Tag-Product Manager

Company: tag

Status: Full Time

Classification: Salary with benefits

Location: Chicago, IL.

Reports to: SVP of Product Development

About tag

Founded in Chicago in 1975, tag is a leading wholesale lifestyle brand specializing in home décor and gifts. For close to five decades, we have designed collections that capture the authentic spirit of how real families live and entertain. Our products range from everyday essentials to seasonal collections, with a focus on fresh designs and top-quality craftsmanship for every room in the home. As a trusted partner for retailers across the country, tag strives to create value for our customers by providing unique, on-trend offerings at an exceptional price point. We are a fast paced, market-driven, collaborative company that has been a recognized brand in our industry for over 48 years.

Job Definition

The Product Manager is a key role in the business planning and product development of on-trend products that connect with our customers . This includes line management, identifying new concepts, product lifestyle, analyzing the retail marketplace and competitive environment, product packaging and merchandising, positioning, business planning, product road mapping, and margin management. The Product Manager has responsibilities and assignments across product categories and customers. This is a highly visible role within the organization.

Product Manager Responsibilities

• Develop product line business strategy for Everyday and Seasonal categories that meet the business objectives to drive growth
• Create definition and understanding of consumer, retail, and competitive environments
• Evaluate current competition and identify potential new opportunities for new categories or items of business
• Work closely & collaborate with Sales, Purchasing, and Design to create “best in class” product, packaging and merchandising solutions
• Collaborate with overseas sourcing office regarding appropriate products and categories
• Lead Negotiation on product pricing, minimum order quantities, and target margins.
• Gather market data on key trends considering such elements as fabrication, materials, color, and designs
• Create and maintain vendor specification sheets for each product
• Knowledge of product sales and margins within the product categories
• Work with catalog staff to ensure products are represented accurately in regards to photography, pricing, and packaging
• Knowledge of current trends in the marketplace as it relates to the tag business and products

Communication responsibilities:

• To work and communicate well inter-departmentally and foster strong relationships across all areas of the business
• Establish and maintain constructive communications and relationships with customers, sales representatives, factories, agents, and other third parties
• Use effective negotiation skills to create a win-win for both parties
• Track market conditions, price trends, and factory capacity

Qualifications & Requirements

• 5+ years’ experience as Product Manager in Product Development.
• Must have experience developing consumer goods and working with overseas vendors
• Production and/or manufacturing background in textiles, glass, ceramics, and wood is a plus
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite of Programs (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
• Strong critical thinking and logical reasoning skills
• Excellent organizational, time management and project management skills
• Strong skills in problem identification and solutions-based problem-solving
• Excellent skills managing multiple competing priorities on a daily basis
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Strong team player
• Problem-solving, strategic planning, and setting goals
• Proactive and driven to succeed
• Hard working and enthusiastic approach
• Sound decision making skills

Travel Requirements

• Attend industry trade shows
• Travel to sourcing country of origins (i.e. China and India) to meet with overseas office, agents, and factories to develop and deliver on product categories and assortments.