Product Manager

Job Description

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 include but are not limited to the following. 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 Supervise functional staff as assigned. Includes development of annual checklist and conduct all performance reviews. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Essential skills include strategic thinking, sound judgement and decision-making skills, product lifecycle management, and a user-centric approach to design and development. The role demands excellent analytical abilities and a data-driven mindset, with familiarity in tools such as MS Office or Google Analytics. Technical proficiency is important to effectively collaborate with engineering teams. Strong project management capabilities, effective communication, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams are critical. Additionally, a Product Manager must be adaptable, proactive, and skilled in problem-solving, with a clear focus on delivering customer value and driving business outcomes. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE Engineering qualification with a Masters degree (M.B.A.) or 5 to 7 years' work experience in marketing, sales, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. MBA with specialization in marketing preferred. Excellent project management, interpersonal, and oral/written communication skills required. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. REASONING ABILITY Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. The ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position is eligible for remote/hybrid work occasionally on approval of the supervising Manager The noise level in the work environment is moderately quiet.