Head of Product Management

Head of Product Management (New Categories)

We have exclusively partnered with an industry leading organisation on the lookout for a Head of Product Management for New Categories to join their team in Somerset. This is an incredible opportunity to join a fantastic company with exciting times ahead.

Accountable for the strategic direction and business performance of their product portfolio, taking responsibility for driving profitable growth via range development and enhancement. This high-profile role will take the lead in managing product research requirements, product / technical specifications, identifying, developing and bringing to market new products and collaborating with the senior sales team to deliver category development and increased market share. This role includes collaboration with China & EU based suppliers to develop or adapt NPD.

Key Responsibilities:

• Accountable for key financial deliverables including: £GSV / £SGM / SGM% / Vitality rate / product mix / sourcing / cost management.
• Commercial responsibility for NPD and product enhancement / range extensions to ensure competitive positioning, ROI and sales growth
• Deliver strategic product category plans outlining business direction and objectives including 3 year rolling roadmap for NPD requirements for the company via third party sourcing / manufacturing
• NPD process ownership - ensure all aspects of process are followed and delivered
• NPD commercial validation to exploit commercially viable NPD opportunities aligned to the business strategy in conjunction with the Engineering & China team
• Promotional product deployment in line with channel and communication strategy - results driven
• Be a product 'expert’ across Retail / Spec and competitor ranges - channel support
• In-depth market knowledge of macro environment and end users within all distribution channels - drive market research requirements
• Trend analysis / colour mapping / forecasting to ensure launch products ahead of the curve and appeal to mass market
• Manage a team of one product manager
• In-depth market knowledge of specification, retail and export channels and end users to tailor launch message to key audience

Decision Authority:

• Strategic plan for product portfolio - including rolling product category plans
• Implement product discontinuations / introductions / CPR / pricing / positioning / hierarchy
• NPD - full lifecycle management including financial validation, design concepts, performance specification, testing, packaging, and launch preparation in conjunction with comms team
• Promotional activity - product development / amendments as required
• Category research requirements / data needs

KEY SKILLS

• Ideally degree qualified, preferably in a business / commercial field, although consideration would be given to an individual of degree calibre with the relevant experience
• Professional Marketing / Business qualification
• Significant experience (3-5 years minimum) in a Product /Category Management role ideally in the furniture industry
• Business / Marketing degree qualified with additional qualifications in product / category management field
• High degree of commercial aptitude; ability to analyse and review data and substantiate projects
• Good appreciation of China manufacturing and sourcing; understanding of manufacturing methods advantageous
• Proven track record of evaluating and developing strategic market opportunities
• Excellent influencing skills with the ability to present at all levels and manage external stakeholders
• A positive and motivated individual, with a high level of organisation and project management skills
• Used to working in a fast-paced environment - the flexibility to adapt is essential
• Professional communication skills both written and verbal; numerate and literate; with exceptional levels of accuracy and a high attention to detail
• Proficient IT and Reporting skills

By applying for this position, you authorise Auctoro Recruitment to hold your personal details on file for use in finding you a suitable position. Auctoro Recruitment will never transfer your information to a third party without your prior consent.