Product Manager / Buyer

Product Manager/Buyer
Harlow – Essex
up to £33,000 + full Benefits

Bonus + 30 Days holiday + Pension

This is a fantastic opportunity for you, an experienced Product Manager with a minimum of 4 years experience as a buyer or product manager, to join a leading international organisation based in Harlow, Essex. You will be responsible for maximising the profit potential of each product in Client’s range. Manage each product and or groups of products according to its stage in the lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

* To maximise the profit potential of each product in the range.

* Manage the innovation of product through the ‘Lifecycle’ of products and groups of products.
* Manage the introduction, profitability, and the exit of products (or groups) when agreed that the product is at the end of its lifecycle.
* Facilitate range reviews, product ideas meetings & create an innovative positive environment.
* Consult with Marketing Department re product positioning, product performance, presentation issues and product exit plans.

* Develop and maintain beneficial relationships with suppliers.

* Develop communications with relevant suppliers in a manner, which promotes goodwill and trust, visiting key suppliers when required.
* Explore product opportunities with existing and potential new suppliers, including assistance with product promotions.
* Identify and log price variations, movements and trends in liaison with the Purchasing Assistant
* Negotiate all terms with suppliers.
* Identify cost saving opportunities and recommending them to the Head of Purchasing.

* Monitor, predict and report on sales, margins and stock levels.

* Set up new products on the computer system ensuring the specification is correct.

* Monitor trends, stock levels, and product performance.
* Maintain a range of reports that show whether Client is achieving overall required margin and sales targets for new products. Take appropriate action where necessary.
* Assist with the preparation of product performance reports for senior management including availability and promo performance.

Experience:

* Solid work experience in a Product Manager or Buyer role (ideally a minimum of 4 years)
* Buying and managing products in the non-retail spend category
* Purchasing for a diverse product range, including previous purchasing of metal components would be an advantage.
* Experience of using knowledge of metal work processing to bring cost reduction to the buying process
* Substantial experience of buying from the far east would be an advantage
* Should be completely familiar with technical drawings of product and have the ability to spot errors, suggest improvements and ways of reducing the cost.
* Use of SAP or similar purchasing system
* Ideally have work experience of roles in the retail industry

Knowledge:

* A working good knowledge and understanding of Product Management principles and techniques
* A knowledge of metal work processes such as fabrication, welding, pressing, bending and punching etc
* A working knowledge of SAP is desirable but not essential.

Skills:

* Good Excel skills, Strong negotiation skills, Accuracy and attention to detail.
* Ability to interpret data for market intelligence, forecasting and statistical purposes.
* Effective communication both written and verbal.

This is an urgent position which will go quickly so please send your CV to me today. A comprehensive job description is also available.