CHRISTINE MONTEMARANO
Smithtown
Summary
Dedicated brand and product leader with over 10 years of experience in pet, lifestyle, and seasonal products. Proven success in brand management, product development, and strategic planning across licensed and original IP. Strong background in creating innovative consumer goods, driving crossfunctional collaboration, and bringing best-in-class products to retail.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Brand Manager - Pet Division
Jazwares, LLC
03.2023 - Current
- Lead brand strategy and product development across Squishmallows, Hello Kitty, and Pokémon.
- Develop channel strategies and manage high-profile licensed brands across plush, toy, and lifestyle categories.
- Launched Jazwares' first licensed plush pet programs at PetSmart, including two endcaps, two drive aisle programs, and value bins featuring Pokemon, Hello Kitty, and Squishmallows.
- Manage and mentor Associate Brand Manager to drive project execution and development timelines.
- Own brand vision and execution, partnering with licensors and internal teams to ensure alignment across product, packaging, and marketing.
- Drive category growth by identifying trends and expansion opportunities, delivering compelling product lines for mass and specialty retail.
- Build strategic go-to-market plans in collaboration with sales, tailoring assortments by retail channel.
- Analyze sales, conduct market research, and optimize product mix to support sell-through and margin targets.
- Ensure all deliverables meet licensor guidelines, managing approvals across multiple global brand partners.
- Spearhead cross-functional meetings to align PD, design, marketing, and sales on timelines and priorities.
Product Manager
ImpressArt
05.2020 - 11.2022
- Managed development schedules, product approvals, and BOMs for intricate jewelry product lines.
- Led sales presentations for major retailers like Hobby Lobby, JoAnn, and Michaels.
- Conducted pricing and cost analysis to ensure our products hit target margins for both our company and our retail partners, optimizing profitability and competitive pricing.
- Coordinated with D2C marketing and overseas suppliers to ensure timely launches.
- Acted as the main point of contact between product managers and the business development team, facilitating smooth communication and project flow.
- Managed the creation and assignment of UPCs and GTINs for retail partners including JoAnn and Michaels, ensuring accuracy and compliance across product listings and inventory systems.
Associate Brand Manager / Retail & Sales Support
Rubie's Costume Company
08.2014 - 03.2020
- Supported Walmart private label development for seasonal and pet programs, including Mardi Gras, Patriotic, and St. Patrick's Day assortments.
- Partnered with Disney Consumer Products team on monthly brand calls.
- Drove concept-to-shelf development across pet and seasonal categories.
- Created sales and marketing tools for e-commerce and wholesale accounts.
- Built relationships with over 200 pet industry accounts.
- Developed trend reports, product presentations, and internal/external brand assets.
- Oversaw product photography, marketing approvals, and licensing submissions.
- Contributed to overall brand strategy across product, packaging, and marketing content.
Education
Associates - Business Administration and Management
Suffolk County Community College
Skills
- Brand & Product Management
- Retail & Channel Strategy (Mass, Specialty, DTC)
- Trend Forecasting & Market Analysis
- Product Lifecycle Management (Concept to Shelf)
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Pet Product Development (Toys, Beds, Apparel, Costumes)
- Licensed & Original IP Strategy
- Sales & Marketing Asset Development
- Planogram & Merchandising
- Presentation Design (Google Slides, PowerPoint)
Timeline
Brand Manager - Pet Division
Jazwares, LLC
03.2023 - Current
Product Manager
ImpressArt
05.2020 - 11.2022
Associate Brand Manager / Retail & Sales Support
Rubie's Costume Company
08.2014 - 03.2020
Associates - Business Administration and Management
Suffolk County Community College
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