Associate Product Manager

The Michael's Companies; Irving (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The Michaels Companies in Irving, TX is seeking an Associate Product Manager to own small product categories from concept to launch. You will conduct market research, analyze data, and contribute to assortment strategies while coordinating with design, branding, and merchandising teams.

Responsibilities include defining requirements, drafting user stories, leading cross-functional projects, and monitoring post-launch performance. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 2–4 years 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

• Own category features from concept to launch under guidance.
• Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and consumer insights gathering.
• Develop product assortment strategies by analyzing market data, sales performance, and customer feedback.
• Drive trend ideation and translate findings into actionable product concepts.
• Define product requirements, user stories, and specifications for new products or features.
• Collaborate with branding, design, packaging, and merchandising teams.
• Lead project management of product initiatives, timelines, and stakeholders.
• Monitor post-launch performance and prepare reports on success metrics.

Skills

Market research

Project management

Communication

Product lifecycle

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

PLM systems

Agile

Job description

## Associate Product ManagerApply: Irving-Irving Corporate Office-3939 West John Carpenter Freeway: Full time: Posted Today: R00325753Support Center - IrvingThe 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.**