Product Manager

Position Overview

The Product Manager will be instrumental in defining and implementing the strategic direction of our product portfolio. This role involves leading industry analysis, driving strategic prospecting, and fostering cross-departmental collaboration to achieve enterprise goals. Success in this position requires strong communication skills, persistence, and the ability to adapt to changing business conditions while maintaining a results-oriented approach.

Key Responsibilities

Industry Analysis

• Conduct thorough research and analysis of industry trends, market dynamics, and competitive landscapes.
• Identify emerging opportunities and potential challenges to inform product strategies.
• Utilize insights to develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of customer needs and preferences.

Strategic Prospecting

• Identify and assess new business opportunities that align with company objectives.
• Target customers that align with existing or new product offerings. Prepare summaries and presentations for the VP of Sales & Marketing and the Sales team.
• Collaborate with Business Development to co-develop and execute plans to expand product offerings and enhance market presence.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with sales, operations, business development, and finance teams to ensure alignment on product initiatives and business goals.
• Act as a central communication hub to drive coordination, resolve conflicts, and align resources effectively across departments to successfully launch new products.
• Facilitate interdepartmental projects to enhance operational efficiency and achieve enterprise objectives.
• Coordinate testing opportunities with the Applications Manager to validate product hypotheses.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop clear and compelling presentations, reports, and updates for internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as the voice of the product, advocating for its value and importance across the organization.
• Demonstrate exceptional communication skills to convey complex ideas and strategies effectively.

Adaptability and Agility

• Proactively investigate and communicate new strategic opportunities to Business Development and Sales leadership.
• Stay informed about changing business conditions, new prospective customers, customer expectations, and industry regulations.
• Organize market data in meaningful ways to support business development and sales, such as lists of customers by specific ingredients, participation with WBENC, geography, etc.
• Quickly adapt strategies to address shifting priorities and ensure continued business success.
• Embrace innovation and a growth mindset to seize new opportunities and solve challenges creatively.

Other Responsibilities

• Share responsibility with the VP of Sales & Marketing for overseeing marketing placements, including social media campaigns, product promotions, and brand messaging.
• Update rolling forecasts throughout the year at the direction of the Sales team.
• Maintain budget processes and PowerBI reporting to support the VP of Sales with periodic and annual needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in product management, strategic marketing, or a related role, preferably within the pet food or ingredient supply industry.
• Proven track record of conducting market analysis and implementing successful product strategies.
• Strong ability to foster cross-functional collaboration and drive positive enterprise outcomes.
• Tenacious work habits with a results-oriented mindset.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
• Agile and adaptable in a fast-paced and evolving environmen