Product Developer-Fishing

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Product Developer
- Fishing & Marine is a key member of the product development team responsible for the development process and execution of Bass Pro Shop's branded products development in the fishing and marine product categories. The product developer will manage the development process working with designers, merchants, and vendors in taking product from the concept stage to production for the assigned projects and product lines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

* Performs market research and competitive analysis to fully understand the product category, brands, product positioning, feature sets, and required functional performance for assigned product/project development.

* Works with the product development team to identify/validate potential new product opportunities.

* Leads the development team in the product development timeline from seasonal strategy, concept reviews, planning, sample reviews, approvals, production release, product launch planning, and up to 1st PO receipts (as deemed necessary).

* Develops and documents project scope and product specifications with product development team.

* Works with designers to complete technical specification packages for factories to develop samples and quotations.

* Creates cost analysis to understand baseline target cost relative to margin requirements at targeted retail pricing.

* Reviews detail of Bill of Materials to ensure appropriate costing. Address potential roadblocks (costs
-tooling
-materials- technology) in pursuing projects and finds solutions or seeks resources to solve problems.

* Performs product review of samples, addresses challenges regarding specifications, materials, or pricing. Presents samples to other members of the development team for feedback and then communicates any revisions to the factory.

* Proactively identifies and addresses product and process improvement projects in advance of seasonal calendar start dates to be prepared for upcoming seasonal development.

* Develops understanding of vendor/factory capabilities to provide product/program sourcing and placement proposals to manager.

* Ensures product data management in PLM system or other tracking software to include information such as final specifications, specification sheets, costing, factory assignment, and development reviews.

* Provides field testers with final samples for testing (if needed); develop field testing requirements and conduct follow-up reviews with testers.

* Works with designers to develop packaging that is appropriate for the product and ensure it meets brand standards. Submit and review all product content for collateral materials to support product packaging, infographics, marketing, and digital media platforms.

* Coordinates with quality and vendors to ensure that all product testing procedures have been executed and advise on scheduling of new product factory PO audits.

* Ensure accuracy and submission of new item forms.

* Work cross functionally with other teams (merchandising, supply chain, retail, and marketing) to successfully bring products to market.

* ALL OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

EXPERIENCE/

QUALIFICATIONS:

* Minimum Degree

Required:

Associates degree in technical field

* Preferred Degree:
Bachelor's degree in Product Development, Design, or Business

* Years of experience: 5-7 years work experience with at least 3 years in a product development role. Industry knowledge in the fishing or marine category. Experience working with domestic and international supply bases.

* Avid angler with working knowledge of fishing gear, tackle, and fishing techniques.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY:

* Ability to use MS Office suite;
Proficient in use of MS Excel

* Strong analytical and trouble shooting skills

* Attention to detail: visually and functionally

* Well organized

* Ability to multi-task, excellent time management

* Team player with ability to be flexible to changing business situations

* Ability to work-around roadblocks using existing knowledge

* Sees the strategic goals of the company and can translate this to some aspects of their AOR

* Takes responsibility for the outcome of projects

* Strong verbal and written communication skills; confident to…