Associate Product Manager

Support Center - Irving The Associate Product Manager will actively contribute to the development and management of our product portfolio, working closely with the Product Development Manager to bring innovative products to market. This role requires a blend of analytical thinking, strong communication, and project management skills, with an ownership over defined product categories. The Associate Product Manager will play a key role in developing product assortment, making strategic product decisions and ensuring seamless execution.

Key Responsibilities:

Category/Product Feature Ownership & Support:

• Take ownership of specific smaller product categories, product features, or components of larger product lines, managing their lifecycle from concept to launch under guidance.
• Conduct in-depth market research, competitive analysis, and consumer insights gathering to identify opportunities and inform product decisions for assigned areas.

PB Assortment Strategy Contribution:

• Actively develop product assortment strategies by analyzing market data, sales performance, and customer feedback for designated categories.
• Propose new product ideas or enhancements based on insights and market trends.

Product Development – Trend Ideation & Execution:

• Drive research into emerging trends, technologies, and consumer preferences, translating findings into actionable product concepts.
• Assist in defining detailed product requirements, user stories, and specifications for new products or features.
• Work directly with trend, design, product integrity and merchandising teams to ensure product development aligns with vision and specifications.

Branding & Packaging Direction Collaboration:

• Collaborate with branding and packaging teams to ensure branding and packaging accurately reflect product value propositions and target audience.

Project Management & Execution:

• Lead the project management of specific product initiatives or features, including timeline management, resource coordination, and stakeholder communication.
• Proactively identify and address potential project risks and challenges. Consult Product Development Manager as needed.
• Ensure all product launches are well-coordinated and executed effectively across internal teams.

Cross-Functional (CF) Coordination:

• Serve as a key point of contact for assigned projects, facilitating communication and alignment between various departments (e.g.,Trend & Design, Merchant, Sourcing, Product Integrity, Michaels Global Sourcing Offices, Packaging).
• Present project updates and gather feedback from cross-functional teams.

Performance Monitoring & Analysis:

• Monitor product performance post-launch, gathering data and insights to identify areas for improvement or future iterations.
• Prepare regular reports on product success metrics and market trends for management.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 2-4 years of experience in product development, product management, private brand management, merchandising, or a related analytical/project-oriented role.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct market research and analyze data to inform product decisions.
• Proven project management skills, with experience managing tasks and timelines for small to medium-sized projects.
• Strong understanding of the product development lifecycle.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel and PowerPoint).
• Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, Design, or a related field.
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
• Familiarity with Agile product development methodologies.
• Experience contributing to branding or packaging development.
• A strong passion for retail or arts & crafts industries.

Applicants in the U.S. must satisfy federal, state, and local legal requirements of the job.

At The Michaels Companies Inc., our purpose is to fuel the joy of creativity and celebration. As the leading destination for creating and celebrating in North America, we operate over 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada and online at Michaels.com and Michaels.ca. The Michaels Companies, Inc. also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of custom and specialty framing merchandise. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels is the best place for all things creative. For more information, please visit www.michaels.com.

Michaels offers a range of benefits to support team members and their families. Depending on position and eligibility, team members may have access to a 401(k) with employer match, an Employee Assistance Program, medical, dental, and vision coverage, telemedicine services, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, tuition assistance, adoption assistance, and various voluntary insurance options. All team members enjoy everyday perks such as employee discounts and access to partner discount programs. For a summary of benefits, visit the Michaels Benefits at a Glance page. For additional information regarding benefits, visit MIKBenefits.com

Michaels is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are here for all Team Members and all customers to create, innovate and be better together.

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