Product Manager

Job Department: Kitchen Appliances

Position Type: Full-Time / Onsite 5x week

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Cook with Color is a fast-paced, fashion-forward kitchenware, cookware, and appliance brand that manufactures and sells to top retailers across the U.S. We are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive Product Manager will lead product development from concept through production, acting as the main liaison between suppliers, internal teams. This role ensures products meet functional, quality, and packaging specifications while staying creative, on time, and on budget. This role is critical in driving operational excellence, maintaining strong factory relationships, and ensuring a high-quality product line.

• Creating and enhancing products that fill a niche in the market or allow their clients to remain competitive.
• Determining product specifications according to a number of various factors and uses.
• Supporting manufacturing and design activities by developing prototypes for products in development.
• Assist head of the Department with initial creation from sourcing, manufacturing, to the finalized product.
• Review /revise vendor manual on what requirements have to be given to the factories.
• Draft callouts and bullet points, features for products which will show on the packaging.
• Design and optimize packaging.
• Test new products and draft using step, important safeguards, etc.
• Negotiating price, quantity, and delivery schedules with suppliers.
• Sourcing suppliers and maintaining long-lasting relationships with them as well as existing suppliers.
• Assessing quotes and compiling a detailed assessment of cost breakdowns.
• Generate quote comparisons and contribute to internal supplier selection based on the quotes.
• Handle order processing and tracking of orders.
• Tightly control order timelines using WIP to ensure 100% order on-time delivery
• Communicate daily with internal/external partners regarding production and delivery information.
• Daily communication with designers and salespeople
• Get familiar with and work on EDI requirements.
• Manage ongoing projects and productions
• Troubleshot challenges with realistic and creative solutions
• Maintain, Document, and implement efficient tracking strategies.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES

• Deep industry knowledge and a proven track record of sourcing from overseas, with direct experience
• Takes initiative, anticipates challenges, and drives projects forward independently.
• Strong planning, prioritization, and multitasking skills; able to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication for coordinating with internal teams, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Able to assess quotes, track production timelines, and ensure accuracy in specifications and documentation.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with suppliers, internal teams, and external partners.
• Identifies issues and develops realistic, creative solutions quickly and effectively.
• Comfortable with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and familiar with EDI systems; experience with AIMS or similar product/ERP software is a plus.
• Understanding of product development, packaging, sourcing, and manufacturing processes, preferably in kitchenware or consumer goods.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment and responds effectively to changing priorities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s Degree in Logistics or related field with 7+ years of experience in global sourcing, product development, or a similar role within the consumer goods industry, with a focus on small kitchen appliances or kitchen electrics.