Sporting Goods Product Manager

Job Title:

Associate Product Manager – Volleyball, Soccer (Footwear and Soft Goods)

Reports To:

Manager of Product – Team Sports

Direct Reports:
No

Mizuno Corporation was established in Osaka, Japan by Rihachi Mizuno in 1906. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Mizuno USA is located in Peachtree Corners, GA and manufactures and distributes the highest quality sporting equipment, footwear, and apparel. World champions and dedicated enthusiasts alike regard Mizuno as the pinnacle in craftsmanship and performance for baseball, golf, pickleball, running, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, volleyball, and more.

For 120 years, we have followed the principle of "contributing to society through the advancement of sporting goods and the promotion of sports." Every global Mizuno Team Member wholeheartedly believes in this purpose and lives it on a daily basis.

If you believe in the power of sports to generate happiness, and want to apply your talents to help athletes at every level of competition achieve their very best, you are the kind of person we want on our team!

The Associate Product Manager responsibilities include product lifecycle management, budgeting, demand forecasting, vendor/supplier selection, price negotiations, and inventory classification for assigned product categories. Additionally, the Associate Product Manager will be responsible for the overall management of the product category, including assortment planning, product development, product training, marketing, and promotional direction in alignment with the brand strategy, philosophy, and corporate values.

The Product Manager will perform specific tasks like the following:

• Overall management of the product category, including assortment planning, product development, mid-term planning, product training, lifecycle management, marketing, and promotional direction
• Market analysis and product creation within assigned categories, aimed at achieving budgeted market share, revenue, operating income, and gross margin goals
• Conduct market research and gather market intelligence through consumers, dealers, and coaches. Travel to tournaments, dealer/customers, and events to conduct primary research and validate secondary research
• Develop and maintain a detailed category budget, establishing initial forecasts and sales and margin goals for assigned categories
• Work with global Headquarters and/or other global sourcing partners to ensure profitability and production requirements are met, along with compliance with internal quality, durability, and standards of brand and logo positioning
• Conduct research and development of new and existing products, including appropriate wear and factory testing programs
• Collaborate with Sales Management to develop plans for ensuring balanced mix, cross-category assortment, and account profitability
• Work with other Associate Marketing Managers to develop merchandising, POS aids, cooperative programs, catalogs, brochures, packaging, and collateral materials, including product specifications and product copy for the assigned categories
• Develop and maintain SKU efficiency and profitability goals for assigned categories
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to ensure production, budget, and inventory levels align with corporate targets
• Present product lines at sales meetings and trade shows, contributing to the education of both internal and external stakeholders related to product information and the benefits of Mizuno’s products and brand
• Engage in ongoing and frequent communication with Mizuno Corporation Japan (MCJ) product experts and partners
• Oversee demand forecasting and inventory classification for assigned categories
• Aid in vendor/supplier selection, along with price negotiations
• Assist…