Associate Product Manager

Company Overview

Trends International, LLC is a leading publisher and distributor of licensed products, including posters, calendars, social stationery, stickers, and related items. Serving major retailers through facilities in key locations, Trends is dedicated to delivering high-quality creative products that inspire and engage audiences worldwide.

Job Summary:

The Associate Product Manager supports the development, execution, and performance of assigned product lines (Sports Posters, Scholastic Posters, Novelty Import Posters). This role is responsible for managing line plans, overseeing production timelines, analyzing sales performance, and ensuring product profitability. The position collaborates cross-functionally to bring products to market efficiently while aligning with company strategy and financial objectives.

General Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain detailed product line plans aligned with company strategy and licensing objectives.
• Oversee production schedules, ensuring timelines are met through coordination with internal teams and vendors.
• Evaluate product viability using forecasting, market trends, and historical performance data.
• Manage product costs and margins, including reviewing P&L documents and partnering with finance on cost optimization.
• Collaborate with vendors to negotiate pricing and maintain quality standards while identifying new partnership opportunities.
• Monitor and analyze product sales by format, retailer, and category to identify trends and recommend improvements.
• Provide actionable insights to drive sales performance and inform product strategy.
• Coordinate development of marketing collateral and sales materials to support product launches.
• Oversee website updates to ensure accurate and timely product information.
• Partner with sales teams to address account needs, resolve issues, and support product assortment planning.
• Provide strategic input on product and title mix by account based on performance and customer needs.
• Coordinate product development with design and editorial teams to ensure quality and efficiency.
• Recommend new licenses and evaluate licensing opportunities with supporting financial projections.
• Identify and propose new product opportunities aligned with market trends and company goals.
• Conduct competitive analysis to inform product positioning and strategy.
• Advise on inventory levels and adjust production schedules to align with demand.
• Provide guidance and informal training to coordinators to ensure adherence to processes and standards.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support the product development team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data, forecasts, and market trends.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Strong project management skills, including organization, prioritization, and timeline management.
• Negotiation skills with the ability to manage vendor relationships and optimize costs.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to evaluate opportunities and align decisions with company goals.
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or related field preferred, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 2–4 years of experience in marketing or product management within consumer products.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required; experience with Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, vendors, customers, and business partners through verbal, written, and electronic means.
• Ability to operate a computer, keyboard, telephone, and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to lift and move product weight up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to review, analyze, and interpret data, reports, contracts, financial documents, and other business materials.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Trends International, LLC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA). Per the ADA, Trends International, LLC will make reasonable accommodation for known physical or mental disabilities of a qualified and disabled applicant or employee. Trends International, LLC may decline to accommodate the request should it cause an undue hardship on the operations of the company. It is the responsibility of the employee or applicant to request accommodation. The individual should identify what accommodation they believe is needed to successfully perform the functions of the job above. Employees may be asked to provide medical evidence to support the need for the requested accommodation. Please contact the People & Culture department with any questions or requests for accommodation.