What are the responsibilities and job description for the Product/Project Manager - VIRO position at Hammerton?
As a Project & Product Manager at Viro, you will play a dual role in overseeing both the execution of our product development projects and shaping product direction based on market needs. You will gather customer and market feedback, translate insights into technical specifications, and communicate them to vendors to ensure our products meet market demands. Additionally, you will manage project timelines, coordinate cross-functional teams, and maintain strong supplier relationships. This role also requires occasional travel to China to identify, evaluate, and build relationships with new vendors, ensuring we partner with the best suppliers for our brand.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- A Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Business or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.
- Proficiency in Mandarin is required to effectively collaborate with and manage Asian suppliers.
Product Management Responsibilities
- Gather and analyze customer feedback and market trends to define product requirements.
- Translate insights into technical specifications for new product development.
- Work closely with the design and marketing teams to ensure product positioning aligns with brand and customer expectations.
- Communicate technical and design requirements clearly to vendors and oversee the product development process.
Project Management Responsibilities
- Manage and track project timelines, risks, and deliverables while ensuring alignment across design, marketing, quality, and supply chain teams.
- Provide regular project updates, including status reports, risk assessments, and mitigation plans.
- Work closely with Asian suppliers, ensuring quality standards, on-time production, and efficient collaboration.
- Act as the primary liaison for supplier communication, negotiation, and relationship management.
- Travel to China as needed to identify, vet, and establish relationships with new vendors, ensuring supply chain efficiency and product quality.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration to ensure smooth product launches and continuous improvement.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Proven experience in product management and project management, preferably in the lighting, manufacturing, or consumer goods industries.
- Ability to gather and analyze customer insights and translate them into actionable product specifications.
- Strong ability to communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Excellent team collaboration skills, with experience working across departments such as design, marketing, quality, and supply chain.
- Requires a deep understanding of cultural norms, business practices, and work environments in both the US and China to effectively bridge communication, negotiate, and problem-solve.
- Fluent in Mandarin and English, with the ability to manage and coordinate with suppliers in Asia.
- Willingness and ability to travel to China occasionally to assess new suppliers and strengthen existing partnerships.
- Exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to risk management.
- Experience working with global supply chains and manufacturers is a plus.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift 15 pounds.
- Must be able to travel.
