Associate Product Manager

About the role

Supports the development, execution, and management of product strategies across assigned product categories. This role assists with category planning, vendor coordination, product lifecycle management, product launches, training, sales tools, market analysis, and cross-functional execution to help drive growth, profitability, market share, and an exceptional customer and employee experience. Works closely with Product Management, Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Sourcing, Pricing, Operations, and vendor partners to support business objectives and ensure product programs are aligned with customer and market needs.

Responsibilities

• Supports the development and execution of category strategies for assigned product lines.
• Assists with managing product and vendor portfolios to drive sales, gross profit, margin, and market share.
• Conducts market research, competitive analysis, SWOT reviews, and customer needs assessments.
• Analyzes category performance, including sales, margin, inventory, promotional effectiveness, and key performance indicators.
• Supports new product launches, product updates, SKU maintenance, assortment changes, and obsolescent inventory management.
• Coordinates with vendors on product information, promotional plans, launch support, training materials, samples, and display programs.
• Helps maintain accurate product data, content, MCPL information, sales tools, and product documentation.
• Serves as a product resource for field sales, sales centers, customers, vendors, and internal teams.
• Gathers voice-of-customer feedback to help identify product, process, and program improvement opportunities.
• Supports the creation of training content, sales tools, presentations, product guides, and marketing collateral.
• Assists with dealer conferences, trade shows, factory training events, and customer training programs.
• Partners cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Sourcing, Pricing, and Operations to support category initiatives.
• Tracks project timelines, action items, and performance metrics related to assigned product categories.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Economics, or a related field preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in product management, category management, merchandising, sales, marketing, purchasing, supply chain, business analysis, or a related role preferred.
• Experience in pool, outdoor living, building products, distribution, wholesale, retail, consumer products, or industrial products is a plus.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to review data, identify trends, and provide recommendations.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with internal teams, field sales, vendors, and customers.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• High attention to detail and accuracy with product, program, and data information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug coverage with Flexible Spending Accounts and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) with generous company match
• 13 days of paid time off (PTO) & 8 Paid Holidays (PTO increases with tenure)
• 100% employer paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Fully Funded Tuition Education Programs
• Bonus Programs that include Employee Recognition and Referrals, Summer Madness, and Annual Performance
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Employee Discounts