Marketing and Product Development Manager

Company Background:  GAME – Great American Merchandise and Events is an International Event Marketing and Merchandising Company.  GAME licenses its branded events for non-profit fundraising in the U.S. and nine countries around the world.  GAME also markets and wholesales its line of merchandise to the pool and spa industry for retail.  GAME is located in North Scottsdale, Arizona and has a staff of 27. 

 

 Job Description: 

The Marketing/Product Development Manager position in the Merchandising Department assists in the development and execution of all marketing and product development for GAME.  Serve as a liaison for both internal and external parties, coordinating projects from concept stage through final execution/delivery.  Support VP of Product Development in the day-to-day execution of all product development and marketing elements.  Provide creative and strategic direction to Creative Services department.  Drive category and product-specific market research.

 

Responsibilities:Establish the strategic direction for marketing support materials including packaging, catalogs, sales presentations, trade advertisements, promotional materials and PR activities.Assist with evaluating new product ideas. Manage the product development process from conception to launch, establishing the timelines and key milestones, and ensuring that they are met. Develop product specifications for vendor quoting process. Assist in negotiating cost with vendors to ensure the best cost and value on all new items. Manage the product development process with overseas vendors to ensure that they are adhering to product specifications.Work closely with internal & external resources (creative, sales & operations, vendors, etc.)  to create and execute marketing and development plans.Drive category and product-specific market research. Identify market trends, search the marketplace, stay up-to-date with the “hottest” trends, and perform competitive analysis.Possible travel to Asia.

 

Qualifications:BA degree in Marketing  3-5 years Marketing/Product Development ExperienceExperience with sourcing in AsiaStrong analytical skills and a working knowledge of rotation, blow and injection molding processes a plus.MASS retail consumer product background preferred Excellent oral/written communication; organized; detailed oriented; outstanding follow-up skills.Proactive/self-starter with excellent problem solving ability and negotiation skillsAbility to manage multiple tasks effectively and strong project management skills

 

Benefits

 

The following information outlined will become effective after the 90-day probationary period has ended.

 

Education:  1-3 classes/seminars per year.

 

Tuition Reimbursement Program: GAME will pay up to 50% of the employee’s tuition fees and books for an evening and /or weekend degree program towards a degree which is related to business, marketing, advertising or job specific. Prior approval required. $2,500 cap per year.

 

Medical: Employer/ Employee jointly paid medical with $0 deductible with a $15 Co-pay (HMO plan).  GAME will pay $200 towards the medical plan that is chosen, HMO or PPO. The Employee is responsible for the balance of cost. Aetna is the HMO/PPO provider.

 

Personal Time Off (Vacation and Sick leave):  Time off is earned on an accrual basis. 0 days for the first 3 months, 2 days for the second 3 months, 5 days for the second half of the first year. Then 14 days per year thereafter. There is a flextime policy for other time off (4 hours per pay period).

 

401k Plan: Non-company sponsored plan.  Employee may defer up to 7.5% (or maximum permissible by law) of earnings into Company plan. Company does not match any contributions.  Company pays for maintenance and administrative fees.

 

Cafeteria Plan: This is a company sponsored plan in which employees can purchase a variety of additional insurance products (dental, life, supplemental), child care, eye glasses, etc…and maintain a flexible spending account with before tax earnings. The company’s contribution is $180 per year per employee.

 

 

Hours:  Full-time.

 

Location:  Scottsdale, Arizona

 

Projected Start Date:  September 2006

 

Reports to:  Vice President of Product Development

 

Equal Opportunity Employer

 

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE!!!