The Associate Product Line Manager is both a business analyst and line coordination role. The role champions the efficient and timely day-day operation of the line to meet corporate cadence. The APLM will manage the successful translation of 2D design into 3D samples on assigned collections that meet or exceed brief, design intent, costing targets, and adhere to established standards for branding, design, craftsmanship, lab/field testing, quality, and durability.

For these categories and projects assigned, the APLM aids in market research, business analytics, line management, go-to-market, SMU management, and utilizing data-driven and consumer-driven business tools to inform decision-making. To be effective in this role, the APLM will partner with Sr. Management, Product Team, Marketing, Sales, and Operations on all long-range and seasonal line planning initiatives and reflect those in the internal line planning tools and data management systems. Further, the APLM will be part of the Product Team to successfully execute product creation to the product development calendar, materials management goals, and milestone review meetings.

The APLM brings a passion for the product creation process, a positive team player attitude, and enthusiasm for the consumer to add value to new products from Simms.

Outcomes of this role include:

• Seasonal proto and commercialization phases hit or exceed established milestone dates while adhering to budget constraints, workflow requirements, design intent, lab and field testing standards and costing targets.
• Assist in building and maintaining visual tools required to effectively communicate long-range and seasonal line planning decisions for the product lines and meet calendar dates.
• Create and maintain the assigned line plans: product initiatives, product forecasts, sku analysis, volume analysis and sample management; produce market share analysis, catalog management and price list documentation.
• Research and extract actionable business statistics such as sales history, seasonal product mix, channel mix, market segment mix, seasonal price points, SKU performance, competitive landscape and provide and present in a compelling way to inform the planning, briefing, and decision-making.
• Work with Sales, Development, and Sourcing Teams to successfully manage the global SMU process for hard goods to meet goals and dates established by the Senior Management Team.
• Key point of contact for all product-related inquiries from Repair/Warranty, Customer Service and Operational teams. Collects and presents feedback to the team to inform decision-making and build positive engagement across the organization.
• Present, as needed, prototypes to Sales, Marketing, and internal staff to help the PLMs and Vice President of Merchandising and Design communicate seasonal direction to key stakeholders.
• Assist the PLM in the successful go-to-market (GTM) process and serve as key point of contact to execute established launch goals across all departments: selling tools, packaging accuracy, pricers, SMS, product documentation, DTC support, sales conferences, trade shows, pre-lines, etc.
• Participant in marketplace analysis, focusing on the brand’s competition including market shopping to evaluate emerging opportunities.
• Establish strong relationships and open lines of communication with the Sales and Marketing teams to maintain on-going communications regarding market dynamics.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Design, Marketing or Retail Merchandising.
• 1-3 years of experience in buying, merchandising and/or product line management.
• Strong computer skills, must be efficient in excel programs and familiar with Adobe Creative Suites
• Strong understanding of product creation and GTM process, methodologies, and processes.
• Strong communication skills: verbal/written, the ability to engage and influence others, skilled presenter.
• A proactive approach to work, and adherence to deadlines.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and adapt to various situations.
• Must be a team player with the ability to effectively interact with different communication styles.
• Analytic and problem-solving skills.

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