Product Manager

This position is responsible for category marketing, product development, and sourcing. This includes utilization of project management for marketing projects in his/her assigned category. Management of these duties encompasses the following: Development of new products from conception to introduction into the marketplace; value engineering existing products; development, supervision, and implementation of market plans; sales forecasting; establishing procedures for implementing product changes among departments and branches; responsiveness to field complaints; competitor analysis. This position will be reporting to the Country Manager.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Regularly follow the forecasts, project stages and plan inventory for smooth stocking and timely deliveries of products to projects. 
• Monitor gaps in the current product or service offerings on a continuous basis and ensure the timely submission of comprehensive reports that include analysis of the identified deficiencies along with well-considered recommendations for suitable sourcing partners to effectively address these gaps. 
• Liaise with relevant agencies, testing organizations, and shipping departments to coordinate the ordering, testing, and dispatch of required materials. 
• Monitor the progress of both product testing and shipments and provide regular updates to the core team regarding testing outcomes and the status and expected arrival of consignments. 
• Understand and serve as the companys resident expert in the assigned category, to include market and competitive trends. Make long term strategic recommendations to achieve a long range of goals for the assigned category and to grow both share and incidence of use. Develop executable plans in all facets of the market mix to maintain category positioning. 
• Author annual category plans and update five-year plans for assigned category. Conduct in depth analysis of category market, manufacturing, and financial trends as part of cross-functional teams. Develop sound recommendations on projects derived from this analysis and prepare detailed plans to implement those recommendations.
• Perform regular product audits within the assigned categories to include competition and channel-to-market details. Make specific recommendations for category needs across all elements of the marketing mix and create necessary cross-functional teams to implement necessary changes.
• Support the Quality Policy and corporate quality goals by proactively engaging and or initiating/directing quality related activities in the assigned category. 
• Work with Marketing Communications Manager to recommend, develop and execute marketing communication tools using all forms of media to convey product benefits. Ensure adherence to consistent corporate identity standards throughout all communications and promotional materials. Develop and execute trade show plans in support of marketing direction.
• Develop and refine new and revised category product concepts for presentation to management.
• Develop recommendations to fully integrate new product launches with the sales force to include pricing and promotional strategies.
• Work with Sales and Customer Service teams, as well as representatives, dealers, architects, and building owners to develop product specifications (Concept Phase) and forecasts for new product development. This will include preparation for strategic (competitive) impact, and financial analysis (e.g. NPV, ROI, IRR) of the product. 
• Plan, collaborate, and coordinate activities with other departments to meet project management objectives and product development requirements.
• Communicate actions with cross functional teams including Sales, Customer Service, Manufacturing, Engineering, Purchasing, Cost Accounting . Work with vendors and outside consultants (e.g. industrial design, market research, advertising agency) to ensure consistent and seamless implementation. 
• Troubleshoot problem areas of new product introduction or product changes (ECO's). Critique product development process for improvement. Source, check and audit suppliers for products to suit the Indian market.
• Track sales forecast, identify sales trends and perform root cause analysis necessary to formulate recommendations for corrective action when results do not meet plan and exploit opportunities.
• Research market conditions in local, regional, or national areas to determine potential sales. Conduct field visits to engage with building owners, distributors, architects, contractors, and representatives.
• Maintain a current understanding of key competitors and their offerings. Analyze data on competitors to include pricing, sales, and marketing methods. Track competitors through trade and public information sources. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

LANGUAGE SKILLS

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

REASONING ABILITY

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

WORK ENVIRONMENT