Product Manager

Location Andover
Discipline: Sales, Marketing & Creative
Job type: Permanent
Salary: £53k (c) + OTE
Contact name: Liam McConnell

Contact email: liam@requireconsultancy.com
Job ref: REF: 7061
Published: almost 2 years ago
Expiry date: 01 Jul 2022 00:59

The Category Development Manager is responsible and accountable for identifying, securing and managing relationships between the business and new opportunities such as IT, central stock and/or direct suppliers, ensuring that products are available and offered at competitive prices. Thereafter the Product Manager will take the main responsibility and accountability for procurement, management and communication of all aspects of the purchasing relationship with the relevant suppliers

Some of the main areas of responsibility will include:  

  • Working with the SMT and the Board of Directors to identify and obtain Board approval for new category opportunities, such as IT, in order to increase the profitability of the business.

  • Once approved roll out and communicate sufficiently and timely to the membership to ensure maximum take-up.

  • Identify new category areas and opportunities including OEM and own brand solutions as well as exclusive product ranges.

  • Develop a business plan and implementation schedule which engages all stakeholders to deliver the business model needed for the category to be sustainable in the short and medium term.

  • Ensure supporting project management for elements such as marketing, distribution, legal, finance and IT

  • To be responsible and accountable for all aspects of the purchasing relationship between the business and supplier. As the primary contact, assist other departments as and when required.

  • Ensure that the annual trading terms are negotiated and agreed before the start of the new trading year – 1st April.

  • To be responsible for reviewing and agreeing the respective ranges with the suppliers and obtaining agreement and approval from the SMT prior to finalisation before the 1st April of each year; subject to continuous line performance review.

Below are the key skills we believe you will need to demonstrate in order to be a success in the role:

  • Previous retail or buying experience with responsibility for own suppliers

  • Some experience in a similar role in reviewing competitor information and analysing data and presenting findings via reports and presentations

  • Previous buying experience - to include, negotiating terms, contracts, understanding promotions and seasons

  • The ability to negotiate and manage trading terms contracts

  • Strong computer skills in all areas of Microsoft

  • Ability to deal with data using Excel to a high standard

  • Able to present data gathered and other relevant information by means of PowerPoint presentations to a high standard

  • Excellent telephone communication skills

  • Smart and tidy appearance

  • Good communicator/presenter both internally and externally at all levels

  • Accurate, methodical and attention to detail are essential

  • Excellent management skills to motivate and manage a small team and ensure that team works as part of the overall department

  • Working within a small but busy team which has seasonal peaks you will have the ability to prioritize and plan your workload and support other members of the team

  • Proactive and ability to work on own initiative especially whilst working off site

  • Proven track record of meeting deadlines

  • Proven track record of working in a flexible and adaptable environment

This is a truly exciting time to be joining our client. The business is widely known and has an incredible reputation, the head office is brimming with talent so this is your chance to join an exciting team culture and help continue drive the business forward achieving each new goal as you progress.

To apply, please contact Liam today to discuss further.