Product Manager

We currently have a vacancy for the role of Product Manager at our Hitchin manufacturing site. Reporting to the Business Line Manager, the successful candidate will assist in driving profitable growth for the Utilities product portfolios through the effective management of existing and proposed new products to support the strategic and operational objectives of the business. The main duties of the Product Manager are to lead product management in 3 key areas of the business, namely, new product Introduction through the Crane NPD process, management of existing product ranges and management of business model for existing and new product SKUs. Responsibilities include: Work closely and develop relationships with all departments to drive and manage all aspects of New Product development Assist in completing stage gate documentation Create a detailed product remit that includes a technical specification, target pricing, forecast sales, launch timeline Produce project plans and launch plans liaising with the Marketing Communications department for each project and ensure that all Technical, Sales, and Support literature is in place to launch the product successfully Assist with the development, analysis and reporting of VOC activities and data collection as requested Define the Business Model for a new product launch. Monitor and analyse product range performance against sales and SP% targets to identify variances and take quick corrective action Understand market drivers, unique selling points (USP’s), positioning and differentiation To monitor market, competitor and industry trends and implement actions to take account of market opportunities or threats Develop and implement pricing strategy and tactics to maximize GP% Estimate the demand forecast of finished goods by analysing trends and seasonality patterns and update ERP (QAD) accordingly. Estimate demand projections for a given timescale, generate reports and participate in the SIOP meetings to facilitate business decisions on inventory and manufacturing. Monitor and maintain optimised inventory levels of finished goods stock and raw material stock in order to maximise inventory turns. Assist in the preparation of annual Strategic and Operating Plans The successful candidate will ideally be educated to degree level (or equivalent) in a technical and/or business management subject in combination with 5 years product management experience. Candidates should be able to demonstrate strong team working skills, project management experience and an innovative and proactive approach to their role. Experience within a manufacturing business would be an advantage. ABOUT US Crane Building Services and Utilities (BS&U) is part of the Fluid Handling Division of Crane Co. founded in 1855, which is a global, multi-industry, New York Stock Exchange quoted company. We design, manufacture, package and market engineered flow control solutions for the HVAC and Utility sectors, with strong sales into key growth export markets. The name Crane speaks of who we are, what we stand for and how our customers perceive us: A company with history and tradition, but also a company that is innovative, quality minded and one which acts with integrity and still holds to the resolution of its founder. Crane Co. was founded on 4th July 1855 by Richard Teller Crane who made the following resolution: "I am resolved to conduct my business in the strictest honesty and fairness; to avoid all deception and trickery; to deal fairly with both customers and competitors; to be liberal and just towards employees; and to put my whole mind upon the business." The essence of this resolution is the business policy of Crane Co. today. We believe that embracing inclusion and diversity is key to our success and as such we are seeking applications from candidates who will contribute their different backgrounds, cultures and experiences to our business.