Product Manager

AVRE is a private, non-profit organization that creates opportunities for success and independence with people who are blind or visually impaired. Unique for a non-profit, we follow a hybrid business model. On one hand, AVRE clinical staff provide a range of vision rehabilitation services to people of all ages across our nine-county service territory – Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Schuyler, Tioga, and Tompkins. On the other, we run a business. Our Business Division includes the manufacture of a variety of paper-based office products, customized contract packaging, and several switchboard operations.

AVRE has been serving the Southern Tier of New York for over 90 years. Our Downtown Binghamton facility houses our administrative and clinical staff offices, as well as the majority of our Business Division. We also staff and manage switchboards at two VA Hospitals downstate – Castle Point and Montrose. Part of what makes AVRE unique is that the revenue generated from the Business Division is invested in our Vision Rehabilitation department thereby offsetting the cost of providing services. Within the Business Division, over 90% of our employees are blind or visually impaired. AVRE employs people who are blind throughout the organization, including its President/CEO, Ken Fernald.

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Product Manager

Reports to: Director of Business Development

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The Product Manager will work with the Director of Business Development in managing new and existing product lines within the state and federal markets. AVRE supports two mandatory source programs (US AbilityOne Program - federal market and New Yor State Preferred Source Program (NYSPSP)- New York state market) through the manufacturing of products. This position will manage the introduction of new products and maintenance of existing products within these two markets. This position will proactively maintain all product information on marketing channels such as partner websites, databases and portals.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS:

The incumbent is not directly responsible for the work of others, however, will provide direction and leadership to others in accomplishing business development and overall product sales and marketing tasks.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

· Communication with the Director of Business Development is ongoing.

· Communication with the Vice President of Business Strategies is ongoing.

· Communication with internal departments is ongoing.

· Communications with vendors, suppliers, customers, and other business partners is ongoing.

· Communication with NIB, NYSPSP, and other distribution channel operators and managers is ongoing.

· Communication with related sales and marketing personnel (associated agencies, etc.) is regular.

SUPERVISION REQUIRED

The position requires the ability to work independently but will report to the Director of Business Development.

EDUCATION REQUIRED

Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related discipline required. Experience with the US AbilityOne Program and the State Preferred Source Program is recommend but not required.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Minimum 3 years of experience in marketing, product support, or a related role. Relevant experience may include developing digital and print marketing materials, coordinating marketing campaigns, or supporting product development activities. Experience in a manufacturing or nonprofit environment is preferred.

TRAINING AND SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

A. Excellent writing skills, exhibiting strong accuracy and attention to detail.

B. Strong time management and organization skills.

C. Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to speak one-on-one and in front of groups, both internally and externally.

D. Strong project management skills: able to prioritize and juggle multiple projects.

E. Strong skills in excel, spreadsheet formulation, and management of content/ information.

F. Understanding of the manufacturing processes and capacities.

G. Understanding of the importance of mission; interest in making connections between people and purpose.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Product Management:

a) Introduce new products into both the federal and state programs maximizing AVRE’s manufacturing capabilities. Gather, research and develop applications for approval to introduce new products to New York State Preferred Source Program, New York State Industries for the Disabled, and the federal program -US AbilityOne Program.

b) Monitor product performance in differing markets to ensure maximum sales. Collaborate internally to develop tactics to combat sales decline, supplier issues with products.

c) Conduct market research to monitor competitive products and pricing. Use the market research to support managing the product line.

d) Collaborate with the marketing team to maintain manufactured product’s packaging, keeping content accurate and up to date. Ensure product content is appropriately marketed on partner websites to include NYSID, NYSPSP, AbilityOne and other distributors.

e) Analyze competitive products for our manufactured products for similarities. For the federal market, perform annual ETS(Essentially the Same) reviews to identify competitive equivalents for submission to NIB for approval.

B. Product Pricing:

a) Manage existing products pricing on a designated cycle to ensure prices are competitive within the state and federal marketplace. Complete price changes as needed in accordance with the existing processes and procedures of the respective programs.

b) Manage customer price lists to publish to all customers on a quarterly basis.

c) Maintain a database of actions to ensure tracking of price changes timely

C. Product Launch:

d) Work with the Director of Business Development to move a product from concept to launched into the market. This includes packaging designs, marketing collateral development in conjunction with marketing manager, and key content for website marketing. Coordinate with NIB for federal products on packaging design and then purchase with the purchasing manager.

e) Reporting: Maintain a database of reports of products, key attributes, and work flow,

D. Support Activities:

a) Support organizational efforts promoting awareness and outreach in the local community. Participate in community outreach, agency tours, fundraising initiatives, and event management as needed.

b) Represent the agency and promote products and services through customer interactions, sales calls and occasional events.

Schedule:

• 8-hour shift

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Occasional travel may be required

Work Location: In person

NOTE:

Nothing in this job description should be construed as meaning that these are the only tasks and duties of the position. Management reserves the right to modify positions as determined by business and consumer needs and requirements.

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AVRE encourages diversity in the workplace and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer