Restaurant & Retail Product Development Manager

Summary: Develop and execute product offering (both Retail and Fountain) for the Restaurant and Retail Division. Work in conjunction with the Marketing manager, Merchandising associate, Procurement colleagues, and the Director of the Restaurant and Retail Division to insure offerings meet consumer needs, support premium positioning of brand, achieve financial goals and support achieving the Division’s business plan and objectives. Manage and develop Supply Chain Associate. Ensure smooth execution of new and existing product lines (timely launches, consistent supply, addressing oversupply). Provide direction to Merchandising associate on new (seasonal) product offerings

Key Job Responsibilities
·Develop and execute Product Development Strategy for Retail division, which ties fountain and retail products together, consistent with brand equity, product priorities, analysis of results and trends, and strategic and financial corporate goals.
·Develop and continuously innovate everyday Product Portfolio based on data analysis, market trends and business needs.
·Develop and continuously improve Retail divisions seasonal product offering based on data analysis, market trends and business needs. Seasons to be included are Valentines, Easter, Summer, Halloween and Christmas.
·Recommend changes in product line through regular shopping of competition and Market Trend analysis
·Work with Marketing Manager to develop and execute communication plans to support product initiatives, including new launches, seasonal offers and core item priorities.
·Collaborate with Retail Merchandise Associate and Marketing Manager to communicate product news to stores in a timely and informative manner
·Purchase product (everyday and seasonal) and components for stores and negotiate pricing and product/package design with an eye to profit margin results.
·Work with Marketing Manger to keep watch on Market Trends and respond with competitive and innovative products and concepts.
·Work with Marketing Manager, Director of R & R and manager of business development to develop annual strategic Marketing Plan.
·Lead development of annual E-commerce product line & work with Marketing Manager and New Business development manager to develop and print catalogue.
·Work within Budget Restrictions to develop best products and programs available.
·Coach, manage and develop Supply Chain Associate.
·Ensure accuracy of everyday and seasonal forecast of Supply Chain Associate
·Approve Purchase Orders for new products and re-buys of both seasonal and year-round merchandise
REQUIREMENTS
Skills Required
·Ability to independently perform complex quantitative analyses, including financial and sales data, and reach appropriate conclusions
·Strong Analytical and Forecasting Skills
·Visual Acumen with an eye toward to trends, design and visual appeal, ability to act on trends and strategy to achieve a meaningful business impact.
·Strong interpersonal skills
·Demonstrated leadership and results orientation
·Strong Written and Verbal communication skills
·Time management skills to manage competing and changing priorities
·Detail oriented
·Self motivated and has the ability to function with a high degree of independence.
·Highly Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (especially PowerPoint and Excel)
·Proven ability to work well under pressure.
·Ability to work well with a variety of people across all levels of the organization.
·Have unquestionable integrity
·Demonstrated leadership, project and staff management capabilities.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions
·Spends 70% of time on basic office functions(keyboarding, ten key, writing)
·Ability to travel to various locations across the country or local travel to meetings
·More detailed physical demands are available from the Human Resources department

Experience Requirements
·3 – 5 Years of related experience in product development or buying
·Proven Track Record of working to originate ideas that achieve meaningful business impact
·Purchasing Experience in negotiating margins and delivery desirable.
·Retail Experience preferred
·Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Product Design, or a related field the equivalent of experience in a similar field would be considered to diminish the degree requirement.

This position closes on November 1, 2006. Only qualified candidates whose resumes are received by the closing date will be considered for this position.