Reporting to the Director of Product Management and Business Optimization, the Product Manager will be responsible for managing and leading the optimization of one of Conestoga Meats' product categories. This role is a market expert on opportunities for their category and ensures that we remain competitive with pricing by providing cost recommendations to their Sales partners. Analytic and project work is done to ensure that category plans are being executed and for continued growth to be possible.Duties and Responsibilities
Lead category optimization by creating strategic plans 6-12 months in timeline including learnings from previous years, market opportunities, and key prioritiesBe a partner to the broader Sales team on opportunities for new business development and customer requestsWork on strategic projects to support future planning and sales capabilitiesReview unsold product mix and make recommendations to the Sales team on optimal items to sellPrepare and present key category financial insights/pain points and initiatives weeklyProvide leadership to Sales Planner (direct report) for dedicated category, supporting their development, training, and day to day production planningResponsible to develop and execute disposition plans for fresh/frozen inventories at optimal levelsWeekly review and accountability for targeted KPIs, i.E. sales results, mix, profit margins, etc.Provide short- and long-term cost forecasting to the Sales team to enable pricing decisions leveraging USDA, Chisholm and key industry benchmarksResearch and gather industry market intel from internal experts and external sources, building a network, and reviewing industry newsletters/market reportsSpend time in production weekly to understand and be accountable to ensure accurate product specifications for associated category (including updating product spec sheets)Responsible for knowing product yields for category;
reporting on weekly,
questioning variances and suggesting opportunitiesPrepare fresh offer (responsible for providing availability and forecasted cost)Lead commissioning on current product requests and product changes on approved itemsOther
Demonstrates and promotes the Conestoga WAY (Company values)Other duties and responsibilities as assignedAvailable for on call in evenings as well as Saturdays as requiredPersonal Development
Attend company required trainingRemain current with technical knowledge in areas of responsibilityAttend regular 1:1 coaching/update sessionsQualifications
3-5 years of work experience working as a product manager or relevant role required2-3 years of experience in managing production timing and pricing in the meat industry is requiredUnderstanding of commodity markets preferredUniversity degree in Business Administration, Finance or Mathematics requiredFinancial skills in order to prepare budgets, cost standards, analyze variances, etc.Office/project management software skillsExcellent verbal and written communication skillsStrong attention to detailStrong Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, especially Word and ExcelTeam player: maintain a positive attitude, and work collaboratively cross functionallyProactive problem solver with a focus on continuous improvementStrong initiative and drive to succeedKey Competencies
Accountability and Initiative
Takes initiative and demonstrates a "do whatever it takes" work ethic to get the job doneConsistently delivers on personal targetsService Excellence
Displays personal ownership and a sense of urgency over any issues or complaints that arise from the customer experienceMaintain an outstanding customer experience despite time pressures or obstaclesCommunicating with Clarity
Verifies the meaning of messages sent by others and confirms any next steps requiredKey Performance Indicators
Optimal daily production plans for assigned categoryWeekly review and accountability for targeted KPIsDeveloping and executing short- and long-term pricing strategiesEnsure accurate costing, product specifications, and communicationFinancial return optimized