Product development manager Jobs in Kitchener, ON

JOB PURPOSE:

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.

WHY WORK AT CONESTOGA MEATS?

Conestoga Meats is a leader in the meat industry, known for innovation and a forward-thinking approach. We prioritize our employees, safety, and the use of automation. Our state-of-the-art facility sets us apart from others in the field. As we continue to grow and expand, we look forward to many exciting developments ahead. Join us and be part of a company that values excellence and progress!

• Growing company with opportunity to grow with team and department
• Stable full-time hours; no rotating shifts
• Employee referral bonus program (minimum $300 per hire)
• Competitive Benefits (Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, Vision Care, Pension, Disability Insurance)
• Pension plan and company matching at 1 year of service
• Floater day given on top of vacation days
• Diverse workforce; translation of communication materials into 8 languages
• Discounts on quality pork products
• Employee assistance program (financial assistance, mental health resources)
• Social Committee events (food trucks, gifts, games)
• BBQ's and wellness programs
• On-site training and company provided equipment
• Employee scholarship program and English courses

KEY JOB FUNCTIONS / ROLES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead category optimization by creating strategic plans 6 – 12 months in timeline including learnings from previous years, market opportunities, and key priorities
• Be a partner to the broader Sales team on opportunities for new business development and customer requests
• Work on strategic projects to support future planning and sales capabilities
• Review unsold product mix and make recommendations to the Sales team on optimal items to sell
• Prepare and present key category financial insights/pain points and initiatives weekly
• Provide leadership to Sales Planner (direct report) for dedicated category, supporting their development, training, and day to day production planning
• Responsible to develop and execute disposition plans for fresh/frozen inventories at optimal levels
• Weekly review and accountability for targeted KPI's, 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 benchmarks
• Research and gather industry market intel from internal experts and external sources, building a network, and reviewing industry newsletters/market reports
• Spend 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 opportunities
• Prepare fresh offer (responsible for providing availability and forecasted cost)
• Lead commissioning on new product requests and product changes on approved items

Other:

• Demonstrates and promotes the Conestoga WAY (Company values)
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Personal Development:

• Attend company required training
• Remain current with technical knowledge in areas of responsibility
• Attend regular 1:1 coaching/update sessions

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3-5 years of work experience working as a product manager or relevant role required
• 2-3 years of experience in managing production timing and pricing in the meat industry is required
• Understanding of commodity markets preferred
• Post Secondary degree/diploma in Business Administration, Finance or Mathematics required
• Financial skills in order to prepare budgets, cost standards, analyze variances, etc.
• Office/project management software skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, especially Word and Excel
• Team player: maintain a positive attitude, and work collaboratively cross functionally
• Proactive problem solver with a focus on continuous improvement
• Strong initiative and drive to succeed

KEY COMPETENCIES

Accountability and Initiative

• Takes initiative and demonstrates a "do whatever it takes" work ethic to get the job done
• Consistently delivers on personal targets

Service Excellence

• Displays personal ownership and a sense of urgency over any issues or complaints that arise from the customer experience
• Maintain an outstanding customer experience despite time pressures or obstacles

Communicating with Clarity

• Verifies the meaning of messages sent by others and confirms any next steps required

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Optimal daily production plans for assigned category
• Weekly review and accountability for targeted KPI's
• Developing and executing short and long term pricing strategies
• Ensure accurate costing, product specifications, and communication
• Financial return optimized

Reason for vacancy: existing position - permanent full time (40 hours per week)

Wage: $60.10 per hour

AI disclosure: At this time, we do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our hiring process.

Job Location: 313 Menno St, Breslau, ON N0B 1M0

Conestoga Meats welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those invited to participate in our recruitment process will be contacted.

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