Shank’s Extracts, LLC d/b/a Universal Ingredients – Shank’s is a premier manufacturer of vanilla extracts, other extracts, natural and artificial flavors, food colors, syrups, and sauces. Shank’s quality products are widely distributed to industrial, private-label, and grocery customers worldwide. We have an immediate opening for a Product Manager.
Available Immediately Upon Hire: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, HSA, EAP, ID Theft, 401K, and PTO.
Disclaimer: Shank’s Extracts manufactures various products that identify as major food allergens (milk, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans) as well as several other food ingredients. We cannot guarantee you will not be exposed to skin and/or odor contact with these various ingredients. Your health and safety are our number one priority, and we will do our best to accommodate within reason.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:
The Product Manager serves as the leader and owner of an assigned product category, also known as the Portfolio. The Product Manager is responsible for driving profitable growth of the Portfolio in partnership with the Commercial, R&D, Operations and Finance Teams.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Evaluate and organize existing library of products.
- Perform competitor analysis and in-depth market research to create a roadmap for the development and launch of new Portfolio products to meet the needs of the market.
- Develop product positioning and messaging that differentiates the Portfolio across targeted market segments in collaboration with Marketing and develop customer presentations that highlight the products in the Portfolio.
- Drive Business Development activities of the Portfolio, working closely with the Commercial team to identify new customers, new market segments, as well as expand revenue generating opportunities with existing customers.
- Attend customer meetings in support of the Commercial team and provide technical knowledge about the Portfolio and the applications.
- Lead routine meetings with Commercial and Finance Teams to align on pricing strategy and margin analysis, and with the R&D and Marketing Teams to align on Portfolio roadmap.
- Monitor progress on Portfolio related projects and provide support as needed with Portfolio offerings that align with project objectives to ensure that project goals are met in a timely manner.
- Develop product pricing strategies.
- Analyze Portfolio margins monthly, and identify opportunities for margin enhancement in collaboration with Operations and R&D.
- Collaborate with R&D to develop finished product applications that highlight the Portfolio items.
- Provide support for supply chain and operations in the evaluation of strategic suppliers / partners, procurement of raw materials and manufacturing of products in the Portfolio.
- Attend trade shows regularly to interface with customers, identify new potential customers, analyze the competitive landscape, and identify new trends in the market.
- Lead internal training on the products in the Portfolio across all relevant departments.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS NEEDED:
- Strong organizational skills, leadership skills, communication skills and interpersonal skills.
- A collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively on a team.
- Passion for building innovative consumer products.
- Ability to engage with and influence a diverse set of stakeholders.
- Entrepreneurial mindset.
- English comprehension including speaking, reading, and writing is required for our business's necessity to ensure a safe and effective work environment.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Management or related field is preferred.
- At least 3 years of product management experience is preferred.
- Experience in food or beverage manufacturing is preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Sits 50% of the time and uses a computer and keyboard.
- Stands and walks 50% of the time.
- Frequent Phone Conversations and meetings
- Seldom exposed to dust, dirt, cold, fumes, noise, dryness, wetness, vibration, and poor ventilation. Occasional exposure to heat, and odors. Light work requires little physical effort.
- Exposure to food allergens such as, but not limited to, milk eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans will occur.
Conduct, Quality, Integrity, and Culture
Conduct: We will conduct every aspect of our business with honesty, integrity, and openness, respecting human rights and the interests of our employees, customers, and third parties.
Quality: Shank’s is committed to food safety and product quality. We employ extensive food safety programs and controls at all levels. Our quality standards and food safety procedures are thoroughly being evaluated internally and externally. We continuously strive to improve our performance.
Integrity: Shank’s and its employees will not offer, give, seek or receive, either directly or indirectly, improper inducements for business or financial gain. Where information is confidential, that confidentiality must be protected.
Culture: Shank’s respects the cultural values of our employees, contractors, and customers. We also promote a balanced work-life environment. We recognize and celebrate our employees for their hard work and the contributions they make to our company.
Shanks Core Values:
ASPIRATION: Share a vision for achievement
ACCOUNTABILITY: Support company reputation
ADAPTABILITY: Evolve to meet business needs
***Competitive compensation and benefits package***
Shank’s Extracts, LLC d/b/a Universal Ingredients – Shank’s is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Employer.