Amanda Drake
Summary
Knowledgeable Program Manager with strong background in product management and project management delivering impactful product strategies and successful product launches. Demonstrated expertise in market analysis and cross-functional team leadership. Proven ability to drive product development and manage lifecycle processes effectively.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Product Manager, Drinkware
Ember Technologies
01.2021 - 01.2025
- Led the development and launch of 8+ new drinkware products, increasing category revenue by 20% in 18 months
- Identified a key market gap in Smart Kitchen Products and determined a path to 50% or less of the market share through strategic planning
- Directed cross-functional teams (engineering, design, compliance, manufacturing) to streamline product ideation, development, and market introduction
- Negotiated with global suppliers and vendors to enhance product quality, reduce costs, and ensure seamless supply chain execution, resulting in a 25% margin improvement
- Spearheaded the consolidation of 22% of the product line, reducing complexity and improving efficiency while maintaining revenue growth
- Developed a three-year product roadmap using market analysis to gain executive and stakeholder buy-in and aligning business objectives with market trends and consumer needs
- Compile detailed reports and metrics to support Executive decision-making
- Design templates for sales enablement, marketing collateral, targeted sales pitches, processes, tools, and standardized strategies to optimize efficiency
Project Manager; Packaging and Accessories
Ember Technologies
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Managed 15-20 concurrent projects across cost reduction, product launches, sustainable packaging, and new packaging initiatives using Agile methodologies
- Led global teams including China-based suppliers, to ensure on-time and on-budget execution of new product introduction (NPI) projects
- Drove sustainability efforts, achieving a 22% cost reduction in packaging through innovative material sourcing and supplier negotiations
- Orchestrated retail display projects for Costco, Williams Sonoma, Best Buy, and Target, driving a 30% increase in retail sales
- Implemented and trained teams in PLM and BoM processes, optimizing project workflow and documentation accuracy
- This included change management and considering lowest possible impact on market supply and manufacturing operations while still maintaining highest possible efficiency in change implementation
- Conducted schedule risk analysis, identifying potential conflicts and delays, and implemented corrective actions
- Spearheaded process optimization strategies that streamlined scheduling saving time and money on projects
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, vendors, and manufacturers
Executive Assistant
RJG Construction
01.2012 - 01.2017
Owner/Operator
CrossFit Iron Dust
01.2009 - 01.2017
Education
Master of Arts - Media Management
Columbia College of Chicago
Chicago, ILBachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of California
Riverside, CASkills
- Project Management Tools: Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Asana
- Risk & Compliance Management: Risk assessment, regulatory compliance, stakeholder management
- Budget & Resource Planning: Cost analysis, financial forecasting, resource allocation
- Process Improvement: workflow automation, change management
- Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): Propel, SAP PLM, Change Control, Materials Management
- Data Analytics & Reporting: Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP)
- Go-to-Market Strategy: Market research, competitive analysis, product positioning, pricing strategy
- Customer Insights & UX Research: User (beta) testing, surveys
Certification
Coursera: Project Management Course
Timeline
Product Manager, Drinkware
Ember Technologies
01.2021 - 01.2025
Project Manager; Packaging and Accessories
Ember Technologies
01.2017 - 01.2021
Executive Assistant
RJG Construction
01.2012 - 01.2017
Owner/Operator
CrossFit Iron Dust
01.2009 - 01.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of California
Master of Arts - Media Management
Columbia College of Chicago
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