Product Manager, Product Innovation in Markham, Ontario at Pacific Smoke International Inc

Do you believe that a company’s success depends on its people? If so, PSI is the place for you! PSI is nothing without people who build, design, and support it. We’re looking for a Product Manager, Product Innovation to join our scaling organization.

At Pacific Smoke International, our mission is to help people quit smoking by providing safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes. As the leading distributor of electronic vaporizers and award-winning vaping products in Canada, we've made significant progress since our founding in 2013. However, we have much more to accomplish for our customers, and we're looking for a culturally aligned Product Manager, Product Innovation to join our dynamic team located in Markham.

What’s important to us:

We are seeking to attract individuals who share and demonstrate our core values: Judgement, Curiosity, Agility, Results, Ownership, Teamwork.

Job Responsibilities: Product Manager, Product Innovation (applies to Sr. as well)

As a Product Manager in the Product Innovation team, you will play a critical role in driving our success within the vape industry by deeply understanding consumer needs and market dynamics. Your primary focus will be on identifying, developing, and delivering innovative products that position our brands among the top in the market. This role requires a balance of strategic planning, research, market exploration, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities:

Market Research & Consumer Insights

• Conduct market visits and work with market intelligence, brand, and sales team across assigned provinces in Canada to build a deep understanding of consumer behaviors, preferences, and trends.
• Engage directly with vape store owners, managers, and consumers to gather feedback and identify gaps or opportunities in the current product offerings.
• Analyze competitive products and market positioning to uncover trends and potential innovations for our brands.

Product Planning and Development

• Conduct in-depth research on consumer trends, market demands, and competitor products to inform product development strategies.
• Develop business proposals for new product ideas based on market research, consumer feedback, and business priorities.
• Present product ideas and business cases to the Director of Products and senior management for approval.
• Collaborate with the international Product Development team and manufacturers in China to create high-quality products that align with brand standards and consumer expectations.
• Oversee the entire product lifecycle, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Travel to China when necessary to facilitate product development, strengthen manufacturer relationships, and provide final sign-offs on products.

Product Launch & Performance Accountability

• Partner with brand managers to develop and execute effective product launch strategies.
• Identify opportunities for improvement in underperforming products and provide recommendations for adjustments or discontinuation.
• Take ownership of the final product, ensuring it meets all quality and market expectations.
• Monitor sales performance post-launch, focusing on achieving target reorder rates for each product with performance directly linked to annual bonus eligibility.
• Continuously evaluate product success, using sales data and consumer feedback to refine future product innovations.

Collaboration & Relationship Building

• Act as a bridge between Canadian operations and international manufacturers, ensuring clear communication and alignment on product specifications and timelines.
• Build strong relationships with cross-functional teams, including Project Management, Product Development, and Brand Management, to drive product success.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in product management, market research, or a related role, ideally in the vape, FMCG, or consumer goods industry.
• Strong critical thinking skills, with the ability to analyze complex information and make sound, data-driven decisions.
• Business acumen to identify viable opportunities that align with organizational goals.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, from store owners to international manufacturers.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret market data and translate insights into actionable product ideas.
• Proficiency in Mandarin is a strong asset to enhance communication with international manufacturers.
• Willingness to vape for product sign-off is mandatory.
• Willingness to travel and adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic industry.
• Strong organizational skills with a track record of managing complex projects from ideation to launch.
• Passion for innovation and a results-driven approach to achieving business objectives.

What you can expect from Pacific Smoke International:

At our company, we strive to provide our team members with the best possible support. Here is an overview of the current benefits and perks we offer:

• A total compensation package that includes group benefits program starting from day 1 of joining
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities to help build the career you want and hit the goals you set, while ensuring you’re reaching your fullest potential
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Three weeks of Vacation
• Awards for top performers and employee tenure
• A unique opportunity to build, grow and leave your impact on a $25-billion industry
• To work with a group of people who are humble, supportive, and care about our customers
• Product at distributor pricing to all employees
• Company events
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program) Program

If you are a results-driven, self-motivated individual who thrives in a collaborative and fast-paced environment, we invite you to join our team at PSI. You will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people nationwide while working in an inclusive and supportive environment.

Thank you to all the applicants who have shown interest in this position. We appreciate the time and effort you have taken to apply.

While we carefully review every application we receive, we regret to inform you that only the candidates who are being considered for further evaluation will be contacted.

Pacific Smoke international is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified candidates to apply. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), we are committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities to support their participation in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.