Product Manager Jobs

WHO ARE WE?

Aqualung is a team of passionate people united by a desire to do meaningful work, lead healthy lives, and make a difference. We share a common purpose: to inspire everyone to enjoy water exploration and be active in the water. We are innovators in the water space, with our unique spirit, and our goal of being more relevant to Swimmers, Snorkelers, Divers, and other water exploration enthusiasts than any other brand, day after day, dive after dive, and lap after lap. Our company culture defines us, bonds us together and creates the catalyst for success. It is lived daily as a behavioral expression of our collective set of brand values: Quest for Exploration, Pioneer of Innovation, Technical Excellence, Inclusivity and Fun. If you're on our team, it means you are part of creating something extraordinary.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Product Manager will be responsible for establishing and delivering an inspiring product development roadmap consistent with the 5-year business ambitions for U.S. Divers. The Product Manager is responsible for defining and executing the product vision and strategy, leading the end-to-end lifecycle of the product portfolio, identifying current and future market opportunities and has overall leadership and direction of the U.S. Divers Product Portfolio. They will create and deliver long-term product roadmaps that are rooted in consumer insights and leverages the latest data and analytics to accomplish brand and business objectives. They will communicate and execute strategies through cross functional teams to bring innovation to market in the most cost effective, time efficient, and profitable manner.

Key activities include market opportunity identification, concept definition and product development management through Range Creation Process. They are the subject matter expert on product pricing & integrity including promotional management, customer-specific SMU’s (e.g., Walmart & Costco), licensing and other related product management activities.

US Divers is a premier snorkeling brand for the casual and capable sun-loving beach vacationer. We enable underwater exploration and adventure through our expansive range of products for all ages. US Divers is a part of Aqualung Group, a unique portfolio watersport brand.

This position may be required to travel up to 15% of the time.

REPORT & LIAISE

The Product/Brand Manager, US Divers reports directly to the Director of GTM, North America. This position will liaise with the Global teams, Purchasing, Sales Management, Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Human Resources.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to):

Individual must maintain high standards of professionalism. Must be flexible in availability to complete assignments.

Strategic Planning

• Lead cross functional teams to the successful execution of the Range Creation Process that delivers U.S. Divers brand products from concept to consumer.
• Build and execute an inspiring 5-year product development plan that meets or exceeds long term business ambitions for the U.S. Divers brand globally.
• Lead the development and approval of Seasonal and Customer-Specific Range Creation Process product roadmaps, with emphasis on Walmart and Costco.
• Be a subject matter expert of the North American Snorkeling consumer by drawing insights from research to fuel innovation and category leadership.

Product Management

• Monitor product lifecycle and define appropriate actions to ensure a healthy portfolio.
• Own the development of sell sheets, price lists, technical product stories, NPI communications, packaging, and other product-centric assets.
• Identify opportunities for improving product profitability by developing a solid understanding of the materials, processes and engineering technologies utilized in the production of the product lines.
• Support the GTM team in developing marketing plans and materials for new product launches.
• Help define Snorkel and Swim product assortments, seasonal promotional product offerings, and customer-specific SMUs.
• Recognize and utilize consumer and competitive trends to inform actions as well as support for portfolio and roadmap development.
• Perform gross margin analysis to ensure regular product and price improvements are implemented.
• Conduct business and competitive analysis to thoroughly understand product category requirements.
• Manage the gross margin of new and existing products to support overall business objectives.

Research & Development

• Ensure effective execution of product concepts into production ready patterns for samples and production.
• Work directly with vendors on the development of new products, ensuring key criteria are achieved on a timely basis.
• Scope North America and European product certification for all product categories.
• Verify that all products designed and developed are consistent with the Snorkel/Swim brand DNA.
• Lead Industrial Designers in the coordinated development of product concepts.
• Responsible for products to be delivered on time, on budget, and of high quality.

General

• Provide on-going and timely feedback and coaching to lead employees on a path toward success
• Make timely and ethical decisions both systematically and under pressure.
• Provide leadership and guidance for the team
• Build a diverse, well-balanced team with the right talent/skills to increase overall effectiveness.
• Clarify expectations and hold employees accountable for achieving results.
• Complete goal setting and performance evaluations for employees on time.
• Stay up to date on industry standards, trends, and developments.
• Perform, with a team approach, other duties as assigned.
• Oversee day to day activities of department function, including providing input for budgeting and strategic planning.
• Effectively supervise employees (including but not limited to hiring, coaching, disciplining and evaluating).
• Foster open communication, respect & recognition.
• Understand company’s goals and objectives.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Individual must be a self-starter and demonstrate a high level of responsibility and reliability. In addition to the ability to work independently, individual must be able to achieve results through collaborative efforts. Must be able to prioritize and complete multiple tasks of varying complexity and urgency in a timely and efficient manner with appropriate level of direction.

Individual must have a firm commitment to provide exemplary services in a demanding and challenging environment. Strong interpersonal and communication skills using a variety of communication mediums are essential. Must be capable of building and maintaining positive working relationships. Effective listening skills required. Must possess sound judgement, great attention to detail and follow through skills. Ability to manage workload in an environment with multiple interruptions essential. Must have strong problem-solving abilities including the ability to analyze situations and provide alternative solutions.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Very strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint.
• PLM system a plus
• Adobe Creative Suite, In-design, Illustrator
• Aptitude for learning new technology.
• Familiarity with CAD software and tools.
• Experience working with vendors for samples, prototypes, and production.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Experience working for an Outdoor Industry consumer products company or Active outdoor lifestyle brand preferred. Familiarity with Aqua Lung’s core consumers – Swimmers, Divers, Kayakers, and water exploration enthusiasts a plus. A personal interest in water-related recreational activities including swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and boating.

Bachelor’s degree required. At least in Equivalent of 3-5 years of progressively responsible design and development experience. Direct experience with Outdoor industry required and Snorkeling experience desired. Must have at least 4 years of supervisory experience. Experience in a high pace, deadline driven environment. Strong commitment to customer service essential.

PAY RANGE: $90K to $120K base salary

Base pay is a portion of our total compensation package and determined within a range that allows growth and development within your role. Your base pay will be determined based on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Aqualung Group requires all applicants for this position to be vaccinated for COVID-19 as a condition of hire, unless otherwise required by law. As an equal opportunity employer, Aqualung Group will make accommodations to individuals who cannot be vaccinated in accordance with applicable law.

Aqualung Group is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.

If Aqualung Group and this opportunity excites you, please apply! When applying please make sure you include a copy of your most recent resume. No agencies please.