Associate Product Manager

• Help identify & develop new Private Brand opportunities & line extensions.
• Responsible for master label copy creation.
• Support the PM in the development of a strategic product plan which meets or exceed category financial objectives.
• Act as a liaison between the project team and design team.
• Support the PM in chairing kick-off meetings to ensure team alignment to the project strategy by gathering information and samples.
• Manage, maintain product adherence to brand positioning, brand guardrails, and customer value proposition to drive brand loyalty and equity.
• Assist in the development of rationale and business cases for new product development including financial feasibility, supplier selection, product and packaging features, sales projections, pricing recommendations, marketing, merchandising and promotions.

• Develop project timelines.
• Monitor the development and execution process to ensure on- time and on-strategy delivery of new products and updates to existing products.
• Manage the critical path for all active projects and report on project status.

• Support the PM in chairing project kick-off meetings with the vendor/sourcing agent. Develop vendor-specific timelines and communicate all the information a vendor will require to support the on-time delivery of a project, as well as understand Pet Valu critical path milestones.

• Assist and capture meeting minutes during bi-weekly category management meetings.
• Chair weekly team meetings with the team to review the status of projects and help develop solutions to barriers/project delays.
• Work in collaboration with Category Managers & Associate Category Managers to understand category strategy and set appropriate product strategies and roadmaps to maximize private label penetration, market share, sales volume & profitability of assigned product categories.

• Participate in department meetings to develop strategies, troubleshoot, and actively pursue innovative items, ingredients, and packaging ideas.
• Develop strong working relationships with key stakeholders including Category Management, Supply Chain, Allocation and Marketing to ensure effective collaboration and execution of Private Brand strategies and plans.

• Utilize available financial & management information systems to monitor sales results and other reporting as required.

• Well-developed project management skills are essential.

• Strong time management skills and problem-solving skills.
• Strong work ethic with a passion for detail and accuracy
• Private Brands experience with a retailer is a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written
• Adept at working cross-functionally and collaboratively.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to roll up sleeves and get things done.
• Strong analytical skills an asset.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize with a high sense of urgency.
• Possess the ability to connect with the merchandising organization and be able to convert opportunities into practical business strategies.
• Proactive thinker and doer – anticipate issues before they arise, has a strong pride of ownership to see projects through end to end.
• Relevant post-secondary education.

Pet Valu