Production Manager

Description

The Production Manager holds a pivotal position in managing the New Product Development (NPD) processes within the Private Brands department at Guitar Center. This role involves a close collaboration with the Product Management team, focusing on timely market introduction of products, ensuring manufacturing is undertaken by partners capable of producing top-tier products, and adhering to the standards established by both Guitar Center and the Musical Instrument Industry. To achieve success in launching products, this role demands robust project management abilities, a commitment to operational efficiency, and a strong inclination towards achieving tangible results.

Key Responsibilities

Project Execution:

Take charge of executing New Product Development (NPD) projects and strategic program initiatives, precisely as determined and ranked in importance by the Product Management team.  This key responsibility involves managing the entire lifecycle of new product development, from initial concept to final production. It encompasses coordinating with various departments to ensure that each phase of the development aligns with the overall business strategy and meets the high standards of the Musical Instrument Industry. This role also requires effective communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to guarantee that all projects are completed efficiently, within budget, and to the desired quality standards.

Vendor Management:

Manage and monitor vendor relationships, ensuring adherence to compliance and quality control standards. This includes regularly evaluating vendor performance, addressing any issues related to product quality, and ensuring that vendors meet the rigorous standards expected in the Musical Instrument Industry.  Additionally, take responsibility for production and capacity planning for specific product lines, ensuring that manufacturing processes are efficient, meet production targets, and align with the company's strategic goals. This role requires a keen eye for detail and strong organizational skills to balance production needs with vendor capabilities, maintaining a seamless production flow and high-quality output. Project Management:

Project Management:

Act as the Project Manager for New Product Development (NPD) projects, guaranteeing the timely delivery of new products within the Musical Instrument Industry. Key duties encompass the creation and management of detailed project timelines, meticulous tracking of project milestones and deliverables, and effective coordination with both internal teams and external partners. This role also involves overseeing manufacturing partners to ensure alignment with project goals, generating comprehensive status reports for stakeholders, and proactively identifying and escalating any critical issues that may impact project timelines or quality. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for this position to ensure that all aspects of the product development process are smoothly integrated and executed according to plan.

Quality Control:

Oversee the comprehensive product testing process, ensuring that all products meet specific design specifications, achieve customer performance expectations, adhere to regulatory compliance standards, and maintain optimal manufacturing yield rates. This responsibility involves developing and implementing rigorous testing protocols to evaluate each product's functionality, durability, and overall performance. It also includes validating that products satisfy customer needs and expectations, monitoring compliance with industry and legal regulations, and analyzing manufacturing processes to maximize yield efficiency. The role demands a meticulous approach to quality assurance and a keen understanding of both technical and customer-oriented aspects of product development in the Musical Instrument Industry.

About Guitar Center

The Guitar Center Company embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our teammates to find their own individual sound. Our mission is to develop and nurture lifelong musicians and make a difference in the world by enabling musicians and non-musicians alike to experience the joy that comes from creating music. We believe in putting our customers first, engaging with respect and integrity and fulfilling our mission with passion.

The Guitar Center Company operates through several business divisions. Guitar Center is the world's largest retailer of guitars, amplifiers, drums, keyboards, recording, live sound, DJ, and lighting equipment, with more than 290 stores across the United States.  2014 marked the milestone 50th anniversary of the Guitar Center Company as the organization continues to help people make music from coast to coast.   

E-Commerce brands Guitar Center, Musician's Friend and WWBW offer online sales of a broad selection of music products. The Music & Arts division operates more than 220 stores specializing in band & orchestral instruments for sale and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors, and students since 1952. AVDG and GCPro headline the enterprise audio-visual integration business, delivering a best-in-class commercial and residential customer experience.

Experience

• Bachelor's Degree (or 6 years of relevant work experience), preferably in MI product
• At least 6 years in advancing roles in project, product, operations, or technical management, with a strong preference for experience in Musical Instruments, Professional Audio or Electronics.
• Proficient in project management, with skills in communication, personal leadership, and teamwork. This includes adeptness in managing stakeholder expectations, project timelines, scope, budgets, team resources, issues, and providing regular updates both internally and externally.
• Experience in managing and negotiating with international manufacturers.
• In-depth knowledge of product development processes for specialty or technical products.
• Comprehensive understanding of Microsoft products, databases, and reporting tools.
• Ability to acquire work/travel documents (i.e., passport and visa) as required by various countries (20% international travel).

Pay Rate: $72,300- $129,400 / annually depending on background and experience.

The job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee, which is always dependent on actual experience, education, and other factors. The pay range(s) listed are provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different in other locations

Guitar Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides fair and equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job‐related requirements.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening. You can request reasonable accommodation by calling 1‐818-735-8800 ext. 2862 or by sending an email to recruiting@guitarcenter.com.

Why join us?

With a career at Guitar Center, you become part of the world's largest multichannel musical instrument retailer. Whether at our Stores, Contact Centers, Distribution Centers, or Support Center, Guitar Center employees have a common goal: to help people find their sound and fill the world with more music.

Love this gig and want to apply?

Send your resume and cover letter today along with salary expectations!

Guitar Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides fair and equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job‐related requirements.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening. You can request a reasonable accommodation by sending an email to recruiting@guitarcenter.com.