The Product Manager, Guitar Accessories will be responsible for managing the development, merchandising, and go-to-market (GTM) strategy for Gibson’s guitar accessories portfolio, including picks, straps, cases, pedals, and other related products. The role is integral to expanding the accessories product line, driving omni-channel growth, and increasing Gibson’s market share in the accessories category.
The Product Manager will lead the end-to-end product lifecycle, from ideation to consumer delivery, ensuring that each accessory product is aligned with Gibson's brand heritage while also meeting modern consumer needs. They will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, operations, and sales, to deliver innovative products and ensure a seamless customer experience across all touchpoints.
Essential Functions
Category Strategy & Business Planning:
- Develop and execute category strategies for Gibson guitar accessories that align with overall company vision and business goals.
- Lead business planning and manage product roadmaps to ensure growth in revenue and profitability.
Product Merchandising & Price Management:
- Oversee product merchandising strategies, ensuring alignment with market demand, pricing strategies, and margin targets.
- Develop comprehensive pricing models that reflect brand value and drive margin performance.
- Ensure that the accessory portfolio resonates with both musicians and retailers, balancing tradition with innovation.
Product Development & Lifecycle Management:
- Product Range Management, Item Set Up and Lifecycle Maintenance in System (in D365)
- Collaborate with design and engineering teams to lead product ideation, prototyping, and development.
- Manage the product lifecycle from concept through launch, ensuring timely market entry.
- Work with sourcing and manufacturing teams to ensure product quality and consistency.
GTM Strategy & Market Penetration:
- Develop and implement go-to-market (GTM) strategies to launch new products and grow existing ones.
- Assess and refine distribution models, determining whether owned or third-party channels are best for delivering the product to consumers.
- Lead the execution of DTC initiatives and improve sell-through performance in online and physical retail channels.
- Development of Sell In Tools: Catalogue, Presentations, Pricelist, Line list, and Samples
Marketing Collaboration:
- Partner with the marketing team to create engaging campaigns for new and existing accessories that amplify brand visibility and consumer engagement.
- Ensure consistency in messaging and branding across all channels, including eCommerce platforms, social media, and retail outlets.
- Oversee packaging design and presentation for accessories to ensure alignment with Gibson’s iconic brand image.
Data Analytics & Business Insights:
- Utilize data analytics to monitor sales performance, track key metrics (revenue, margin, inventory), and identify opportunities for optimization.
- Create and present business insights reports to senior leadership, providing actionable recommendations based on data.
Operations Collaboration:
- Work closely with operations, supply chain, and logistics teams to ensure product availability, compliance, and cost-efficiency.
- Collaborate on inventory management to minimize stock-outs and optimize inventory turnover.
Special Projects:
- Lead or participate in cross-functional projects to improve processes, implement new initiatives, or expand product categories.
Required Skills/Abilities
Leadership & Strategic Thinking:
- Strong transformational leadership skills, capable of setting clear direction and driving execution across cross-functional teams.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex product portfolios with a focus on profitable growth.
- Strong financial acumen, with the ability to manage P&L and create data-driven business cases.
Delivering Results:
- Results-driven, with a focus on meeting business objectives and consumer satisfaction.
- Proven ability to work autonomously while effectively collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Ability to adapt quickly to changes and pivot strategies as necessary.
Product Development & Merchandising:
- Experience leading product development processes, from ideation through to market introduction.
- Strong understanding of retail math, merchandising strategies, and assortment planning.
- Experience in managing vendor relationships and collaborating with creative agencies for product design and development.
Business Development & Data Analytics:
- Proficient in using data to track performance, evaluate product success, and identify new market opportunities.
- Skilled in developing dashboards and tracking KPIs to ensure product and business success.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills:
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and concisely to stakeholders at all levels.
- Proven ability to build strong relationships across the organization and lead collaborative efforts.
- Strong presentation skills, both in delivering strategy presentations and crafting visually compelling reports.
Required Education and Experience
- 5-7 years of experience in product management, merchandising, or category management, preferably in a branded consumer goods industry (experience in musical instruments or related industries is a plus).
- Demonstrated success in managing product portfolios from concept through to market delivery.
- Strong knowledge of GTM strategy, product lifecycle management, and product development processes.
- Experience in both DTC and retail distribution models.
- Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Product Management, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
Essential Knowledge
- Experience in Guitar Accessories is a must
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word), as well as project management and product lifecycle tools (e.g., PLM, ERP).
- Familiarity with data analytics platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) and retail/eCommerce systems (e.g., Shopify, Salesforce).
- Understanding of retail math, merchandising metrics, and pricing strategies.
Personal Qualities
- Passion for music, guitars, and the lifestyle surrounding the Gibson brand.
- Entrepreneurial spirit with a drive to innovate and expand product categories.
- Strong team player, capable of working across diverse teams and motivating others to achieve business objectives.
- Proactive, solution-oriented approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
Travel Requirements
- This position is mostly office based but may involve travel.
Physical Demands
- Light lifting is required.