Neela Ryan
Greater Boston Area,MA
Summary
I’m a Product Strategy Manager with 14 years of experience in consumer product development, specializing in translating consumer behavior research into actionable product roadmaps and feature requirements. I lead cross-functional teams, including engineers and designers, while also briefing brand marketing teams on positioning and messaging hierarchy. My expertise is conducting consumer research, defining product features and benefits, and presenting strategic roadmaps to senior leadership to ensure our physical products meet market needs.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Product Marketing Manager
UPPAbaby
Rockland, MA
04.2023 - Current
- Own the product strategy and roadmap for the $45MM Home category, with 5 new product launches generating $30MM in incremental revenue over 2 years.
- Present white space opportunities to the Executive Board to enhance the brand portfolio and global market position.
- Conduct in-depth market research and competitive product analysis to inform marketing strategies and product development direction.
- Ensure cross-functional teams (Engineering, Design, Compliance) deliver products according to program requirements.
- Designed the Smart Home App user journey, creating intuitive experiences that enhance product functionality.
- Craft global go-to-market strategies, product positioning, messaging hierarchy, strategy development, and communicating value propositions.
Associate Product Marketing Manager
UPPAbaby
Rockland, MA
04.2022 - 04.2023
Head of Product Strategy
HelenMilan.com
Pembroke, MA
08.2020 - 04.2022
- Prioritized product initiatives based on business goals and customer feedback.
- Initiated a merchandising plan and buying strategy for both seasonal and core collections for a growing independent $1MM+ revenue e-commerce brand.
- Developed vendor guidelines that reduced shipping damages and excess shipping costs from multi-shipments.
- Introduced a direct source program from India for a successful private label linen program.
- Onboarded and trained warehouse staff.
- Conducted competitive research to evaluate competitor offerings in the marketplace.
Sourcing Manager
Williams-Sonoma
San Francisco, CA
12.2015 - 06.2017
- Managed sourcing and vendor relationships for the Williams-Sonoma Home Lighting and Décor portfolio, plus the $50M Tabletop category, with 150+ SKUs seasonally.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including Demand Planning, Marketing, Design, Product Development, and Logistics providing all sourcing needs and requirements.
- Partnered with sister brands, launching cross-brand programs to leverage costing, factory relationships, consolidate the factory base, and shipping advantages.
- Managed vendor selection process, ensuring alignment with company standards and values.
- Monitored supplier performance through weekly merchandising and product development meetings.
Product Development Manager
Caleres
New York, NY
04.2015 - 08.2015
- Led product development initiatives for footwear collections at a leading retail company.
- Handled the complete product lifecycle from initial sketches and prototyping through production release in the PLM system.
- Acted as main design support in major Big Box merchandisnig meetings.
- Handled fit testing with the Fit Technician, provided feedback for design improvements, as well as release to production.
- Trained, managed, and mentored two Product Coordinators as direct reports.
- Developed and maintained relationships with suppliers for material sourcing and production support.
Product Development Associate
Caleres
New York, NY
01.2014 - 04.2015
Product Development Coordinator
Caleres
New York, NY
12.2012 - 01.2014
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
Clemson University
Clemson, SC05-2010
Skills
- Product strategy
- Market research
- Competitive analysis
- Go-to-market strategy
- Product positioning
- Cross-functional collaboration
- In-home user testing
- NetSuite
- PowerBI
- Stackline Atlas
- Project management
- Road mapping
- Consumer packaging
Timeline
Product Marketing Manager
UPPAbaby
04.2023 - Current
Associate Product Marketing Manager
UPPAbaby
04.2022 - 04.2023
Head of Product Strategy
HelenMilan.com
08.2020 - 04.2022
Sourcing Manager
Williams-Sonoma
12.2015 - 06.2017
Product Development Manager
Caleres
04.2015 - 08.2015
Product Development Associate
Caleres
01.2014 - 04.2015
Product Development Coordinator
Caleres
12.2012 - 01.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
Clemson University
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