Director of New Product Development - Specialty Play Group

Summary

The position is responsible for new product development strategy, working with the marketing and design teams to execute product launches as well as maintain current product lines and collaborating on new products for the Specialty Play Division. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Promotes the Company’s mission and values based culture through analysis of product in the marketplace and associated marketing materials to determine opportunities for new product and or improving current products to create a competitive advantage for Specialty Play products.
2. Conduct detailed and thorough research and analysis of competitor’s products to anticipate trends and determine gaps in the industry for possible new products.
3. Conduct a monthly analysis of current product lines, customer mix, product mix, and margin impact.
4. Maintain the product development launch schedule
5. Work directly with the design team to develop innovative and effective new products
6. Work closely with Product Teams (Engineering, CAD, Quality Control, Manufacturing, Design) to ensure goals are accomplished
7. Develop and communicate product training presentations for external audiences
8. Develop and communicate presentations on product status
9. Schedule, lead and promote Product Team meetings as appropriate
10. Execute product training for the CAD quoting department and all other customers of the marketing department as appropriate.
11. Maintain appropriate product margins on all new product
12. Work with Marketing to develop sales tools on new products including: product release sheets, sell sheets, video, PowerPoint presentations and slides.
13. Communicate new products and existing product marketing on company internal and external websites in conjunction with the Marketing team.
14. Support direction of product photography for Specialty Play brands
15. Provide strategic planning for product launch activities at trade shows
16. Plan and support execution of product-based promotional activity.
17. Coordinate with marketing communications to communicate product marketing through annual product catalog design and planning 

Competencies

• Analytical Decision-Making
• Communication
• Learning & Development
• Planning & Organizing
• Professionalism & Integrity
• Financial Management
• Risk-Taking/Creative Thinking
• Teamwork & Relationship-Building
• Results Orientation
• EEO Accountability
• Managing Others 

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor Degree from an accredited college in Marketing or related field, Master’s preferred.
• 5-7 years of experience leading a product line or marketing team.

Travel

Travel typically within North America for trade shows, business meetings and leadership development 

Computer Skills

Demonstrated proficiency with MS Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Access and other web based computer programs.

PlayCore and its family of brands considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.