Associate Product Manager

michaels; Irving (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer match

Employee Assistance Program

medical coverage

dental coverage

vision coverage

telemedicine services

flexible spending accounts

commuter benefits

tuition assistance

adoption assistance

voluntary insurance options

Job summary

The Michaels Companies Inc. in Irving, Texas seeks an Associate Product Manager to help develop and manage our product portfolio.

You will collaborate with the Product Development Manager to bring innovative products to market, using market research, analytics, and project management to own defined product categories. Responsibilities include owning categories, shaping assortment, driving trend ideas, coordinating with branding and packaging teams, and monitoring post-launch performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 2-4 years of experience in product development, product management, private brand management, merchandising, or a related analytical/project-oriented role.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct market research and analyze data to inform product decisions.
• Proven project management skills, with experience managing tasks and timelines for small to medium-sized projects.
• Strong understanding of the product development lifecycle.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel and PowerPoint).
• Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Category/Product Feature Ownership & Support: Own smaller product categories and features from concept to launch under guidance.
• PB Assortment Strategy Contribution: Develop assortment strategies using market data, sales, and feedback.
• Product Development - Trend Ideation & Execution: Research emerging trends and translate findings into product concepts.
• Branding & Packaging Direction Collaboration: Align branding and packaging with product value propositions.
• Project Management & Execution: Lead timelines, resources, and stakeholder communication for product initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Serve as main contact between Trend, Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Packaging.
• Performance Monitoring & Analysis: Track post-launch performance and report on metrics and trends.

Skills

Market research

Project management

Communication

Data analysis

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Support Center - Irving

The Associate Product Manager will actively contribute to the development and management of our product portfolio, working closely with the Product Development Manager to bring innovative products to market. This role requires a blend of analytical thinking, strong communication, and project management skills, with an ownership over defined product categories. The Associate Product Manager will play a key role in developing product assortment, making strategic product decisions and ensuring seamless execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Category/Product Feature Ownership & Support: Take ownership of specific smaller product categories, product features, or components of larger product lines, managing their lifecycle from concept to launch under guidance. Conduct in-depth market research, competitive analysis, and consumer insights gathering to identify opportunities and inform product decisions for assigned areas.
• PB Assortment Strategy Contribution: Actively develop product assortment strategies by analyzing market data, sales performance, and customer feedback for designated categories. Propose new product ideas or enhancements based on insights and market trends.
• Product Development - Trend Ideation & Execution: Drive research into emerging trends, technologies, and consumer preferences, translating findings into actionable product concepts. Assist in defining detailed product requirements, user stories, and specifications for new products or features. Work directly with trend, design, product integrity and merchandising teams to ensure product development aligns with vision and specifications.
• Branding & Packaging Direction Collaboration: Collaborate with branding and packaging teams to ensure branding and packaging accurately reflect product value propositions and target audience.
• Project Management & Execution: Lead the project management of specific product initiatives or features, including timeline management, resource coordination, and stakeholder communication. Proactively identify and address potential project risks and challenges. Consult Product Development Manager as needed. Ensure all product launches are well-coordinated and executed effectively across internal teams.
• Cross-Functional (CF) Coordination: Serve as a key point of contact for assigned projects, facilitating communication and alignment between various departments (e.g.,Trend & Design, Merchant, Sourcing, Product Integrity, Michaels Global Sourcing Offices, Packaging). Present project updates and gather feedback from cross-functional teams.
• Performance Monitoring & Analysis: Monitor product performance post-launch, gathering data and insights to identify areas for improvement or future iterations. Prepare regular reports on product success metrics and market trends for management.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 2-4 years of experience in product development, product management, private brand management, merchandising, or a related analytical/project-oriented role.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct market research and analyze data to inform product decisions.
• Proven project management skills, with experience managing tasks and timelines for small to medium-sized projects.
• Strong understanding of the product development lifecycle.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel and PowerPoint).
• Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, Design, or a related field.
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
• Familiarity with Agile product development methodologies.
• Experience contributing to branding or packaging development.
• A strong passion for retail or arts & crafts industries.

Applicants in the U.S. must satisfy federal, state, and local legal requirements of the job.

At The Michaels Companies Inc., our purpose is to fuel the joy of creativity and celebration. As the leading destination for creating and celebrating in North America, we operate over 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada and online at Michaels.com and Michaels.ca . The Michaels Companies, Inc. also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of custom and specialty framing merchandise. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels is the best place for all things creative. For more information, please visit www.michaels.com .

Michaels offers a range of benefits to support team members and their families.

• 401(k) with employer match
• Employee Assistance Program
• medical coverage
• dental coverage
• vision coverage
• telemedicine services
• flexible spending accounts
• commuter benefits
• tuition assistance
• adoption assistance
• various voluntary insurance options

All team members enjoy everyday per