Physical Product Development – Global Category Manager

Job Title:  Physical Product Development – Global Category Manager
Location: Remote
Reporting to: Global Director of Physical Product Development
Overview of Role:
This role will oversee the entire lifecycle of physical products, from ideation and design to market launch, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and comprehensive documentation. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of recycled materials, a passion for environmentally responsible products, and exceptional project management skills.

Primary Responsibilities

Category Strategy Development:
•    Develop and implement a category strategy for products made with recycled materials.  Categories include but are not limited to bags, drinkware, writing instruments, stationery, tech items, gift sets and/or special packaging.
•    Conduct market research to identify trends, opportunities, and customer needs within the sustainable product space.
•    Conduct competitive analysis on the industry to understand the product value proposition and unique selling proposition.
Product Development:
•    Oversee product design and development processes, ensuring alignment with sustainability goals and quality standards.
•    Maintain merchandising data base of applicable industry & competitor trends, merchandising best practices and design trends. 
•    Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including deco engineering, supply chain, quality, compliance and marketing, to bring products to market within the launch timeline.
•    Track new development samples across the global vendor base.  Review, test, and revise all new product prototypes according to established product and decoration standards. 
•    Source and evaluate recycled materials for product feasibility, cost, and environmental impact.
•    Collaborate with Cimpress Cross Functional teams for product collaboration
Documentation and Compliance:
•    Maintain detailed documentation for all stages of product development, including specifications, testing results, and compliance certifications.
•    Ensure all products comply with relevant regulations and sustainability certifications (e.g., GRS/RCS, FSC, etc).
•    Evaluate and manage product manuals, technical sheets, and user guides.
•    Build and maintain relationships with suppliers specializing in recycled materials.
•    Assist Sales and Customer Service team’s problem solve product inquiries, questions and customer issues.

• Performance Analysis:
• •    Monitor product performance and customer feedback post-launch to inform future product development.
• •    Analyze sales data to evaluate category performance and drive new product development strategy, providing recommendations with analysis and executive summaries.
• •    Track key metrics related to sustainability goals, such as recycled content percentage, carbon footprint reduction, and cost savings.
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement:
• •    Stay informed on advancements in recycling technologies and sustainable materials.
• •    Propose innovative ideas to enhance product sustainability and lifecycle impact.
• •    International and Domestic travel possible to support at trade shows and product research. 
• Preferred Qualifications:
• •    Familiarity with Global environmental regulations and certifications (e.g., REACH, RoHS, LEED).
• •    Experience with life cycle assessment (LCA) tools and methodologies.
• •    Passion for sustainability and a track record of driving sustainable initiatives.
• Required skills and knowledge:
• •    Ideal candidate has a passion for product with an excellent design aesthetic and attention to detail. 
• •    3+ years of experience in Product Development, Category Management, or a related field, with a focus on recycled materials or sustainability 
• •    Strong understanding of recycled materials, manufacturing processes, and sustainability certifications.
• •    Excellent project management skills with experience managing cross-functional teams.
• •    Proficiency in product lifecycle management (PLM) tools and documentation systems.
• •    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• •    Excellent communication and negotiation abilities
• •    Able to work within a fast-paced collaborative team environment, managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines
• •    Proficiency in Microsoft Office required, and proficiency in product lifecycle management (PLM) tools and documentation tools
• •    Promotional Products Industry/Decoration methods experience an asset.

Our values
At Pens.com, we are guided by a set of core values that define our culture and approach to hiring:
Customers-First: 
We are committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences, both internally and externally. By understanding and fulfilling customer needs, we create impactful solutions that leave a lasting impression.

Continuous Improvement: 
We believe in the power of growth and evolution. Through open communication and a culture of innovation, we continuously strive to enhance our business and adapt to changing landscapes.

Goal-Oriented: 
We set clear objectives, remain disciplined in execution, and hold ourselves accountable for achieving measurable goals. Our focus is on driving results and making meaningful progress.
Integrity: 
We prioritize ethics in everything we do, ensuring that our actions are grounded in integrity and responsibility towards our planet, products, and people.

People-Centric: 
We value and respect every member of our team, fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated, contributions are recognized, and growth is encouraged.

This is a US Remote position. The California base annual salary/hourly range for this role is currently $60,000 to $70,000 . Pay scales are determined by role, level, location and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of several factors that that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and pay relative to other team members. Our recruiters can share more information about our bonus program, benefits and equity during the hiring process. This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation - no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.

About Pens.com 
Pens.com's personalized promotional products are created for and inspired by small businesses. With 56 years of experience and serving 22 countries worldwide, Pens.com offers MORE value, savings and time to customers through expert guidance on a broad range of personalized promotional products, including writing instruments, stationery, drinkware, bags, gifts, and trade show accessories. Pens.com operates via a network of more than 10 facilities across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
To learn more, visit: www.PENS.com 
Pens.com is a National Pen and Cimpress brand (Nasdaq: CMPR). 
 

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