Associate Product Manager (Strategic Sourcing)
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About this role
Associate Product Manager
Location: Easton (Onsite)
Department: Merchandising / Category Management
Employment Type: Full-Time
About the Role
Phillips Pet Food & Supplies is seeking a driven and analytical Associate Product Manager to support the development and execution of category strategies, purchasing activities, and merchandising plans. This role plays a critical part in driving profitable growth, optimizing inventory performance, and strengthening vendor partnerships to help Phillips become the preferred distribution platform in the pet industry.
What You’ll Do
Category Strategy & Business Insights
- Support development of category and segment strategies that drive financial performance and align with merchandising, purchasing, and company objectives.
- Provide actionable insights using data analysis to support category decisions and deliver strong business results.
- Assist in delivering financial targets across key KPIs: sales, gross margin, turnover, inventory, write‑offs, and GMROI.
Merchandising, Forecasting & Inventory Management
- Create and maintain item‑level forecasts leveraging historical demand and sales projections.
- Make assortment recommendations to optimize brand and SKU performance (additions, growth opportunities, exits).
- Support promotional planning, inventory optimization, SKU rationalization, and category merchandising initiatives.
Cross‑Functional & Vendor Collaboration
- Partner with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and other internal teams to align on category objectives and execute vendor and customer plans.
- Participate in industry shows and maintain regular engagement with vendors to stay informed on trends, competition, and channel strategies.
- Support the development and flawless execution of new brand and product launches.
Sourcing & Procurement Support
- Lead sourcing initiatives to identify and evaluate suppliers based on cost, quality, reliability, and service.
- Oversee purchase order creation, tracking, reconciliation, and accuracy.
- Implement cost‑optimization strategies, such as supplier consolidation and value analysis.
- Ensure all procurement activities align with internal policies and compliance requirements.
- Identify and mitigate procurement risks including supply disruptions, price volatility, and overbuys.
Growth & Development
- Gain exposure to vendor and category management with the goal of progressing toward a more strategic role.
- Support additional initiatives and projects as assigned.
What You Bring
Key Competencies
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong collaborative mindset and partnership skills
- Strategic thinker with solid business acumen
- Exceptional analytical and problem‑solving abilities
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to work under tight deadlines
- Resourcefulness and intrinsic motivation
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA a plus
- 1–3 years of category management, brand management, merchandising, purchasing, or replenishment experience
- Experience in distribution purchasing or procurement preferred
- Demonstrated ability to make financially sound decisions
- Strong understanding of procurement processes, vendor selection, and contract negotiation
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Proven ability to manage supplier relationships and mitigate procurement risks
INDPPFS