Assistant Product Manager

Summary

The Assistant Product Manager will play a key role in the Ghirardelli Foodservice & Specialty Ingredients Division by serving as the lead on product development.  Reporting to the Foodservice Development Manager this individual will manage the daily activities of the product development process from concept to customer by leading a cross functional team to achieve desired sales and profitability goals.  This individual will also work on new product launch marketing activities including point of sales materials and marketing collateral.

Scope of Responsibilities

Product Development & Management

• Contribute to achievement of P&L (top line and bottom line) targets
• Lead execution of product development activities from creation to launch.
• Oversee cross-functional team including operations, R&D, packaging, procurement and finance to coordinate new products, packaging updates and recipe changes to ensure timelines and goals are being met
• Own all product timelines, updating as needed
• Work with creative services department and packaging engineering to create or update packaging
• Produce reports and analyze sales data to track business performance for new and existing products
• Assist in generating new product forecasts and managing packaging and product inventory as needed
• Analyze product and industry data to identify new product opportunities or insights
• Support Foodservice Development Manager in working with R&D and sales to validate any product changes or new product initiatives

Product Launch Marketing

• Work alongside Foodservice Development Manager to develop and manage sales launch programs including rebates and mailings
• Generate new product sales collateral such as sell sheets and in-store POS
• Oversee website updates to reflect new product promotions and information

Specific Knowledge & Skills

• Strong project management and organization skills with the ability to manage multiple products simultaneously with a high degree of independence
• Ability to manage cross functional teams
• A strong results orientation
• Excellent verbal communications skills
• Adaptability and flexibility to meet changing priorities
• Sound strategic thinking and ability to produce original ideas
• Ability to solve problems and overcome obstacles
• Solid understanding of marketing mix including product, pricing, promotion and distribution.
• Computer experience (Microsoft Office, JDE, Internet)

Education & Work Experience

• Strong project management and organization skills with the ability to manage multiple products simultaneously with a high degree of independence
• Ability to manage cross functional teams
• A strong results orientation
• Excellent verbal communications skills
• Adaptability and flexibility to meet changing priorities
• Sound strategic thinking and ability to produce original ideas
• Ability to solve problems and overcome obstacles
• Solid understanding of marketing mix including product, pricing, promotion and distribution.
• Computer experience (Microsoft Office, JDE, Internet)