Product Manager

OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Director of Product Management, the Product Manager is responsible for the management of Fastco’s programs consistent with the company’s growth plans. The Product Manager is a resourceful self-starter, driven to achieve positive results, and possesses a high level of comfort working in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced environment. The ability to manage a variety of diverse projects and coach team members, from start to finish, is essential to success.
The Product Manager is responsible for overseeing the work of the industrial designers and engineers and acting as a coach and mentor.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Category Management (50%)
- Responsible for alloy wheel product portfolios and integral part of their success.
- Analyze product portfolios using Power BI and Excel and work with Marketing to identify slow-moving items for specials.
- Review product lines regularly to identify opportunities to increase sales or expand product lines.
- Perform monthly competitive analysis to recommend pricing strategies to optimize turns.
- Work with Sales to gather feedback on product offering/pricing.
- Establish and maintain relationships with manufacturers.
- Participate in supplier meetings.
- Collaborate with the Marketing Team to ensure we are promoting the right products.

Product Development (20%)
- Act as a project manager for the entire New Product introduction process.
- Seek out strategic partnership opportunities for new brands or segments.
- Establish a relationship of trust with suppliers.
- Recommend new segments of growth and strategies to increase sales.

Data Management 15%
- Ensuring accuracy of system data and collaborate with the S&OP and technical services teams to obtain information when needed.
- Build new products in the system using proprietary creator software.
- Update product status and discontinue products as needed.
- Work with Sales on special programs to make proposals and recommendations.

Market Research (15%)
- Conducts studies, analyzes, and recommends the potential for the development of the company: new customer segments, new products, new partners.
- Research & develop new products/suppliers as required.
- Initiate focus groups to gather consumer feedback on potential new products.
- Brings new products to market by analyzing proposed product requirements and product development programs and preparing return-on-investment analyses.

BEHAVIOURS
- Highly collaborative and works effectively with cross functional teams.
- Self-motivated and operates with a sense of urgency.
- Analytical thinker with an understanding of product life cycle.
- Proficiency in spoken and written French & English needed to ensure communication with suppliers.
- Strong organizational skills with proven ability to multi-task on multiple projects based on business objectives and deadlines.

QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field.
- A minimum of 5 years as a Category Manager, Product Manager or similar role is a definite asset.
- Proficiency in spoken and written French & English needed to ensure communication with suppliers.
- A proven record of success in coordinating product development projects is a plus.
- Strong blend of analytical, decision-making, and creative problem-solving skills.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to work effectively with overseas vendors is a must.
- This role requires seasonal travel to consumer events and tradeshows.
- Previous experience in the automotive industry is an asset.
- Experience working with Asian suppliers is considered an asset.
- Proficient with MS Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint) and Power BI.
- Knowledge of SAP byDesign would be an asset.

CONDITIONS
- Any combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
- This position may require 5% travel (domestic/international). A valid passport is required.