Sr. Product Category Manager

Description

A Senior Category Manager is responsible for the management of multiple product categories. Must be able to manage the end-to-end development, and lifecycle management of multiple categories concurrently while ensuring synergies between products within and across assigned categories. Candidates must have a keen understanding of product, process, financial metrics, marketing, and operations to proactively advance profitable sales growth within their assigned categories. This position requires a passion for delivering customer driven solutions through a balance of strategic and tactical actions. Candidates must be adept with their ability to effectively communicate and advance complex concepts and solutions within and across the organization. This full-time, hybrid position reports to the VP of Product & Marketing at Safco’s headquarters in New Hope, MN.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the end-to-end product lifecycle, from conceptualization to launch, for multiple product categories within our portfolio.
• Define product strategy and roadmap based on market research, customer feedback, and business objectives.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including engineering, design, marketing, and sales to prioritize features, allocate resources, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality products.
• Frequently/consistently conducts and shares market analysis and competitive research to identify market trends, opportunities, and threats. Leverages competitive insights and information to ensure pricing and positioning of products align with market expectations. Insights are leveraged to direct line extensions and NPD activities.
• Develop detailed product requirements, user stories, and acceptance criteria to guide the development process.
• Work closely with marketing to create intuitive and user-friendly product experiences.
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure product success and iterate on product improvements based on data-driven insights.
• Act as a product evangelist, communicating product vision, strategy, and value proposition to internal stakeholders, customers, and partners.
• Mentor and coach junior members of the product management team, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Must ensure products align with the appropriate branding and positioning requirements and brand standards.
• Other duties, as assigned.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Overall P&L responsibility
• Lead sales enablement activities
• Development of annual product category plans (multiple categories)
• Annual revenue goals
• Maintaining or improving Gross margin %
• Value engineering
• COQ (Cost of quality actions)
• Line extensions
• New product development leadership
• Product rationalization/culling
• Product pricing and promotion
• Product training and education
• Product growth plans by brand
• Monthly reporting of key performance metrics to senior management
• Partners with sales, marketing, and other disciplines to advance key initiatives
• Guides and directs assigned Product Management resources to achieve goals

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, computer science, or a related field. MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in product management, with a proven track record of successfully launching and managing products in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and align cross-functional teams toward common goals.
• Deep understanding of product management methodologies, frameworks, and best practices.
• Experience with agile development methodologies and tools.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to leverage data to make informed product decisions.
• Passion for technology and innovation, with a customer-centric approach to product development.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The starting base salary range for this position is $99,000 - $124,000 per year plus eligibility in annual bonus program. ​ The compensation posted is the anticipated pay for the position at the time of the posting. We may pay above or below posted amount based on several factors, including, but not limited to education and/or certifications, skills, experience, or work location.  Some positions may qualify for additional compensation in the form of bonuses or deferred compensation options. 

At LDI, we are pleased to provide employees with a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision insurance options; paid time off; 10 paid holidays; 401(k) plus company matching and annual discretionary profit sharing; flexible spending and health savings account options; life and disability insurance; tuition assistance; wellness and mental health resources, and financial advising services.  Eligibility in benefit programs is based on hours worked per week.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Regular sitting, standing, and walking throughout the day to accomplish tasks 

• Manual and finger dexterity used regularly with some repetitive finger motions 

• Ability to work in front of a computer screen for long periods of time 

• Specific vision abilities include close and distance vision; able to identify colors, small letters, and numbers; hand/eye coordination, depth perception and able to adjust focus 

• Hearing and speaking 

• Other conditions may include frequent reaching, stretching, pushing, pulling, pinching, grasping, and gripping. 

ABOUT OUR COMPANY

Comprised of multiple companies with headquarters in New Hope, Minnesota, Liberty Diversified International (LDI) is a privately held company employing more than 1,900 individuals across our manufacturing facilities, production facilities and core business operations in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Mississippi, Texas, Arizona, Virginia, California, and Mexico. With deep roots in the corrugated box manufacturing industry, we operate in the core markets of paper, packaging, workplace products, corrugated plastics and building products.

Since 1918, our values – Caring, Innovation, Trust and Excellence – have guided our day-to-day activities. We believe that when our employees are aligned with these values, we create superior service and solutions for our customers. The LDI family of companies includes Liberty Packaging, Liberty Paper, Liberty Plastics (Custom Solutions and Quarrix Building Products) and Safco.

Liberty Diversified International is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, disability, or any other protected class.