Product Manager

Product ManagerLocation: Cleveland, OHReports to: PresidentDepartment: ProductSalary: $102,000 - $105,000 AnnuallyAbout Malley’s ChocolatesMalley’s Chocolates has been a beloved Cleveland tradition since 1935, known for creating moments of joy through handcrafted confections and timeless quality. As we continue to grow across retail, wholesale, and e-commerce channels, we are seeking a strategic, hands-on Product Manager to drive innovation, streamline our product portfolio, and ensure every product reflects the heritage and excellence of Malley’s Chocolates.Position OverviewMalley’s Chocolates is seeking a Product Manager to own the full lifecycle of our Malley’s product portfolio (existing and new) — from concept to end-of-life. This is a highly hands-on role and functions as a team of one, requiring the ability to move fluidly between strategic planning and tactical execution. This individual will act as the central hub connecting marketing, retail, production, and accounting, ensuring our products align with the company’s growth strategy and deliver value to our customers.The Product Manager will balance hands-on execution with strategic thinking, ensuring that every product decision — whether new development, pricing, promotion, or retirement — supports Malley’s growth and enhances the guest experience.Key ResponsibilitiesProduct Strategy & Lifecycle ManagementOwn the product lifecycle from idea generation and business case development through set-up / launch, ongoing management, and end-of-life decisions for all products in the Malley’s portfolio – everyday, seasonal and new.Lead cross-functional product development efforts from the business side — defining the “what” and “why” of new products while partnering with production on the “how.”Build and maintain a product roadmap aligned with company goals and seasonal priorities.Drive product rationalization efforts to optimize the assortment, reduce complexity, and focus on growth-driving SKUs.Partner cross-functionally with production, marketing, retail, and accounting to align product plans with operational, sales, and financial objectives. Monitor and influence P&L performance, ensuring product decisions support sales and margin objectivesPricing, Forecasting & PacingDevelop and manage product pricing strategies that achieve margin and positioning goals.Partner with accounting and manufacturing to forecast product demand, analyze performance, and assess profitability.Monitor pacing of seasonal and everyday products and adjust plans based on sales trends, customer feedback, and operational capacity.Promotion & PackagingCollaborate with marketing and retail to develop promotional strategies and launch plans that drive awareness and sales.Lead packaging development from concept through execution, ensuring alignment with brand standards, operational efficiency, and product positioning.Assortment ManagementDefine and manage product assortments by channel (retail, ecommerce, wholesale, corporate gifting).Analyze sales performance, profitability, and consumer insights to guide assortment decisions.Partner with retail and production teams to ensure assortments are executable, efficient, and responsive to customer demand.Project Management & Cross-Functional LeadershipManage multiple product initiatives simultaneously, balancing timelines, priorities, and stakeholder input.Influence without direct authority, driving collaboration and accountability across teams.Maintain close attention to detail while connecting daily work to broader company strategy and growth.Operates as a self-sufficient product function, balancing analytical, creative, and operational tasks without direct reports.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field (MBA a plus).5+ years of experience in product management, merchandising, or category management — ideally in consumer goods, retail, or food.Strong analytical and business acumen (including understanding P&L drivers); ability to translate data into actionable product and pricing decisionsProficient in Excel for pricing, margin, and forecasting analysis.Excellent communication and presentation skills; able to synthesize complex information for leadership and cross-functional teams.Proven ability to manage projects from concept through completion, meeting deadlines and driving results.Ability to pivot between strategic thinking and tactical execution.Passion for products and storytelling through packaging, design, and the customer experience.Personal AttributesHighly organized and detail-oriented.Collaborative leader who builds trust across retail, production, and support teams.Curious and data-driven, with a bias for action.Comfortable in a fast-paced, seasonal business environment.Additional InformationThis job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other related duties (e.g. manage an intern) as assigned by management to meet the ongoing needs of the business.