Associate Product Manager, Retail and Cruise Merchandise

Location: Cleveland, OH (Hybrid)

 Job Type: Full-Time

About Pulsar

Pulsar is a trend-driven product company that creates and delivers assortments designed to lead, sell, and perform across retail, cruise, and entertainment channels.

We partner with leading retailers, cruise lines, and entertainment brands to develop product programs that drive conversion, increase sell-through, and generate repeat purchase. From impulse and seasonal programs to curated collections, our products are built to perform in high-traffic environments.

Our model integrates product, creative, sales, and global supply into one cohesive system, enabling speed to market and consistent execution. With deep expertise across trend, design, sourcing, and production, we deliver end-to-end programs built for real-world retail performance.

Position Overview

The Associate Product Manager supports the development and execution of product programs across multiple customers, categories, and channels, including retail, cruise, and entertainment.

This role is responsible for owning defined portions of product programs from concept through delivery, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and on-time execution. The Associate Product Manager works within established program structures and partners closely with Sales, Creative, and Global Supply to support program development and delivery.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Product Program Ownership

• Own assigned portions of product programs from concept through delivery
• Build and maintain SKU-level details, including product specifications, costing, and pricing inputs
• Ensure all assigned components are accurate, complete, and ready for integration into final programs
• Deliver assigned work on time and aligned with program requirements

Business & Financial Management

• Support pricing, costing, and margin analysis across SKUs
• Maintain accurate product data, pricing, and program documentation
• Ensure accuracy across costing, product specifications, and system setup
• Identify discrepancies or issues and escalate as needed

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Product Developers and Creatives to execute program requirements
• Coordinate with Sales, Global Supply, and factory partners to gather inputs on sourcing, cost, feasibility, and timelines
• Communicate updates, timelines, and action items across teams
• Follow through on assigned tasks to ensure program progress

Product Development Support

• Assist in identifying new product opportunities across retail, cruise, and entertainment channels
• Stay informed on industry trends and consumer insights to support product development
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis
• Support product sample reviews, packaging, and presentation development
• Contribute to merchandising plans and program setup 

Program Management & Process Improvement

• Manage multiple tasks and program components across customers and timelines
• Maintain systems, trackers, and documentation used to support product programs
• Ensure all work is complete, accurate, and ready for integration into final deliverables
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, tools, and execution processes

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• 1-3 years of experience in product management or related roles
• Familiarity with consumer products and how they perform in retail, cruise, or entertainment environments
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication and collaboration skills
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment 
• Ability to travel periodically for trade shows, competitive shopping, and retail store visits 

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in data analysis, pricing, and margin support using spreadsheet tools
• Experience managing tasks and workflows using project management systems
• Experience working with product lifecycle management (PLM), product information management (PIM), or similar systems preferred
• Ability to leverage AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or similar) to improve workflow efficiency and analysis
• Ability to use data and systems to support execution accuracy and program tracking 

Benefits 

• Paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) plan
• Simple IRA plan with company matching
• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA) for eligible expenses
• Hybrid schedule, Tuesday-Thursday in-office and Monday/Friday work-from-home Additional in-office time may be required based on project demands
• A family-owned company with an established entrepreneurial culture
• Downtown Cleveland location (Asia Town/Tyler Village) with free parking
• Cleveland entertainment budget to enhance work-life balance

This position offers a competitive compensation package, with pay commensurate with experience within the $65,000-70,000 range.

Why Pulsar

• Entrepreneurial, fast-paced environment with high ownership
• Collaborative team across product, sales, creative, and global supply
• Opportunity to build products that reach global retail and entertainment markets
• Hybrid work environment with flexibility