Bring Innovative Consumer Products to Market with The Workhorse Group

At The Workhorse Group, we help bring products from concept to shelf for many of today's leading retailers and consumer brands. Our team partners across product development, sourcing, design, operations, manufacturing, and sales to create innovative products in categories including home fragrance, candles, gift, seasonal, packaging, floral, and other consumer products.

We're looking for an organized, proactive Assistant Product Manager who enjoys wearing multiple hats and thrives in a fast-paced environment. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both the creative and operational sides of product development and wants exposure to the complete product lifecycle.

Working closely with Product Managers, Creative, Sourcing, Operations, Sales, and our overseas teams, you'll help transform new product ideas into successful retail programs.

What You'll Do

As an Assistant Product Manager, you'll help manage products throughout their lifecycle while supporting both internal teams and external manufacturing partners.

Product Development

• Assist Product Managers with the development and execution of new product programs.
• Coordinate product development timelines from concept through production.
• Create and maintain product specifications, line lists, item information, and customer program documentation.
• Support prototype development, product approvals, and packaging development.
• Coordinate product costing and ensure information is accurately maintained across departments.
• Manage vendor communications by requesting pricing, coordinating quotations, tracking supplier responses, and following up to ensure deadlines are met.
• Track project milestones and proactively follow up to keep projects moving.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Creative to develop sales presentations, catalogs, brochures, packaging, and marketing materials.
• Work with Sales to prepare customer presentations and product launch materials.
• Coordinate with Sourcing, Operations, and overseas manufacturing partners to support product execution.
• Communicate regularly with international teams regarding product status, timelines, and sample approvals.

Samples & Product Management

• Manage inbound and outbound sample shipments.
• Organize sample inventory and maintain showroom/product libraries.
• Create and assemble product mockups to support customer presentations, internal reviews, and product development initiatives.
• Coordinate sample requests for customer meetings, line reviews, and trade shows.
• Assist with product photography, merchandising, and presentation preparation.

Market & Customer Support

• Conduct competitive shopping and market research.
• Monitor consumer trends and identify new product opportunities.
• Support customerspecific product programs and retail initiatives.
• Assist in preparing materials for retailer presentations and internal product reviews.

Administrative & Project Support

• Maintain project trackers and development calendars.
• Coordinate multiple priorities while ensuring deadlines are met.
• Support special projects across Product Development and Marketing.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Merchandising, Product Development, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 25 years of experience in Product Development, Product Management, Brand Management, Consumer Products, Merchandising, or Marketing.
• Consumer products experience strongly preferred.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and followup skills.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with overseas manufacturing or sourcing partners is a plus.
• Experience within candles, home fragrance, gift, seasonal, packaging, or related consumer products is highly desirable.

The Ideal Candidate

You are someone who:

• Loves bringing ideas to life.
• Enjoys solving problems and keeping projects on track.
• Is equally comfortable working with spreadsheets, product samples, and customer presentations.
• Can manage competing priorities without losing attention to detail.
• Builds strong relationships across departments.
• Takes ownership and follows through.

Physical Requirements

This role combines office work with hands-on product management.

Responsibilities include:

• Frequently handling and moving product samples.
• Regular lifting of items up to approximately 35 lbs.
• Traveling between multiple local office and warehouse locations as needed.
• Standing, walking, organizing, unpacking, and preparing product samples for meetings and customer presentations.

Why Join The Workhorse Group?

At The Workhorse Group, you'll gain exposure to every aspect of bringing consumer products to market.

You'll work alongside experienced professionals in Product Development, Sales, Creative, Operations, Sourcing, and Global Manufacturing while helping support products sold by some of the world's largest retailers.

We offer:

• Exposure to the complete product lifecycle
• Opportunities to work with global manufacturing partners
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial culture
• Diverse consumer product categories
• Competitive benefit package
• Career growth within Product Development and Product Management
• A company that values innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement

The Workhorse Group is proud to be an LGBTQ+ friendly employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and empowered to succeed.

About Workhorse Shared Services

Workhorse Shared Services is proud to provide full-service design and product concepts for more than 30 retailers including Walmart, Target, Kroger, Aldi, HomeGoods, Lowe’s, Costco and more.