Product Innovation Manager

Job DescriptionProduct Innovation ManagerKey ResponsibilitiesThe Product Innovation Manager is responsible for driving the development and execution of annual and long-range product feature and technology strategies and informing short and long-term assortment innovation priorities. They own the development and delivery of new products and help manage ongoing product quality monitoring and improvements.Driven by a keen understanding of the cross-disciplinary T3 product development process, the T3 consumer and the competitive landscape, the Product Innovation Manager works cross-functionally to align brand & product marketing objectives and assortment strategies to identify and develop differentiated and innovative product features and technologies. The Product Innovation Manager will leverage a variety of tools and approaches, including consumer surveys and interviews, in-use product observations, stylist feedback, competitive analyses, lab studies and white-paper research to build in-depth understanding of consumer behavior and friction points and create corresponding product feature strategies that meet consumer needs and brand objectives.The Product Innovation Manager is also responsible for integrating multi-disciplinary workstreams, including internal product technology optimizations, industrial design, ergonomic studies, UI/UX development, personalization algorithms, innovation roadmaps, etc. to manage start-to-finish project schedules, while partnering with Engineering/R&D teams, design agencies and/or other development partners. They define and drive product requirements, including detailed and feature performance specifications, manage industrial design efforts, and lead prototype and user testing throughout the entire PD process. They also partner with the Brand and Communications Marketing teams on developing product performance claims and validation strategies, as foundational elements of differentiated product narratives and storytelling.The Product Innovation Manager reports to the Director, Brand and Product MarketingProduct Management & StrategyPerform ongoing analyses to support 3-year product planning, including consumer usage behavior research, consumer pain points, competitive dynamics, and white space opportunities. Inform new product strategy and development efforts, product innovation roadmaps, product feature sets, technology and UI/UX advancement opportunities.Drive the development of product requirements and specification targets, in collaboration with the Director and the R&D/Engineering/Operations team, detailing features, performance requirements, CMF direction, ergonomic standards, etc.Work closely with Brand & Product Marketing and R&D/Engineering/Operations to set and continually monitor all product costs and overall investments throughout the PD process to ensure they meet required financial targets while delivering against product strategies.Lead and manage the industrial design process including agency briefing, agency management, reviews and approvals of vendors supporting the development of new products, including industrial design and other agencies (e.g. sound, software, UX/UI, etc.). Own general coordination of multiple stakeholders internally and externally and manage review and approval processes.Develop consumer testing strategies and protocols to both inform new product development as well as support ongoing product improvement. Also define and manage testing needs and processes that support the full product development timeline, including key stages of product prototypes and pre-production samples, ensuring products meet specifications prior to launch.Partner with Brand/Product and Operations on defining consumer and lab-based performance validation strategies. Support in development of testing methodologies and protocols, and drive formulation and execution of specific claims-focused testing strategies, as needed.Oversee development of complex product user interfaces and user experiences including wireframing, design, testing, and preparing for production, in partnership with R&D/Engineering team as well external agencies and/or other development partners (e.g. software).Leverage ongoing research and insights to gain a thorough understanding of audience needs, preferences, usage habits, styling techniques and other relevant behaviors. Summarize findings and provide recommendations to Brand & Product Marketing and R&D/Engineering teams, informing product development, feature priorities, and positioning.Lead strategy and design management of product packaging/collateral, working with Brand and Design teams to gain executive approval/alignment and meet deliverable deadlines.Continuously research and maintain current knowledge of developing technology trends in user interfaces, user experiences, onboarding, connected technology, diagnostics, and potential new opportunities for the T3 product portfolio. Attend tradeshows, research trend sites, and review projection reports.Support Brand & Product Marketing Teams in the claims development strategy, including creation of target claims and corresponding analysis strategy, in partnership with R&D/Engineering/Operations team.Identify needs/opportunities for continual process improvements. Lead initiatives to enhance cross-functional workflow efficiency, PD process agility and improved cross-functional project management and documentation.Deliver comprehensive product presentations to external partners, showcasing product features and benefits, while also leading internal training sessions to ensure team members are well-informed about product details, updates, and key messaging.Educational BackgroundBachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field. Advanced degree (MBA, Master's) is a plus.ExperienceProduct Management Experience : 5+ years of experience in product management, with a demonstrated track record of managing product development from concept to launch.Cross-Functional Collaboration : Experience working with R&D/Engineering, design agencies, and marketing teams.Consumer Research : Proven experience in leveraging consumer surveys, interviews, and other research methods to inform product development.Industrial Design Management : Experience leading or managing industrial design processes and working with design agencies.Technology Integration : Familiarity with integrating technological features, UI/UX development, and personalization algorithms into product development.Budget Management : Experience in monitoring and managing product costs and investments.SkillsAnalytical Skills : Ability to perform complex analyses related to product planning, consumer behavior, competitive dynamics, and market opportunities.Project Management : Strong skills in managing start-to-finish project schedules, coordinating multiple stakeholders, and ensuring timely delivery of product development milestones.Product Requirements Definition : Expertise in defining and driving detailed product requirements, specifications, and performance targets.Testing & Validation : Proficiency in developing and managing consumer testing strategies, product prototypes, and pre-production samples.Brand & Marketing Alignment : Skills in partnering with brand and marketing teams to develop performance claims, product narratives, and packaging/collateral.Technology Trends : Up-to-date knowledge of technology trends in user interfaces, user experiences, and connected technology.Personal AttributesLeadership : Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects effectively.Communication : Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver comprehensive product presentations and training sessions.Innovation : A proactive approach to identifying opportunities for product innovation and process improvements.Detail-Oriented : Attention to detail in managing product specifications, testing processes, and project documentation.Additional RequirementsLocation:

Hybrid Role based in Santa Monica, CA. Requires to be in the office Tuesday to Thursday.Travel : Occasional to travel for tradeshows, external partner meetings, and other relevant events required.Authorized to work in the US.