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Product Development Manager

Are you ready to advance your career with a local growing company just recently awarded one of Arizona’s top 25 companies to watch? GAME is positioned to continue its double digit growth and needs a strong product development professional to join the operations team in its North Scottsdale Headquarters.

Job Description:
The Product Development Manager position in the Merchandising Department assists in the development and execution of all product development for GAME. Serve as a liaison for both internal and external parties, coordinating projects from concept stage through final execution/delivery. Support VP of Product Development in the day-to-day execution of all product development and marketing elements. Provide creative and strategic direction to Creative Services department.

Responsibilities:
• Assist with evaluating new product ideas.
• Manage the product development process from conception to launch, establishing the timelines and key milestones and ensuring that they are met.
• Develop product specifications for vendor quoting process. Assist in negotiating cost with vendors to ensure the best cost and value on all new items.
• Work closely with internal & external resources (creative, sales & operations, vendors, etc.) to create and execute development plans.
• Establish, develop and cultivate relationships with suppliers, design teams, sales & operations.
Qualifications
• BA / BS degree required
• 3-5 years of Engineering experience a plus
• Experience with sourcing in Asia
• Strong analytical skills and a working knowledge of rotation, blow and injection molding processes a plus.
• Excellent oral/written communication; organized; detailed oriented; outstanding follow-up skills.
• Proactive/self-starter with excellent problem solving ability and negotiation skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively and strong project management skills

Benefits: The company offers a competitive benefit plan including medical, dental and 401k.
Hours: Full-time.
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Reports to: Vice President of Product Development
Equal Opportunity Employer

Vice President of Marketing

Great American Merchandise and Events is the leading-edge innovator in the Pool & Spa Accessory market. With a strong presence throughout the United States, Canada and several international markets, GAME creates fun products that transform ordinary pleasures into unique experiences. GAME has consistently been awarded as one of Arizona’s top companies and has positioned itself for continued double-digit growth. This newly created position will play a key role in the development and execution of the company’s strategy to continually expand it’s presence in the global marketplace.

Company Mission: To delight our customers by providing a continuous cycle of innovative products delivered with uncompromising value, quality and service.

SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate for the VP of Marketing position will be someone with consumer marketing experience and a thorough understanding of the competitive marketplace. He/She will develop the appropriate strategies to help take the brand and business to the next level. They will assist in determining where opportunities exist in the marketplace and develop market plans to support strategic business initiatives.  The successful candidate will work to ensure that internal and external collateral and messaging properly reflects the brand image of the company.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement research strategies and programs to integrate consumer and product insights and trends into products/programs.

• Develops expert knowledge of the market, customers and consumers to effectively create market and product strategies that maximize corporate revenue.

• Work closely with the Sales team to create an annual plan with integrated marketing programs to maximize the brand.

• Develop a product lifecycle management process.

• Create briefs for outside agencies and internal organizations.

• Identify new business opportunities, products and/or alliances to further enhance brand relevance and customer relationships.

• Develop a formal Business Plan Cycle to ensure that the company’s merchandise growth strategies are achieved.

• Works side-by-side with the creative staff to mentor and to inspire development of high-impact visual and messaged collateral.

• Help to determine overall brand look to ensure consistency across the GAME brand in look, feel, and image by working closely with the appropriate individuals and departments. 

• Builds a strong day-to-day working relationship with peers and individual contributors in order to influence and affect the business and marketing strategy.

• Develop, budget and implement GAME’s outbound marketing program including advertising, public relations and promotions.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• A minimum of seven to ten years experience within the CPG in a broad range of Marketing functions including field marketing, new product development, branding, sourcing, uncovering current trends, public relations, research, creative services, sales analysis and national marketing.

• Systems and People management skills are crucial for this position.  He/she must have a proven track record of influencing a large group of people from various functions.

• Proven experience managing multiple projects successfully in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to adapt to new and constantly changing environments.

• Excellent analytical and business skills with a strong attention to detail.

• Proven track record of achieving results in line with company objectives.

• Experience with the client side of the business, in sourcing, branding and/or merchandising is preferable. The Ideal candidate will possess significant experience with a major retail chain.

• Experience collaborating with outside agencies

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Must be a strong leader and able to instill confidence in not only the marketing team but among other functions.

• Creative/innovative marketer/promoter.

• Self-starter with a consistently high level of energy and results-oriented style.

• Ability to translate marketing strategies into tactical plans.

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, in order to work effectively with all levels of the organization.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelors or Masters Degree in Business Marketing, or relevant field. 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Eric Schechter
President
ehs@game-group.com

Shari Hobbs
Executive Project Coordinator
srh@game-group.com