Product Manager - Merchandise

SUMMARY

The Product Manager for the Books and Merchandise team will be highly motivated and results-driven with a passion for creating and developing unique merchandise and print products for the Catholic marketplace. Demonstrated track record of successfully launching products that meet market needs and drive revenue growth. Experienced in leading cross-functional teams while driving product innovation. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leading product strategy and the product lifecycle. The Product Manager leads the full lifecycle of general merchandise and occasional print products from ideation through launch. This role analyzes product and sales performance across channels to guide decisions on restocks, retirements, and margin optimization, while conducting market research, competitor analysis, and customer assessments to identify trends and new opportunities. The Product Manager defines product requirements, features, and specifications, manages pricing, profitability, and forecasting, and tracks KPIs to ensure products align with business objectives and meet customer needs.
  
• Ensures cross-functional collaboration and alignment. This role collaborates closely with design, editorial, marketing, and other teams to develop product concepts, prototypes, and launches on schedule and within budget. The Product Manager leads user testing and feedback sessions to refine designs and functionalities and works with marketing to develop go-to-market strategies, product positioning, and messaging. Clear and consistent communication with all stakeholders is essential to ensure alignment and project success.
• Drives project and process management across products. The Product Manager prioritizes feature backlogs, tracks development progress, and manages projects using appropriate tools. This includes creating and maintaining project documentation and budgets, analyzing project outcomes, and continually improving project management practices to increase efficiency and drive innovation across product initiatives.
• Coordinates vendor and inventory management. The Product Manager manages domestic and international vendor relationships to support product development and manufacturing. This includes developing and balancing SKU assortments with the Inventory team to optimize profitability, reduce SKU bloat, and respond to customer feedback. The role oversees procurement, restock orders, pricing negotiations, vendor invoicing, and timely payments while coordinating with production and logistics teams to resolve issues and maintain operational continuity.

COMPETENCIES & SKILLS

Buying/Sourcing | Brand Management | Strategic Marketing | Product Design & Selection | Vendor Relations | Market Research | Forecasting | Negotiation | Business Development | Communications | Territory Development | Account Management | Merchandising | Sales & Marketing | Product Strategy & Roadmap Development | Customer Service

• BS/BA degree in Business, Marketing, or equivalent experience in a related field.
• 3+ years of product development and lifecycle management experience.
• Vendor and supplier management experience.
• Market analysis and trend forecasting experience.
• Ability to drive a project forward with a servant-leader attitude.
• Interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient with standard project management tools and templates.
• Self-starter who possesses exceptional time management skills with great attention to detail.
• Occasional meetings outside of typical office hours to accommodate meetings with international partners.
• Occasional travel to Ascension’s headquarters in Exton, Pennsylvania, is required.
• Exemplify and live our core values of humility, passion, and integrity.

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Work From Home
• Wellness Resources