Associate Product Manager

About Zep Inc.

Zep Inc. is a leading manufacturer of cleaning solutions for businesses and consumers with operations across the U.S, Canada, and Europe. Our purpose is to make the planet cleaner, safer, and more productive. To fulfill our purpose, we focus on understanding and solving cleaning needs for consumers, as well as business customers across a variety of segments including transportation, industrial, institutional, and food & beverage. We also have a strong presence in the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) segment, where we develop products to help consumers and businesses maintain a clean and safe environment. Our products can be found online and at retail shelves at outlets like Home Depot, Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Grainger, HD Supply, Walmart, and many others. We market our products under well recognized and established brand names, such as Zep®, Enforcer®, Misty®, TimeMist®, TimeWick, and Country Vet®. Zep was founded in 1937 and is headquartered in Atlanta, GA. In 2021, Zep became the official cleaning partner of Atlanta United FC.

Job Description:

At Zep, the Product Management team serves as the “hub of the wheel,” connecting and coordinating the various business functions throughout the organization to manage the product lifecycle.  To support our growing retail customer base and product portfolio, we are looking for an Associate Product Marketing Manager for the retail and B2B portfolios who can step into the role and quickly take action to have an impact on the business.  The responsibilities for this role will range from managing the product life cycle from ideation to commercialization, to working with retailers/resellers on promotional activities, to developing product marketing platforms for future growth.  This is a terrific opportunity for anyone who wants to own a business but isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty and is focused on delivering profitable results with limited supervision.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and execute product marketing and promotional plans that define the category strategy and road map for profitable growth. 
• Responsible for revenue, cost and expense portions of product P&L. 
• Develop product core positioning and messaging for both the trade and end-users.
• Manage product life cycles including new product introductions, product improvements, product line simplification, and cost reduction opportunities. 
• Manage key strategic business projects to deliver desired results on time. 
• Develop products, pricing, packaging, and merchandising strategies.
• Develop content for marketing collateral for trade and consumer promotions.
• Lead cross-functional teams that include sales, R&D, finance, operations, sourcing and marketing communications on a daily basis
• Must be able to manage multiple projects at once and deliver products on a timely basis
• Responsible for market, competitive and consumer purchase analysis to identify key competitive and consumer trends as it relates to the category
• Develop new product ideas and strategies to support long-term growth of the retail business
• Identify and promote brand building initiatives with key customers.  Support sales team in expanding retail distribution initiatives.

Requirements:

• 1-3 years of consumer packaged goods or B2B product background, with experience in developing and marketing programs with flawless execution. 
• Retail experience (big box, and/or hardware channels preferred).
• Enthusiastic team player with a strong track record of leading cross-functional teams.
• Must be detail oriented with ability to see the big picture.
• Outstanding analytical, communication and project management skills.
• Key competencies include: critical thinking and problem solving, excellent decision-making and leadership capabilities, conflict resolution, adaptability
• Bachelor’s Degree required.  MBA a plus.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this role

Our Values

At Zep, we have developed a set of values focused on bringing even greater cohesion to our workplace. As part of this plan, we introduced a values framework called S.P.E.E.D. to align with our purpose of making the planet cleaner, safer, and more productive.

• Stewardship: We continuously improve the safety of our people and products, and we protect the planet by innovating solutions to reduce our environmental impact.

• Passion for Problem Solving: We listen to our customers and actively work to find solutions for unique situations. We think creatively to innovate and seize opportunities that will drive growth and make all our customers’ and consumers’ lives better.

• Empowerment: We encourage and lead our people to be accountable by equipping them to make decisions and own the outcome

• Expertise: We create innovative solutions and partnerships that are relevant to service our communities and customers.

• Doing the Right Thing: We expect our people to understand ethical boundaries and be inclusive of other backgrounds, ideas, and perspectives. Demonstrating honesty, respect and integrity in all actions is always expected.

Zep Inc. is an organization that is committed to diversity within its workforce and encourages all interested candidates, including women, minorities, & former military personnel to apply.  It is the policy of Zep Inc. that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability or sexual orientation.

As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, Zep Inc. provides full employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, ancestry, or veteran status or any other distinction outlined in all applicable federal, state, and local laws.