Senior Manager - Product and Innovation - Contract

at  Canada Pooch

WHO WE ARE

Canada Pooch is one of the fastest growing pet companies in North America. We design premium pet apparel and accessories that focus on style and quality, and we’re on a mission to enhance the lives of pets and their people through world-class innovation. Canada Pooch is based in Toronto, with remote team members across Canada and the US.
We believe that pet products should be held to the same standard as “human” products because pets are our family. At Canada Pooch, we design products that our customers (and their pooches) can depend on every day. Whether it is helping to keep them warm and dry on walks or cozy at home, pet parents deserve products that work.

THE ROLE

We are looking for a Senior Manager, Product and Innovation in a contract role. This role is:

• a 12-Month maternity leave replacement
• anticipated to start in November, 2024
• hybrid role with 1 day/week mandated in Toronto office

In this role, you will execute product strategies within our roadmap, while leading a talented product team. Reporting to the Co-President, you will focus on driving product innovation, managing the product lifecycle, and ensuring alignment with company objectives. You will also be hands-on, guiding day-to-day product development activities, and working closely with cross-functional teams.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Product Roadmap Execution: Oversee the execution of the product roadmap, ensuring it aligns with company goals and market trends.
• Team Management and Mentorship: Lead and mentor a high-performing product team, providing guidance and direction to direct reports, fostering a collaborative, innovative, and customer-focused culture.
• Hands-On Design and Tools: Utilize hands-on design experience, including proficiency with tools like Adobe Illustrator, to support product development and innovation efforts.
• Market Research and Analysis: Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify new product opportunities and optimize existing offerings.
• Product Requirements: Define and manage product requirements, focusing on feasibility, effort, and strategic value.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Marketing, Sales, Production, and Design teams to ensure alignment with product strategy, category expansion, and market positioning.
• Product Launches: Support product launches by assisting with go-to-market strategies, positioning, and messaging in collaboration with marketing and sales teams.
• Performance Monitoring: Track product performance through user testing and data analysis, using insights to drive continuous product improvements.
• Development Checkpoints: Lead weekly development checkpoint meetings with cross-functional teams to ensure programs are on track, and barriers are addressed, and to facilitate progress

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP) STRATEGY RESPONSIBILITIES

• IP Portfolio Support: Help manage the company’s IP portfolio, ensuring alignment with business goals and innovation strategies.
• Development Activity Monitoring: Track and monitor product development activities to align with IP strategy, capturing relevant financial data for budgetary management.
• Patent Strategy & Filing: Collaborate with external legal counsel to assist in identifying, drafting, and filing patent applications.
• Stakeholder Communication: Report on IP strategy and portfolio status to leadership, providing insights for leveraging IP assets.