Senior Product Manager

We are seeking a seasoned Product Manager with experience in the manufacture of technical / industrial products, ideally with an electrical and/or panel building background. They will lead the development, standardisation, and life cycle management (introduction, growth, maturity and decline) of low-voltage distribution, protection and transformer products.

The role involves working closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality and commercial teams to deliver reliable, compliant and cost competitive temporary and permanent solutions across construction, event, military and industrial applications.

This is a new role within the business and presents a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate, as you will influence and help shape the profile, reputation and growth of Blakley Electrics. The role includes the management of a further product manager.

Blakley Electrics is the market leader for temporary power within the construction sector in the UK. Key to this role is maintaining that position, whilst at the same time developing our niche positions in other markets, especially for permanent power products in industrial markets

• Reports to the Commercial Director
• Responsible for the management and development of one Product Manager
• Office-based in Crayford, with regular travel to Harlow site, with visits to customers and business locations as required
• Support the commercial teams with customer and product queries/advice as required
• Actively contribute as a member of the Commercial team
• Achieve agreed objectives and targets related to product development, introduction, management and retirement
• Undertake additional duties as required to support the business

This is a new role within the business and will sit within department of ‘Product Management’ but will work closely with other departments. Since this is a techno-commercial role, there is a possibility of integrating marketing function within product management.

Product Manager will be responsible for setting the direction and strategy for both new and existing products addressing the full life cycle of manufactured Blakley products. Product Manager will define standards, features and requirements necessary to deliver a complete product to the market. Product Manager must articulate the business value to wider teams so they can understand and align behind these plans.

There are several dimensions to this role:

• Product Strategy and Portfolio Management
• Product Development and Engineering Interface
• Marketing and Communications Support
• Commercial and Market Support
• Collaboration with manufacturing, quality and supply chain

• Own and manage the manufactured product portfolio.
• Define product roadmap aligned with market demand, customer needs, standards and customer segments and manage product lifecycle including rationalisation.
• Conduct competitive benchmarking on key product groups with a view to understanding performance, features and pricing.
• Identify opportunities for new product introductions and variants.

• Market research via customer visits to understand current and future needs of the customer enabling creation of a clear technical product roadmap incorporating market requirements.
• Offer continued support to Engineering team during the new product development and legacy product modification process. Defining, leading and owning product road maps and deadlines for product launches is critical.
• Define product specifications and performance standards.
• Work with engineering to ensure compliance with market requirements both in terms of features and practical use, but also standards, testing and compliance.