Product Management is a critical role in most business-to-business companies that are focused on balancing long term strategies with short term priorities around target markets, customers, investments and deployment of commercial, operational and innovation resources, so that we continue to build our future while delivering on our quarterly objectives. The markets served by our Industrial Product Lines include among others Building & Construction, Automotive, Packaging & Print, as well as generic Industrial Applications.
In this context, this position will focus on the following key priorities: • Define business plans to support AR's new asset investments, with a clear identification of target segments based on a deep understanding of the needs of the market and our largest customers. • Develop Product Line Strategies, with a clear understanding of AR's value proposition and competitive advantage. Execute and prepare for market launch. • Execute the stage gate process with defined launch timelines, apply lead generation and training techniques towards new product growth. • Deliver business growth through platform strategies that consistently scale winning applications. • Maximize profitability through value based pricing strategies and material-cost reductions. • Drive execution in alignment with our regional sales teams and internal stakeholders, by setting the pace for decision making and prioritization.
Essential Functions: • Develops an in-depth understanding of the different Industrial segments across the different regions, and takes strategic decisions around focus segments and application areas. The latter explains where Adhesives Research will compete, and where not. • Determines market trends and customers' needs by interacting with current and potential customers, suppliers, as well as general market research • Clearly articulates our Value Proposition, which will explain how we will win in the target segments, and what value this will bring to our customers. • Brings new products to market by analyzing proposed product requirements and product development programs; preparing return-on-investment analyses; establishing time schedules with engineering and manufacturing. Will follow a disciplined PDR (product development request) process to review and progress the key development projects. This includes driving PDR projects towards the next Gate Review, and ensure a smooth transition into the next stage. • Approval of TSR's (technical support requests) and manage the inflow of new projects accordingly. • Execute the product line and segment strategy through a balanced marketing-mix, of which pricing and profitability is an important instrument. Pricing will be managed through standardized pricing models, custom quotations, as well as our annual price increase process. This includes addressing structural profitability for specific product lines. • Drive lead generation and lead validation for the target segments, feeding into our sales pipeline (through the CRM Sugar system). • Align marketing communication program with our overall branding strategy, including digital marketing, trade shows, and MarCom tools.
Additional Responsibilities:
Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Job Specifications:
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or Engineering, or related field required. In addition, a Master Degree in Business Management and/or Marketing is preferred.
Sales experience or strong customer-facing interaction is recommended.
Strong project leadership experience with demonstrated success in managing multiple projects and initiatives in parallel.
Deep understanding of the industry sector and competitive landscape across multiple sub-segments and application areas.
Good analytical skills as well as evaluative judgment based on the analysis of factual and qualitative information in complicated or novel situations.
Filter, prioritize, analyze and validate potential complex and dynamic material.
Developed communication and diplomacy skills required to guide, influence, and convince others (internal and external).
Strong cross-functional strategic leadership, communication and teamwork skills.
Excellent oral & written communication skills.
Travel according to business needs, mainly in USA.