Product Manager

JOB PURPOSE:Reporting to the Director of Product Management and Business Optimization, the Product Manager will be responsible for managing and leading the optimization of one of Conestoga Meats' product categories. This role is a market expert on opportunities for their category and ensures that we remain competitive with pricing by providing cost recommendations to their Sales partners. Analytic and project work is done to ensure that category plans are being executed and for continued growth to be possible.WHY WORK AT CONESTOGA MEATS?Conestoga Meats is a leader in the meat industry, known for innovation and a forward-thinking approach. We prioritize our employees, safety, and the use of automation. Our state-of-the-art facility sets us apart from others in the field. As we continue to grow and expand, we look forward to many exciting developments ahead. Join us and be part of a company that values excellence and progressGrowing company with opportunity to grow with team and departmentStable full-time hours; no rotating shiftsEmployee referral bonus program (minimum $300 per hire)Competitive Benefits (Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, Vision Care, Pension, Disability Insurance)Pension plan and company matching at 1 year of serviceFloater day given on top of vacation daysDiverse workforce; translation of communication materials into 8 languagesDiscounts on quality pork productsEmployee assistance program (financial assistance, mental health resources)Social Committee events (food trucks, gifts, games)BBQ's and wellness programsOn-site training and company provided equipmentEmployee scholarship program and English coursesKEY JOB FUNCTIONS / ROLES / RESPONSIBILITIES:Lead category optimization by creating strategic plans 6 – 12 months in timeline including learnings from previous years, market opportunities, and key prioritiesBe a partner to the broader Sales team on opportunities for new business development and customer requestsWork on strategic projects to support future planning and sales capabilitiesReview unsold product mix and make recommendations to the Sales team on optimal items to sellPrepare and present key category financial insights/pain points and initiatives weeklyProvide leadership to Sales Planner (direct report) for dedicated category, supporting their development, training, and day to day production planningResponsible to develop and execute disposition plans for fresh/frozen inventories at optimal levelsWeekly review and accountability for targeted KPI's, i.e. sales results, mix, profit margins, etc.Provide short and long term cost forecasting to the Sales team to enable pricing decisions leveraging USDA, Chisholm and key industry benchmarksResearch and gather industry market intel from internal experts and external sources, building a network, and reviewing industry newsletters/market reportsSpend time in production weekly to understand and be accountable to ensure accurate product specifications for associated category (including updating product spec sheets)Responsible for knowing product yields for category; reporting on weekly, questioning variances and suggesting opportunitiesPrepare fresh offer (responsible for providing availability and forecasted cost)Lead commissioning on new product requests and product changes on approved items Other:Demonstrates and promotes the Conestoga WAY (Company values)Other duties and responsibilities as assignedPersonal Development:Attend company required trainingRemain current with technical knowledge in areas of responsibilityAttend regular 1:1 coaching/update sessionsQUALIFICATIONS:3-5 years of work experience working as a product manager or relevant role required2-3 years of experience in managing production timing and pricing in the meat industry is requiredUnderstanding of commodity markets preferredPost Secondary degree/diploma in Business Administration, Finance or Mathematics requiredFinancial skills in order to prepare budgets, cost standards, analyze variances, etc.Office/project management software skillsExcellent verbal and written communication skillsStrong attention to detailStrong Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, especially Word and ExcelTeam player: maintain a positive attitude, and work collaboratively cross functionallyProactive problem solver with a focus on continuous improvementStrong initiative and drive to succeed KEY COMPETENCIESAccountability and InitiativeTakes initiative and demonstrates a "do whatever it takes" work ethic to get the job doneConsistently delivers on personal targetsService ExcellenceDisplays personal ownership and a sense of urgency over any issues or complaints that arise from the customer experienceMaintain an outstanding customer experience despite time pressures or obstaclesCommunicating with ClarityVerifies the meaning of messages sent by others and confirms any next steps required KEY ACCOUNTABILITIESOptimal daily production plans for assigned categoryWeekly review and accountability for targeted KPI'sDeveloping and executing short and long term pricing strategiesEnsure accurate costing, product specifications, and communicationFinancial return optimized Reason for vacancy: existing position - permanent full time (40 hours per week)Wage: $60.10 per hourAI disclosure: At this time, we do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our hiring process.Job Location: 313 Menno St, Breslau, ON N0B 1M0Conestoga Meats welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those invited to participate in our recruitment process will be contacted.#LI-ONSITE