Import Seasonal Product Program Support Manager

Position Overview: The Program Development Manager plays a critical role in supporting Key Account Managers (KAMs) to develop and execute key product programs for large retail customers. This position is responsible for identifying and developing product opportunities, and support KAM requests to drive incremental and profitable growth. Acting as a liaison between National Customers, the Key Account Sales Team, Purchasing, the Product Development Team, and international suppliers, this role requires seamless collaboration and direct communication across all areas.Key Responsibilities:·        Lead and manage cross-functional teams - collaborate with internal product development, sales teams, and external partners, including company international suppliers, to develop and deliver incremental product programs with flawless execution.·        Initiate and support requests from KAMs for specific retailer developmental product programs with packaging originating from the company library of products and requests to suppliers. ·        Create professional product presentations, including PowerPoint, Word documents, and Excel spreadsheets to be delivered to larger retail customers.·        Research new revenue opportunities by identifying best-selling products by category and create appropriate retail merchandising solutions to expand opportunities in additional market channels.·        Manage custom product and program development for National Accounts in support of sales. Work directly with customers and through KAM's. ·        Serve as a liaison with Gerson Merchants (Product Development) to organize and communicate new product introductions and model line updates to the sales team.·        Collaborate with Gerson Asia & suppliers to concept, source, and negotiate competitive product costs.·        Strengthen relationships with retail customers by providing excellent customer service and influencing retailer category managers and buyers.·        Attend trade shows, retailer meetings, and national markets as needed.·        Manage special projects and other duties assigned by the Gerson Leadership Team.Required Qualifications:·        Bachelor's degree in business or a related field, or equivalent experience.·        Proven ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities, and meet aggressive deadlines.·        Strong written and verbal communication skills, coupled with exceptional organizational and interpersonal abilities.·        High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.·        Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify key opportunities, analyze data, and make strategic recommendations.·        Self-starter with a proactive approach to responsibilities and the ability to work independently.·        Ability to maintain composure and perform effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.·        Collaborative team player with a customer-centric mindset.Preferred Qualifications:·        Strong commercial and merchandising intuition with the ability to understand and create program profitability.·        Previous experience in retail partner or customer-facing roles within the consumer-packaged goods industry.·        Strategic agility to continuously adjust and adapt direction based on changing circumstances.·        Demonstrated ability to think holistically across product, pricing, promotion, and customer needs to drive business growth. This position reports directly to the Creative Director.

Created: 2025-02-21