Job description
Position: PLM / Product Systems Manager
Location: Los Angeles preferred (Remote considered for exceptional candidates)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Type of contract: Independent contractor
🌎 Work from any corner of the world and be a part of the #remoteworkrevolution!‼️
Scope of the Role
We are seeking a highly organized and systems-oriented PLM / Product Systems Manager to own and optimize a recently implemented Centric PLM platform. This role sits at the intersection of Product Development, Operations, Technology, and Project Management, ensuring product information, workflows, timelines, and approvals are accurately managed throughout the product lifecycle.
The organization is experiencing rapid growth across multiple consumer product categories and requires a systems-focused professional who can drive adoption, maintain data integrity, and create scalable processes that support product development from concept through launch.
Responsibilities
PLM Ownership & Administration
- Serve as the primary owner and administrator of Centric PLM
- Manage system configuration, workflows, templates, fields, permissions, and reporting
- Ensure the platform remains the central source of truth for product lifecycle information
- Act as the primary point of contact for PLM-related questions, troubleshooting, and user support
- Coordinate with software vendors and technical partners on system enhancements and issue resolution
Product Data Management
- Maintain accurate and complete product records, including:
- SKUs
- Product specifications
- Vendor and factory information
- Costing inputs
- Packaging details
- Sample tracking
- Approval milestones
- Launch timelines
- Ensure data consistency and integrity across multiple product categories and manufacturing partners
Process Improvement & Workflow Optimization
- Build and improve workflows that support product development from concept through commercialization
- Develop scalable processes for:
- Product briefs
- Development milestones
- Sample management
- Product approvals
- Launch readiness
- Identify operational inefficiencies and implement improvements that enhance visibility, accountability, and execution
Cross-Functional Partnership
- Partner closely with Product Development, Sourcing, Operations, Creative, and Leadership teams
- Translate business requirements into effective system workflows and process solutions
- Support alignment across departments through clear communication and structured processes
Training & Adoption
- Create SOPs, training materials, process documentation, and best-practice guides
- Lead user onboarding and training initiatives
- Drive adoption and ensure teams are effectively utilizing the PLM platform
Reporting & Analytics
- Build dashboards and reports that provide visibility into product pipelines, development timelines, and key milestones
- Deliver insights that support planning, prioritization, and decision-making
- Monitor system utilization and recommend opportunities for optimization
Requirements
- 3+ years of experience in:
- PLM Administration
- Product Operations
- Product Systems
- Systems Implementation
- Product Development Operations
- Related operational roles
- Hands-on experience administering or managing Centric PLM strongly preferred
- Experience with comparable platforms such as Arena PLM, Backbone, Akeneo, or other PLM systems
- Strong understanding of physical product development workflows from concept through production launch
- Experience working within consumer products, home goods, kitchenware, lifestyle brands, apparel, footwear, furniture, beauty, or related industries
- Proven ability to configure workflows, manage product data, and support system adoption
- Strong project management and stakeholder management skills
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational abilities
- Experience creating SOPs, training materials, process documentation, and user guides
- Ability to work independently and drive initiatives across multiple teams
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience implementing, stabilizing, or scaling a newly deployed PLM platform
- Experience supporting PLM-to-ERP integrations
- Familiarity with NetSuite or comparable ERP systems
- Background in supply chain, sourcing, manufacturing, or product management
- Experience supporting global manufacturing operations
- Experience within high-growth DTC, retail, or e-commerce organizations
- Exposure to multi-category product portfolios and complex product data environments
What Success Looks Like
- The PLM platform becomes the trusted source of truth across the organization
- Product data remains accurate, accessible, and consistently maintained
- Development teams operate with greater visibility, accountability, and efficiency
- Adoption increases across departments through strong training and process ownership
- Product launches move through development milestones with improved consistency and transparency