Product Manager
We are seeking a Product Manager to lead specific customer projects through our product development process, taking initial ideas all the way through manufacturing. This organized and tactically thinking individual will be focused primarily on; sourcing, factory management, production timelines, pricing / terms negotiation, material selection, item specifications, and (some) Q A. While a natural curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit will drive this person to tackle projects independently, they must also value relationships and enthusiastically and effectively work together with the team .
The Team
June Co. is a multifaceted product development and design studio located in the heart of Minneapolis. Armed with strategy and fueled by passion, we ideate, design and manufacture beautiful products for retail buyers and consumers. From exclusive + private label to our owned brands, we apply our experience and marketplace intelligence to create collections that speak to our customers.
www.junecostudio.com
Cultural fit
- Positive, upbeat, can-do attitude
- Organized, detail oriented, focused
- Engaging and fun-loving
- A passion for winning
- Goal-oriented with a desire to improve both personally and professionally
- Accountable and transparent
- Grateful for the team, our opportunities and experiences
Responsibilities
Capture, publish and track all relevant item information from discovery through quoting and production / finalization for all assigned programsPopulate and analyze internal costing sheets to maximize margin and meet certain goals and objectivesSelect factories for each project based on capabilities, timing, costing, payment terms and other defined criteriaPublish and track timing and action plans for each projectDeepen our vendor matrix and manufacturing capabilities by seeking out and identifying qualified new sources of productionEffectively communicate with all suppliers / factories to ensure our process is being followed and the manufacturing schedule is on trackWork cross-functionally with the Design and Account teams to create timing and action plans, track process flow, review samples, and deliver finished goods at the quality level desired, within budget, and on timeNegotiate all item production costs and dating / terms with our manufacturing partnersWork alongside our Director of Product Development to manage our overseas team in relation to our priorities, including but not limited to; factory qualification, factory audits, production management, price / terms negotiations, and sample approval. Direct and approve their travel.Participate in creating best practices and process improvement in product management capacityEducate internal teams on material selection and manufacturing processes in relation to costReview and approve of item specifications / production files before sending to the factoryWork with our QA partners accordingly on testing and inspection requirements and related timing (shared responsibility with account management / QA)Write new purchase orders to our manufacturing partnersTravel periodically and as necessary to overseas factories to review production and / or negotiate pricingStay abreast of trends in the marketplace specifically related to the products and categories of focusRequirements
Self-starter that thrives in a fast-paced environmentAbility to work on multiple projects simultaneouslyOrganized, process oriented thinkerOutstanding written and verbal communication skillsEffective negotiator and relationship builderStrong project management and creative problem-solving skillsProficient in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace3 + years of experience in one or a combination of the following : product development, sourcing / buying or project management in the consumer packaged goods industryFamiliarity with international sourcing across product categories (home dcor, games, toys, home office, gift) and materials (cut and sew, paper, glass, metal, wood, etc.)