The Product Development Senior Manager is responsible for developing quality, innovative, first-to-market products. Acts as the gate keeper for the innovation stage gate process and ensure that all product specifications are maintained, accurate and up to date. The Product Development Senior Manager evaluates and resolves technical feasibility, design and liquid optimization and productions issues. One oversees the Product Development team members and ensure their individual development.
Role & Responsibilities
Manages the product development, innovation, renovation process to ensure quality, efficiency, margin for the Proximo produced brand portfolio
Continuously help improve the gate stage process, defining minimal requirement standards. Act as a tool expert for the stage gate system iDot.
Works with other departments to establish component design, material selection, design technology, product development, liquid compatibility, assembly feasibility and vendor strategy against the profitability defined by the business.
Ensure that each department prepares their required information as according to the New Product Development requirements in line with the stage gate process.
Manages project budgets and prepares financial analysis reports for management
Ensure that launch deadlines Gross Margins (GM) and P&L targets are set according to pre-agreed standards.
Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external partners; collaborate with cross-functional partners regarding timelines, material, ingredient and production costs, MOQ, and package design and features to meet expected GM and production efficiency.
Foster a Continuous Improvement mindset to optimize the quality, cost and assembly performance of existing products
Establish and maintain technical specs to develop both stock and custom packages
Ensure up to date specifications for all packaging and liquid materials.
Lead, coach, and develop a team that provides meaningful and actionable insights and solutions that support the department's strategy
Invest time into the development of direct reports and identify opportunities for advancement within Proximo
Identify high-potential talent and invest in the development of those individuals to grow the pipeline for future leaders of the department
Key Competencies
Analytical--Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures.
Planning/Organizing--Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
Business Acumen--Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
Problem Solving--Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyses information skilfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Quality Management--Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
Adaptability--Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
Managing Team -- Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; Takes responsibility for subordinates' activities; Makes self-available to staff; Provides regular performance feedback; Develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth; Solicits and applies customer feedback (internal and external); Fosters quality focus in others; Improves processes, products and services; Continually works to improve supervisory skills.
Teamwork -- Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
Key Relationships
Internal: Marketing, Proximo and Becle ISC cross-functional team & Company owned manufacturing plants
External: Packaging vendors & Third Party Co-Packers
Knowledge and Experience
Bachelor's degree required, Packaging Science degree a plus
5 years' experience in the related area or Spirits Industry
Keeps up to date with changes in the market and technology that would affect new product development
Extensive knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Power Point, Project Management, Excel and Word
Working knowledge of SAP - Purchasing modules
Excellent written and communication skills
Excellent follow-up skills and attention to detail
Peoplevmanagement skills
The salary range for this role is a base salary of $134,400 - $173,000 along with an annual bonus, 401K match, and medical and wellness benefits. The range will vary if outside of this location. Base salaries are determined during our interview process, by assessing a candidate's experience and skill set against internal peers and against the scope and responsibilities of the position.