TITLE: Project / Product Manager – Blu Dot Brand

REPORTS TO: Chief Operating Officer

EXPERIENCE: No less than three years of experience in project management, product development, account management, or product management. Experience in the furniture industry is preferred.

SUMMARY: You will be the advocate for and protector of our Blu Dot brand product, responsible for overseeing the health and welfare of all products in the line. During product development, you will coordinate with Design and Sales to establish a new product’s launch schedule, and then diligently manage the process, coordinating with internal departments as well as outside suppliers and suppliers, to bring the product to market on schedule. Once a product is in the line, you will provide ongoing support by monitoring and resolving quality issues and coordinating and implementing any changes to the products.

You will collaborate with various other departments, including Design, Sales, Marketing, Warehousing and our overseas team. You will be encouraged to be independent, diligent, resourceful and creative in managing your products as effectively and efficiently as possible.

BLU DOT: Blu Dot (www.bludot.com) is an innovative, modern furniture design company based in Minneapolis. The environment is dynamic and creative and a perfect fit for someone interested in making a meaningful contribution to a fast growing, successful business.

COMPENSATION: Compensation will be based on experience and qualifications. Benefits include paid vacation, 401(k) plan, group medical insurance, long term disability insurance, life insurance and employee discounts on product.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate with Marketing, Sales and Design to establish a new product’s development and implementation schedule;
• Manage internal resources (including Design, Marketing, Sales and our overseas team) and suppliers to bring new product to market on schedule;
• Develop a strategy for and manage the timely and effective completion of all aspects of product development, including:
• Sourcing
• Quoting
• Sampling and Prototyping
• Product Testing
• Research, identify and qualify potential suppliers (both domestic and international);
• Develop a strategic sourcing plan, for each product that accomplishes both financial and customer service objectives, throughout the life of the product;
• Facilitate technical communication between Design and outside suppliers and ensure that product issues are resolved as quickly and effectively as possible;
• Review incoming samples, prototypes and production with Design to verify  quality and follow up as required;
• Coordinate the timely and effective resolution of all quality issues (Quality Issue Reports) and product changes (Engineering Change Orders) of Blu Dot brand product;
• Manage and organize information and update databases as required to ensure all necessary parties have easy access to current product information and documentation;
• Provide ongoing support for Blu Dot brand product as necessary to maintain the highest product quality  and most positive customer experience;
• Travel overseas approximately 2-4 times per year to meet with suppliers and/or our overseas team;
• Initiate and participate in process improvement projects and/or miscellaneous special projects.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Self-motivated and independent worker with a can-do attitude;
• Strong supplier management and negotiating skills;
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills;
• Knowledge of product development and manufacturing processes;
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills;
• 4-year college degree;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and all other Microsoft Office applications;
• Passion for modern design is a plus.