Associate Product Development Manager

About WaterworksWhen you see the world’s most inspiring homes and hotels, you invariably find Waterworks in the mix. For over 40 years, our designs have elevated the bath and kitchen experience, with exquisite fittings, fixtures, hardware and more. We strive to be participants in exceptional design moments not just through our products, but through how our company name shows up in the world at large. 
What We ProvideWhat gives us an edge over our competitors is our people. We work in a highly collaborative, creative environment that values each team member’s contributions to our mission. We empower our associates with extensive training, career growth opportunities, competitive salaries, bonus potential and a comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental/vision, and 401k retirement savings plan. We offer a generous PTO program (vacation, personal and sick time) with additional perks like some summer half days and a volunteer day.  The company observes at least 8 federal holidays throughout the calendar year plus a floating holiday that associates can use at their discretion.
The RoleThe Associate Product Development Manager, Fixtures & Cabinetry works closely with the Director and focuses on supporting the product development, product management, and planning process for the fixtures and cabinetry lines of business. This role assists with vendor relations and sourcing and contributes to developing strategies for profit growth. Day-to-day responsibilities include updating critical product information, following up with vendors, responding to requests from the sales organization, and analyzing data to meet line of business (LOB) financial goals.
The Associate Product Development Manager collaborates with cross-functional teams (including Engineering, Product Compliance, Finance, Supply Chain, Store Design, Client Services, Marketing, Sales, Product Support, and Quality Control) and with our vendors to successfully deliver products in accordance with the product roadmap.
This is a hybrid role requiring on site presence at the Danbury, CT corporate offices a minimum of 3 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Supports product management and planning for assigned lines of business according to the product road map.
• Orders and maintains product samples and ensures timely approvals.
• Works closely with Supply Chain and Construction teams to ensure timely delivery and installation of new products.
• Understands product technical and code requirements and assists with testing and approvals.
• In partnership with Director, creates sales plans and initial buys for new product launches.
• Researches and analyzes the competitive market.
• Supports sourcing and resourcing of products for assortment expansion and for special items requests.
• Participates in product training.
Information management.
• Creates, distributes, and maintains product information sheets in conjunction with Marketing.
• Maintains line list for assigned lines of business.
• Manages product item creation and maintenance using GPM.
• Ensures product information on digital properties is accurate.
• Collaborates with Cabinetry Production to maintain cabinetry spec book and pricing in 2020.
Contributes to profit growth strategies.
• Analyzes sales and business trends and suggests edits to existing assortments.
• Monitors sales weekly for new product launches.
• Identifies areas for improvement, cost reduction, increased functionality, and product enhancement.
• Participates in quality control processes and assists teams.
• Supports overall profitability and ROI.
• Assists with negotiating cost and pricing with contract manufacturers.
• Helps set product pricing strategy and margin goals.
• Supports vendor negotiation strategies and manages supplier relations through initial production.
Vendor management.
• Develops and maintains strong working relationships with contract manufacturers and acts as a contact for assigned products.
• Collaborates with Supply Chain to define success measures for contract manufacturers and helps reset expectations when needed.
• Research new manufacturers when needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• 3 plus years experience of project management, product management/development, or a related field
• Strong project management and collaboration skills
• Domestic and International Sourcing exposure
• Organized with ability to multi-task and adapt quickly to changing priorities
• Results-oriented with developing skills to motivate and empower others
• Client oriented and forward-thinking capabilities
• Strong communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills
• Ability to problem solv