Location: Markham, Ontario
Job Description:
Job Summary
Reporting to the Product Manager, the Product Analyst is a supportive role, that will assist in project managing the critical path of product launches from concept to execution. This highly cross-functional role facilitates the on-strategy and timely delivery of the Stage Gate process for new products and updates to existing products. This highly hands on role requires a roll-up your sleeves attitude and a results driven mindset. Success in this role will require a highly organized, detail-oriented (accurate and thorough), excellent communicator who can effectively collaborate cross-departmentally, who is solutions-oriented and who thrives in a high-tempo, dynamic and changing environment.
What’s the Role?
As a Product Analyst, you’ll be an important contributor across the lifecycle of our proprietary branded product portfolio. From concept to execution, you’ll be working cross-functionally to ensure our products are the highest quality, our packaging adheres to our brand guides, our launches are consistently on time, and our launch communication is impactful for all of our devoted pet lovers. Reporting to the Product Manager, the Product Analyst will own critical paths and communicate timelines regularly with cross-functional departments including category buyers, replenishment, and marketing.
So if you’re a highly hands, data driven person with a results oriented mindset and a desire to be a part of a growing company – this role is for you!
Essential Duties
Product
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Manage all aspects of new item setup and item maintenance. This includes vendor data, life cycle and listing types, item descriptions, web info and appropriate duty classification & import permits are in place.
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Generates and compiles data as requested by Product Managers for use in product opportunity evaluation from both internal and external sources.
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Manages packaging review process with both internal teams and external third-party vendors and consultants (Proofing, translations and AAFCO Consulting) to ensure timely delivery of packaging materials.
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Collaborate with Marketing Manager to execute marketing/promotional activities e.g., sample coordination, social media, fulfilment of vendor support agreements, shelf talkers and product imagery, etc.
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Assist Product Manager with evaluation of component cost changes through production and analysis of cost change templates
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Maintains competitive pricing analysis file for use in evaluating and recommendation of pricing across various Proprietary Brands for both existing and new product pricing evaluation.
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Act as a liaison between the project team and design team to ensure accuracy & consistency of brand artwork and dyelines
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Support the PM in chairing kick-off meetings to ensure team alignment to the project strategy by gathering information and samples.
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Collaborate with Merchandising, Marketing & Training team to prepare store communications for new products, sales information, training materials, POP packages, etc.
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Work cross functionally with web site team to ensure correct product content, copy and images
Project Management
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Develop project timelines and continually communicate to cross-functional team members
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Monitor the development and execution process to ensure on- time and on-strategy delivery of new products and updates to existing products.
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Manage the critical path for all active projects and report on project status.
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Task management in Asana
Vendor Management
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Processes and tracks all Vendor invoicing to ensure timely payment and proper designation of charges.
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Support vendor communications regarding, product setups, product specifications and cost adjustments as necessary.
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Requests and coordinates product samples from vendors as required.
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Handles vendor questions/issues/problems on an as needed basis
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Maintain all product specifications up-to-date within all relevant systems (including but not limited to GS1, Simplista)
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Collect and keep up-to-date all product specifications
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Liaise with the vendor and internal quality assurance team to ensure all product or customer related concerns and/or requests have been addressed
Reporting
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Gathers competitive information such as new product launches, new brand launches, and maintains competitive vendor catalogues (product images and Features & Benefits information) for easy product comparisons and analysis.
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Tracks and reviews sales performance of new launches relative to forecast and identifies divergence from anticipated performance.
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Generates and analyzes data concerning item performance and provides recommendations to Product Manager and Merchandising concerning possible changes or improvements.
Experience & Education:
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2+ years of experience, retail experience considered an asset
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Post-Secondary education with a focus in Business or Marketing
Competencies:
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Very customer service oriented
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Strong organizational skills
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Works well interdepartmentally
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Attention to detail
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Ability to multi-task and prioritize with a high sense of urgency.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills
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Ability to adapt in high-paced environment
Skills:
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Demonstrated strong knowledge and experience in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint
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Experience with Tableau and Asana is considered an asset
#CORPHIRE
