Leis Pet Distributing Inc Hiring for Product Manager (Brands) Full Time

Leis Pet Distributing is a privately owned company with warehouses and offices located in Wellesley, Ontario and Moncton, New Brunswick. As a full line distributor of pet food and accessories, we deliver to a network of over 800 independent Retail Pet Food Stores throughout central and south-western Ontario, northern and eastern Ontario and in the Maritime Provinces. We recently celebrated our 27th year in business and have expanded to our warehouse facilities. Come and join a dynamic, fun, pet loving team and help us build the future!

We are currently seeking a high-energy, collaborative, relationship focused Product Managerto join our Business Development team.

Location: Hybrid – three days in our Wellesley office and two days working from home

A Snapshot of the job:

The Product Manager, under the direction of the Business Strategy Manager, will primarily be responsible for new product development planning and management. This position will develop and implement communication and promotion strategies for existing vendors and product lines. This role will also be involved with the selection and development of new vendors and to bring recommendations to the Business Strategy Manager with regards to product line rationalization. The Product Manager must possess a strong background in product management to be able to make decisions that match the consumer demands to the retailer needs within the marketing infrastructure and budget. The incumbent will also be knowledgeable about our pet product categories and segments as well as product design.

Responsibilities Include:

• New product development planning and management
• Develop and implement communication and promotion strategies
• Select and develop new vendors and bring recommendations
• Work with the Business Strategy Manager on product line rationalization
• Work with Marketing, Purchasing, Sales and the Warehouse team to ensure long term growth
• Aid in promoting brand initiatives consistent with corporate business goals and objectives
• Keep up-to-date on current marketing and industry trends
• Vendor relations, retention, growth, and profitability, including marketing, advertising, and promotional strategy & tactics planning
• P&L line responsibility – gross margin and marketing expenses
• Appropriate administration, budgeting, monitoring, ing, communication
• Responsible for conducting market research through on-going visits to customers and non-customers, vendors and potential vendors and through discussion with Sales team members
• Provide ongoing support and training to the Sales team
• Review price pages for accuracy, margins, proper descriptions, etc. with the Pricing Analyst before it is sent to vendors for approval
• Oversee the planning, communication, and creation of forms & tracking sheets for trade shows
• Collect and record vendor participation and promo details for trade shows
• Create deal sheet information in MS Excel with calculated discounts by item for trade show promotions
• Review monthly promotions for accuracy and ensure discounts are properly documented for the Purchasing and Credit departments

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking
• Time Management with a strong sense of urgency
• Problem Solving
• Innovative
• Effective Communication and active listening
• Client/Customer Focus
• Strong Attention to Detail
• Persuade, Influence and Negotiate

What we have to offer you:

• An opportunity to be part of a fun, growing industry
• Exposure to working with many of the departments in the company
• A “family” oriented, pet-loving environment
• A competitive compensation and benefits package
• A day off to celebrate your birthday!

What you will bring:

• Strong background in product management, market research, and client relations
• Post-secondary college diploma or university degree in business or marketing
• High proficiency in MS Excel, MS Word, and MS Outlook
• Demonstrated time management skills
• High level of integrity and work ethic
• Ability to work individually as well as part of a team
• Some travel required to attend US and Canadian Trade Shows

We thank all applicants for their interest in exploring employment opportunities with Leis Pet Distributing however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Leis Pet Distributing is committed to Employment Equity and maintaining a diverse workforce. Job applicants with a disability who require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process can contact Robyn Voin, Human Resources Manager. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Disability insurance
• Discounted or free food
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision care

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Marketing: 3 years (preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Wellesley, ON