Product Development Manager

at  American Trading International Inc

We are seeking long-term growth and career-minded rock stars to join our Sales team! American Trading International, Inc. (ATI) is a service-oriented export trading company providing domestic and international companies the opportunity to import and export products to new and existing markets. ATI exports USA food and beverages to over 80 markets worldwide.
We are looking for a Product Development Manager. This position is responsible for all company private labels and special labeling requirements. The Product Development Manager will lead, develop, implement and coordinate processes that will determine the most productive and efficient mode of service for all labels. The position will assist in analyzing data, lead printer negotiations, monitor flow of label development, and provide internal guidance to the organization on label matters.

• Evaluate business opportunities with new printers, switch to other printers, switching to new substrates in order to meet Customers or manufacturer requirements and to reduce costs.
• Negotiate with printers on costs of artwork setup charges, printing costs, and storage when applicable.
• Cost evaluation in terms of label development and printed labels to maximize profitability.
• Update Customers on lead times, status of label development/revision, costs of revisions and costs of labels inventory.
• Responsible for expediting any work orders, or process of labels and absorption of costs.
• Oversee and ensure accuracy of all work orders and labels, to include artwork/label proofs, spelling, grammar, and branding.
• Conduct printers conference calls on a quarterly/annual basis and follow up on negotiations.
• Monitor flow of label development on new private labels for existing and new accounts.
• Manage lead times and processes through the different stages.
• Provide support and respond timely to Internal/External customer inquiries, research requests, issues, or complaints.
• Supply Chain efficiency, communicate & coordinate with Logistics and Sales Team on status of label development and timeframes for reorders of labels.
• Coordinate with the Purchasing Department and Account Managers on trends of orders, switching of packers, changes of formula, customer special requests in terms of delivery schedule, updates on customers stock of products.
• Request samples of new labels printed to be shipped to ATIs office for archiving and requesting of samples of new products for office display, or for exhibition at upcoming trade shows.
• Track all costs and identify responsible party for cost absorption.
• Create and maintain training material, and guide team on processes and procedures.