Role Summary:

Accountable for managing the assigned product category (plumbing/sanitary/drainage/agriculture) and delivering top and bottom-line growth for the category. Responsible for end-to-end management of the existing portfolio, defining value propositions, and developing a category plan, including an innovation roadmap. Working in close coordination with the NPD, R&D, Brand marketing, Sales and Production teams.
 

Roles and Responsibility:

Key Responsibilities:

Responsible for end-to-end management of products and services in assigned portfolio: range management (no. of SKU’s, extensions), packaging, inputs on pricing, technical product literature preparation etc. Track sales and margin growth trends of category and propose corrective actions Define value propositions of the category dependent on the end users Build a category plan, including an innovation roadmap, translating customer needs into requirements for innovation (products & services) Conduct market assessment to confirm market potential and develop business cases (integrated product definition, financials) for new products Work closely together with R&D and production to prepare product launch strategy (introduction pricing, roll out pilots, follow up with supply chain, production issues) and implement the same going forward Devise promotional strategies for products in own category and ensure execution through close collaboration with the sales and branding teams, covering areas of merchandising, POS Communication, Technical documentation for catalogues/ websites, exhibition participation etc.   Gather information on market trends and competitor product range / sale prices / distribution channels / market shares, assess competitor strategies for existing products and identify potential opportunities & threats within own category, prepare periodical reports for comparison Carry out market visits to attain a better understanding of the current product positioning and perception, customer satisfaction levels, identify latent customer needs and competitive environment Actively participate in trade conferences and exhibitions to stay abreast of industry trends

Recommend new geographies, collaborations & channels in the category to achieve sustainable profitable growth.

Educational Qualification:

MBA (mandatory) & Engineering (preferred)

Years/type of experience:

1-2 years of industry experience.
Technical Skills/Knowledge:

Experience in NPD & stage gate process

Understanding of the building material and/or sanitary market segments

Proven track record in managing a product portfolio and category planning 

Business acumen combined with technical knowledge

Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills, plus a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

Ability to build relationships