Now Hiring - GNC - Retail Sales Manager, Global Product Development in Pittsburgh, PA

As the global leader in health and wellness innovation since 1935, GNC motivates people to reach their goals with the most trusted and exciting selection of products in the industry.

As #TeamGNC, we work hard to ensure that our consumers come first. We are always cultivating and collaborating on new ideas to bring innovative solutions to the forefront and testing new solutions to translate goals into action. Our team members are advocates for change and innovation.

There is no greater gift than good health and no greater satisfaction than helping others to achieve it. Be a part of helping others to Live Well!

POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible for supervising and managing activities of project manager(s) and associate project manager(s) across their respective projects for new product development from ideation to commercialization. Ensure product and project specs, scope and budget parameters are met to hit required marketing dates. Manage and optimize departmental processes, seek cost saving and time saving initiatives, and provide training and supervision to support staff to meet and exceed departmental and corporate goals.

JB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 
  Product Development & Innovation Process:
  • Manage and supervise all projects and product development activities of GNC branded products from ideation to commercialization and shipment (e.g., solid dose, powders, liquids, chewable, gummies, bars, snacks)
  • Collaborate with brand and product design on innovation. Set up meetings and lead discussions to gain an understanding of the overall product vision, formula, and financial targets.
  • Develop comprehensive timelines by identifying key milestones and duration requirements. Ensure due dates are achieved and replan timelines as needed.
  • Consider potential risk and reassess throughout the product life cycle. Actively supervise and participate in trouble shooting by utilizing past experiences and problem-solving skills.
  • Complete detailed cost analysis by working with sourcing, technical PD, and product design to determine a preliminary cost. Utilize analysis to validate and negotiate cost reduction with bidding manufacturers.
  • Work with leadership to determine bidding strategy. Prepare RFQs, analyze submissions, prepare detailed summaries comparing bidders and award business accordingly.
  • Develop a forecast for raw material needs to share with sourcing. Coordinate with manufacturing partners so GNC preferred pricing is reflected in product cost.
  • Collaborate with technical manager to ensure products meet desired requirements. Monitor sample timing, prototype approval, facts panel values and documentation collection. Participate in sensory evaluations and discussions to drive decisions best for the product and our consumer.
  • Initiate the artwork process and provide required details and documentation. Work closely with the packaging team to ensure artwork tasks are achievable within the established timeline. Provide die-lines and conduct fill studies to ensure the product utilizes the appropriate packaging size.
  • Interact with the quality department to gather requirements from the prototype stage through commercial production and release.

• 
  Reporting and Communication
  • Provide regular updates on project status to cross functional teams in a concise format to include status, challenges, and issue resolution throughout the lifecycle of the project. Alert teams of any concerns that may jeopardize the committed ship date.
  • Oversee weekly manufacturing calls and internal product development meetings. Create and update presentations to help lead discussions. Prepare and share meeting notes and outline next steps.
  • Identify the need for and arrange meetings outside of established calls to quickly address situations. Efficiently update internal/external partners and determine best path forward.
  • Foster existing contract manufacturing relationships to identify opportunities for GNC in product format or efficiencies.
  • Complete a postmortem analysis to identify processes that worked efficiently and those that did not. Utilize these findings to develop/expand SOPs for continued process improvements.

• 
  Leadership
  • Mentor and develop direct reports. Provide guidance in management of their specific projects and personal development goals.
  • Analyze workflow and assign projects and tasks to direct reports.
  • Establish leadership role among department peers. Build a collaborative team and recognize pain points to drive improvements throughout the process.
  • Lead cross functional discussions to meet deadlines, uphold brand standards, ensure margin requirements and scope of the products (Brand, Product Design, Sourcing, Purchasing/Inventory Planning, Packaging, Business Units, Quality, Legal, Manufacturing, Material/component partners)
  • Assist in creation and execution of departmental best practices and SOPs.
• Additional
  • Additional duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for supervising multiple projects.
• Responsible for supervising a team of employees.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the key accountabilities of the job required
• Advanced degree (MBA, Master’s) preferred; PMP certification preferred.
• 5+ years experience in product development and project management in consumer health packaged goods products.
• Previous managerial and supervisory experience.
• High degree of proficiency MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications; ability to learn new systems.
• Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management (from conception to completion), & planning skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills (including analysis, interpretation, & reasoning)
• Solid understanding and application of mathematical concepts
• Ability to taste and screen various products and ingredients for flavor and sensory evaluation with limited restrictions
• Ability to critically read technical documents/formulations, identify and trouble-shoot challenges, and analyze next steps and timing.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with peers and colleagues across the organization, as well as, internal and external clients
• Ability to work well autonomously and within a team in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.
• Ability to work with and influence peers and senior management
• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

GNC Holdings LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer