PRODUCT CATEGORY MANAGER

Company Summary:

Blue Wave Products is a leading manufacturer/importer of home and leisure products. Our diverse customer base includes some of the most prominent retailers in the US and Canada, including Amazon, Walmart.com, Wayfair, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Overstock, and many others. The Company supports over 2,500 SKUs across our four main product categories which include: Pool & Leisure (Above Ground Pools, Pool Liners, Winter and Safety Covers, Cleaners, Pumps and Filters, Floats and Toys and Accessories) Indoor and Outdoor Games (Billiards, Air Hockey, Shuffleboards, Darts, etc.), Infrared Sauna’s (1-4 Person Hemlock and Cedar Wood Saunas) and Patio Furniture (Umbrellas, Hammocks, Patio Sets, Lounge Chairs, etc.) Based in Batavia, IL, the Company operates from a 275,000 sq ft state-of-the-art warehouse and office facility.

Primary Function:

The Product Category leader is market-driven and customer-oriented, responsible for the development and implementation of the assigned product category and line strategies. The Product Category leader identifies opportunities within the product category through extensive market research and competitor analysis; gathering and prioritizing product and customer requirements & defining the product vision. The Product Category leader drives the product planning, new product development, sourcing, and pricing throughout the product lifecycle, working closely with purchasing, marketing, sales, and the suppliers to ensure customer satisfaction is achieved.

Responsibilities:

Strategize and Drive Attainment of Category Line Objectives - Product Planning and Management

• Define long term strategy of the product and create product roadmap
• Identify short-term requirements to achieve current and next year’s objectives
• Determine product specifications
• Determine product packaging solutions and improvements
• Source and negotiate with factories and suppliers
• Drive and lead new product development
• Manage and communicate with cross functional teams
• Quality control in tracking product issues and working with the suppliers in creating resolutions
• Utilize customer service quality issues recap report to pinpoint and reduce returns
• Review customer product star ratings to refine existing products and use as a guide in ongoing development
• Support sales and marketing with the necessary product knowledge and technical expertise
• Conduct product “key features” presentations to internal teams
• Other miscellaneous duties as requested by executive leadership

Research and Analysis

• Research and analyze market conditions
• Identify key competitor and consumer trends
• Communicate market requirements and opportunities
• Identify opportunities for product innovation and product enhancements

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent; master’s degree a plus
• Experience in product merchandising and/or new product development
• Understanding of global supply chain best practices
• Proven ability to develop and execute a product category business plan
• 2 to 5 years’ experience in product management or merchandising including new product development
• Knowledge of contract manufacturing, product specifications, trade regulations, product testing, production cycle time, seasonal calendar management, product design and quality control
• Experienced in product lifecycles and seasonal trend management
• Ability to drive cross-functional projects to ensure successful on-time delivery and within budget
• Ability to develop project plans, select resources, identify potential risks, and develop contingency plans
• Understands product design and is passionate about creating new innovative products and merchandising process for new products
• Possess strong communication and negotiating skills
• Proven results in obtaining cost reductions with suppliers
• Knowledge of business and management principles and practices
• Project management skills
• Proficient in relevant software applications

Required Travel:

Limited travel required

Location:

Based in Batavia, IL, hybrid position - 1 day remote

Benefits:

• Medical / Dental / Vision
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• Discretionary bonus
• Profit Sharing 401K
• 3 Weeks Paid Vacation (Accrual)
• 10 Paid Holidays