost management 
• Innate emphasis on high quality delivery standards
• Natural self-starter with a hands-on mentality
• Shows confidence and possesses good facilitation and negotiation skills
• Curious and motivated learner

Made In is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Made In makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.