Product Manager

ABOUT SPEC OPS TOOLS

Spec Ops Tools is dedicated to setting a new standard of performance and service by creating rugged and reliable tools that ignite the passion of elite trade and craftspeople. Our unwavering commitment extends to serving our nation’s heroes, providing support to veterans and first responders with each product we sell. We are actively seeking exceptional individuals to join our team, individuals who are not afraid to challenge conventions and tackle significant obstacles, embodying our culture of passion, innovation, service, and commitment. Our relentless focus is on delivering the ultimate customer experience, fostering brand loyalty, and establishing a profound emotional connection that drives sustainable long-term growth. We are in search of the best-of-the-best, those who aspire to play an active role in establishing our disruptive professional tool brand as a category leader.

JOB DESCRIPTION: PRODUCT MANAGER / SENIOR PRODUCT MANAGER

 We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Product Manager or Senior Product Manager to spearhead the research, evaluation, and development of innovative products. In this role, you will take charge of managing product profitability, overseeing product portfolio management, and making crucial global sourcing decisions within assigned product categories. Your exceptional project management skills will be pivotal in successfully driving cross-functional collaboration across all departments, including R&D, channel management, brand marketing, sales, customer service, and supply-chain management.

The ideal candidate for this position is an initiative-taking individual with a strong work ethic, possessing experience in managing the complete life cycle of products and conducting comprehensive market research. A keen financial acumen and the ability to analyze and leverage financial data will be critical to drive strategic decision-making. Preferred candidates will have a proven record of effectively collaborating with international suppliers and factories, leveraging their expertise in sourcing and production processes.

As a Product Manager/Senior Product Manager, you will have the opportunity to shape our product strategy, drive innovation, and contribute to the company’s overall growth. If you are a visionary leader with a passion for delivering exceptional products to the market, we invite you to join our team and make a significant impact on our success. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Actively contributes to the development of the strategic product plan, encompassing a comprehensive 3-year product roadmap for our core hand tool product lines. This pivotal role involves conducting a thorough situational assessment, competitive analysis, defining strategic goals, conducting portfolio analysis, and devising actionable plans to drive product success. Leverages a holistic approach to ensure that the product plan aligns with market trends, customer needs, and business objectives, paving the way for sustainable growth and market leadership.
• Drives and oversees the cross-functional agile team throughout the complete lifecycle of product development. This crucial role necessitates exceptional skills in facilitating and coordinating a diverse agile team, including R&D, channel management, marketing, brand management, sales, procurement, manufacturing engineering, legal, and supply-chain management to ensure seamless coordination and cohesive and efficient workflow.
• Maintains a keen awareness of industry trends to develop a profound understanding of end-users, leveraging these insights to drive successful new product launches.
• Designs and assists the Field Sales and Marketing Manager in the execution of comprehensive end-user-based research initiatives to develop a deep understanding of relevant product applications and enhance the user experience with the goal of becoming the go-to product expert for all assigned categories.
• Develops comprehensive plans aimed at driving increased sales within existing product categories. This involves strategically identifying opportunities to enhance product functionality through regular improvements, addressing any product quality issues, and actively seeking ways to reduce costs while maximizing value.
• Develops and presents strategic product and commercial plans to major retailers including Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware and other home center, hardware, lumberyard, industrial, and eCommerce tool distributors.
• Actively contributes to the development of world-class marketing content and materials essential for the successful commercial launch of new products. This entails collaborating with the marketing team to create a wide range of assets, including packaging, presentations, video, imagery, compelling merchandising materials, and other collateral.
• Conducts thorough pricing analysis to strategically position the products in the market in relation to competitors and achieve targeted margins.

SKILLS and COMPETENCIES

• Ability to develop and execute a strategic vision for the product portfolio, aligning it with business goals and market trends.
• Proficiency in managing the complete lifecycle of products, from ideation and development to launch and post-launch activities. This includes prioritizing features, defining product requirements, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery.
• Strong ability to gather and analyze market research and customer feedback, translating them into actionable insights.
• Ability to think creatively, generate innovative ideas, and explore new opportunities.
• Strong leadership skills to inspire and guide cross-functional teams, foster collaboration, and achieve collective goals.
• Exceptional proficiency in project management methodologies and tools to oversee complex product development projects.
• World-class communication and people skills with inherent ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels, including executives, customers, and internal teams.
• Meticulous attention to detail with ability to retain and recite critical information extemporaneously.
• Demonstrated problem solving, research, and analytical skills.
• Highly motivated, passionate, with contagious energy that motivates the company.
• Flexible, with a strong bias for action and speed and a “we can do it,” jump in the trenches type attitude to make it happen.
• A mindset of continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• BS or BA in Marketing, Engineering, Business Management, Computer Science, or related field required. MBA a strong plus.
• 3+ years of product management, engineering, marketing, channel management, sales, or relevant experience in consumer products.
• Ability to lead and work effectively in cross-functional agile team structure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated problem solving, research, and analytical skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Domestic and international travel up to 25% of the time
• Ability to lead communications with international engineering and manufacturing teams during off-hours, late nights and/or early mornings.
• High proficiency in using various computer applications including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Military experience is a strong plus.

ABOUT SPEC OPS TOOLS

Spec Ops Tools is a Goods iQ company, a leader in the consumer products market with a portfolio of world-class brands including Bostitch® Office, PaperPro®, It is Academic™, Lockermate™, Konnect™, and Black + Decker® Pure Optics LED.

Spec Ops Tools is currently operating in a hybrid work environment with a combination of remote and in person work based out of our modern dog friendly North Kingstown, RI headquarters. Our headquarters is open five days per week and available as often as needed for individual work, collaborative internal meetings and external partner and customer meetings.

BENEFITS

At Spec Ops Tools and Goods iQ, our unwavering commitment lies in fostering an exceptional work environment. We passionately believe that our people are the heart and soul of our organization, constituting the most crucial element of our formula for success. To support your personal well-being, we offer a comprehensive and robust benefit package. Moreover, we provide a dynamic and stimulating work atmosphere that encourages engagement, personal growth, and development, ensuring that you feel motivated and highly appreciated.

Our goal is to drive the personal and professional advancement of each team member. We empower individuals to embrace larger challenges that ignite their passion and enable them to reach their full potential and life aspirations. By creating a fulfilling and supportive environment, we strive to inspire and propel our team members towards continuous growth and achievement.

Spec Ops Tools, a Goods iQ company, is an equal opportunity employer and affirmatively seeks diversity in our workforce. Spec Ops Tools and Goods iQ recruit qualified candidates and advances in employment without regard to race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, nationality, age, religion, citizenship, disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender presentation, legal or preferred name, marital status, pregnancy, family structure or any other basis protected by human rights laws or regulations. This list is not exhaustive, and in many cases, we strive to do more than the law requires.

Spec Ops Tools and Goods iQ participates in e-Verify as required by law.

Spec Ops Tools