Buyers - Greater Manchester
Ref 78473: Product Manager, to £28k
- Monitor sales and profit performance of the existing range identifying product improvements and cost savings. Draft proposals for approval by the Product Meeting.
Liaise with Purchasing, Graphics and QC to implement changes. - Develop products (including Own Brand and Foreign Specials) to meet the needs of major customers, as agreed by the Marketing Meeting, liaising with the Sales Director and Export Manager on timings, cost targets, product and sample requirements.
- Take part in the range planning process with the Senior Product Manager and Sales, attending Product Meetings to put proposals forward for new products and ranges, product improvements and discontinuations.
- Understand and keep informed of key trends and the performance of its competitors and key trade channels, anticipating and reacting to changes . Key activities will be visits to Trade Fairs, Retail Shops, etc. and reading regularly Trade Journals, consumer magazines, competitors' catalogues, etc
- Assist the Senior Product Manager in producing and continuously updating a Development Plan and Budget, prioritising projects and setting timings, costs and allocations of resources.
- Work with Suppliers, Purchasing and FAD Far East Buying Office to source agreed products at target costs and margins and ensure target delivery dates are met. Visit suppliers both in the UK and overseas as required.
- Work with the QC Manager, Testing Houses and Trading Standards to ensure every product/component meets required safety and quality standards. Be fully conversant with relevant safety legislation.
- Create and maintain product files and prepare detailed new product specifications in conjunction with and for the use of Purchasing and Quality Control. Check pre-production samples against agreed specifications liaising with the QC Manager.
- Brief the Design Manager, Product Development Manager and Graphics to produce product designs, artwork, patterns, prototypes, made up art and craft samples, etc., as well as seeking out and commissioning freelance product designers, illustrators, writers, outside creative agencies and model makers as necessary during the course of development. Review, edit and liaise with the Senior Product Manager and Sales to obtain approval.
- Write copy for packaging, Trade Catalogue and POS material, liaising with the Senior Product Manager and Sales.
- Write copy and sketch rough illustrations for product guides or brief freelance creative personnel to prepare the first draft guide and illustrations then edit, rewriting if necessary. Liaise with the Senior Product Manager to obtain approval.
- Brief Graphics and the Design Manager or outside Graphics Studios/freelance personnel to produce packaging concepts and artwork as well as artwork for guides and illustration sheets. Review presentation and proof read text at the various stages and obtain approval from Senior Product Manager and Sales.
- Work with the Graphics Department and freelance personnel to brief Photography for packaging, Trade Catalogue, POS material, organising product samples for the shoot and directing photographic sessions if required.
- Take part in the briefing and production of the Trade Catalogue, liaising with the Senior Product Manager, Sales and Graphics.
- Assist Sales in the preparation for major Trade Fairs, liaising with Purchasing and Suppliers to ensure that new product samples are available on time.
- To perform other duties as may be reasonably expected.
Please apply directly to Michelle Fergusson at Hays Retail quoting REF: MFN ASAP!
