What are the responsibilities and job description for the Product Manager position at Chug Inc. / GEMS?
Gems is an award-winning company recognized for driving innovation and growth at the world's largest retailers. We blend the energy of a start-up culture with the expertise of a seasoned private label and national brand developer. Working with over 20 private label and exclusive brands, we develop products across categories including Electronics, Health, Beauty, and Home. Our international team of experts in design, development, engineering, trend forecasting, and market analysis supports seamless product development, filling gaps and driving business growth for the world's largest retailers. Recognized as Vendor of the Year twice at Target, Gems is committed to delivering high-quality, competitively priced products that meet retailer and customer needs.
We are looking for a motivated, Product Manager to join our team. This is a great opportunity for a recent graduate or someone with relevant experience who is eager to grow into a full product management role. Prior experience in product management or a related field is a plus but is not required. You'll work closely with our core product development team, gaining hands-on experience across the full product lifecycle, from concept and specification through sourcing, pricing, and launch. Over time, this role is designed to grow into full ownership of product programs and eventually entire categories. Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills, along with genuine curiosity about consumer products, are essential for success in this position.
Market & Data Analysis
• Conduct market analysis on competitive products and evaluate the retail landscape to
identify opportunities for new products.
• Use internal sales data and available market data tools to analyze product performance, track
trends, and inform strategic decision-making.
• Assist with consumer research on new products and emerging trends.
Product Development & Management
• Create cohesive product assortments based on market and competitive data analysis.
• Lead the development of products from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with
retailer directives and market trends.
• Work with design, project managers, engineering and overseas sourcing teams to ensure
product performance meets customer requirements and follows internal development
processes.
• Hands on development, test product samples and communicate opportunities for
improvement.
• Ensure all products meet regulatory standards and retailer specifications.
• Collaborate with overseas teams and factories to support sourcing of products across various
categories, ensuring quality, compliance, and competitive pricing.
Pricing, Sourcing & Retail Collaboration
• Create RFQs, manage quotes, and analyze costs from multiple manufacturing partners.
• Develop detailed pricing sheets, ensuring accurate cost breakdowns and alignment with
margin goals.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work with internal teams, including design, logistics, and planning, to ensure smooth product
development and delivery processes.
• Collaborate with retail partners like Target and Walmart to ensure product concepts,
timelines, and launches meet their needs and expectations.
Required
• Four-year degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Engineering, or
related disciplines).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and provide actionable insights.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and general comfort with data entry and spreadsheets.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and time management skills.
• Self-motivated, proactive individual who looks for ways to help rather than waiting for direction.
• Ability to learn and adapt quickly to the retail landscape and industry trends.
Preferred (not required)
• Prior internship or work experience in product management, merchandising, or a similar role.
• Experience with consumer products for mass retail.
• Knowledge of the electronics category, or a strong desire to learn about product development
and innovation in this space.
• Familiarity with data analysis
• Exposure to international sourcing and supply chain operations.
Chug Inc./Gems offers a competitive salary and benefits package, a casual work environment, and the opportunity to grow your career with a dynamic, innovative company.
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: On-Site, Eden Prairie
Salary based on previous experience.
*Local applicants only and you must be fully authorized to work in the USA.