Product Manager

Job Description: Product Manager – Chemical Trading & Manufacturing

Position: Product Manager
Department: Product Management / Marketing
Location: Chennai
Experience Required: 15–20 Years
Industry: Chemical Trading & Manufacturing

Role Overview

The Product Manager will lead the strategic, commercial, and technical management of key chemical product lines. This role requires deep industry knowledge, strong supplier and customer relationship management, and the ability to drive profitability across both trading and manufacturing portfolios. The candidate will oversee the end-to-end product lifecycle, from market research to pricing, forecasting, and new product introduction.

Key Responsibilities

1. Product Strategy & Portfolio Leadership

• Develop long-term product strategies aligned with company growth plans.

• Conduct advanced market intelligence—global trends, pricing indices, competitor benchmarking.

• Drive product portfolio expansion and identify new business opportunities.

• Lead annual business planning and product budgeting.

2. Supplier & Principal Relationship Management

• Handle high-level negotiations with domestic and international suppliers.

• Manage annual rate contracts, volume agreements, and principal development programs.

• Collaborate with global partners on technical trials, audits, and joint initiatives.

3. Commercial & Pricing Management

• Develop dynamic pricing models based on global chemical markets, freight, and FX trends.

• Evaluate product profitability, margins, and cost optimization opportunities.

• Approve price revisions and ensure competitive market positioning.

4. Sales Support & Business Development

• Work closely with regional sales teams to drive product penetration and revenue growth.

• Attend key customer meetings, technical discussions, and major account closures.

• Conduct product training sessions, presentations, and customer workshops.

5. Demand Forecasting & Inventory Control

• Lead demand planning, production alignment, and procurement coordination.

• Optimise stock levels, reduce ageing inventory, and improve supply reliability.

• Collaborate with logistics for timely import, production, and customer deliveries.

6. Compliance, Quality & Documentation

• Ensure product compliance with REACH, RoHS, GHS, BIS, and other regulatory standards.

• Coordinate with QA/QC for COA verification, MSDS updates, and product testing.

• Support customer audits and supplier qualification processes.

7. Manufacturing & New Product Development

• Coordinate with R&D and manufacturing teams for new formulations and trials.

• Evaluate cost feasibility, production scalability, and commercial viability.

• Lead the launch of new manufactured products and oversee performance.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong domain knowledge in chemicals (industrial, specialty, solvents, coatings, etc.).

• High-level negotiation, analytical and commercial skills.

• Strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution capability.

• Excellent communication, leadership, and cross-functional coordination skills.

• Experience in managing large product portfolios and multi-location teams.

• Proficiency in ERP, pricing tools, and MIS reporting.

Educational Qualification

• B.Sc/M.Sc (Chemistry) or B.Tech (Chemical Engineering) preferred.

• MBA in Marketing / Product Management is an added advantage.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 15–20 years’ experience in Chemical Trading, Manufacturing, Specialty Chemicals, or Industrial Chemicals.

• Strong supplier network and product knowledge across multiple chemical segments.

• Proven ability to manage profitability, pricing, and product strategy at a senior level.