Job Responsibilities
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Strong Project Management skills to ensure project initiatives are monitored, communicated and achieved
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Regularly assess risks associated with key project steps and facilitate the development of solutions with the project team
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Work cross-functionally internally (marketing, digital product, engineering, customer team, finance/accounting) and externally (suppliers and vendors) while supporting the development and commercialization of new products
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Support the development and completion of formal RFQs from different vendors and suppliers to support product development plans and Operations strategy initiatives
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Partner with the rest of Operations to understand vendor improvement opportunities, needs, and priorities, and how sourcing can improve the performance of A|U’s supply chain
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Adhere to budgets by monitoring expenses and assist with cost saving initiatives
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Works closely with the Physical Product Innovations core team to help design new product, define specifications, and prepare for go-live. Includes:
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R&D - works directly with Innovation Manager to marry concepts with capabilities so that ideas can be prototyped
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Prototyping Physical Product - own project management of early stages of product development and prototyping with suppliers and potential production partners
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Samples - own project management of final product samples to ensure all product requirements are met prior to LOS (correct specifications, packaging, shipping requirements, in box marketing material, etc)
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Physical Test Orders - own management and execution of physical product test orders needed to meet go-live goals; coordinates with Digital Product and Product Listing for end to end approval
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Communicates all relevant information Customer Experience team needs to support new product
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Supporting supply chain team risk management plans relating to sourcing, purchasing, and overall supply chain strategy
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Developing new sourcing strategies and negotiating prices with vendors/suppliers to manage costs while optimizing quality and lead-times.
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Working with suppliers to develop new capabilities and to improve existing products by providing feedback on their design or performance
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Source and qualify new vendors and suppliers as dictated by business strategy, physical product innovation needs, and supply chain objectives
Qualifications
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Strong project management skills and experience using a common project management software tool; e.g. Asana, MS Project, etc.
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Experience working in a role developing and launching physical products
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2+ years sourcing new vendors or suppliers, qualifying them, and establishing strong partnerships
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The ability to travel (3-5 times per year, domestically)
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Strong communication and time management skills
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College degree or equivalent experience required
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Knowledge of print manufacturing strongly desired
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Experience working with a 3PL or other fulfillment provider
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Knowledge of the Supply chain operations principles, procedures, and best practices.
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Knowledge of Six Sigma concepts and lean methodologies, especially as they pertain to supply chain management