Product Manager-Heating

Heat Merchants Group

Athlone, Westmeath

Job Description. Heat Merchants Group is one of the largest suppliers of heating, plumbing, tiles and sanitary ware to the trade and retail markets in Ireland. 100% Irish owned with 43 branches nationwide. OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB. The Product Manager will be responsible for sourcing the right product at the right terms (considering cost, rebate, lead times) that will allow Heat Merchants Group to continue to lead the way in the in the heating and plumbing market by providing innovative solutions for customers and staff. Key responsibilities will include Market research, Competitor analysis, Costing, Pricing, Value engineering and Range Management. JOB SPECIFICATION. Identify the needs of the Sales staff (Business Development Managers and Branch staff) in terms of the product that customers demand. Anticipate needs, where foreseeable, in conjunction with Inventory Management before they arise to reduce and eliminate stock-outs. Liaise with Inventory Management to help avoid over stocks and obsolete stocks. Source the product from suppliers and set up the terms of agreement ensuring that the price, rebate and lead time meet or exceed the business requirements. Continually aspire to obtain more favourable terms and conditions. Research and source new products as they are available on the market to check if they may provide a competitive edge for the business and encourage complimentary sales of related product. Market research to keep up with legislation and advances in technology in the Renewable & Heating sector. Understand that the branch network must be provided with a first class service. Build, maintain and manage relationships with suppliers including negotiation of terms. Liaise with the Price File Maintenance (PFM) team to ensure that the correct information is communicated and loaded into the CORE system. Liaise with the Logistics and Distribution Manager to ensure that deliveries can be accepted by the Warehouse. Ensure that terms of agreement are clearly communicated to the Central Warehouse Inventory Manager. Obtain and analyse market data to develop an understanding in establishing retail prices for the branches to allow them to win sales in a fluid market environment in conjunction with the Director of Retail, Procurement & Marketing. Carry out deals with suppliers over and above the agreed terms if we need to take a reduction in selling price to get the sale from a customer – need to do what we can to maintain margin. Administer any Contract Support systems which are in place with prime suppliers, and seek and develop new ones as a means to increase and maintain margin. Identify where improvements can be made and escalate where necessary to ensure the improvements are actioned where possible. Work as part of the Product Management Team and ensure that any areas where synergies can be achieved are maximised. Ensure that all new products are launched, and introduced in a planned manner, highlighting and educating staff of all benefits and USPs relating to that product. Work closely with Marketing to deliver sales / promotional material collateral to support key suppliers key product groups for distribution throughout the business. Work on quarterly offers to energise and support Heat Merchants Big Deals. Work with suppliers to deliver staff incentives rewards as part of promotions & product launches. Adherence to and implementation of Health & Safety rules and procedures. Any other duties as may be reasonably requested by Management. Please note that the above list is not intended to capture every detail of your role. but the main areas of responsibility. PERSON SPECIFICATION. The following criteria will be used in the selection process. Only those applicants who meet the essential criteria will be shortlisted for interview. The Company reserves the right to initially shortlist those candidates who meet both essential and desirable criteria. Essential. Basic knowledge and understanding of purchasing principles. Understanding of product pricing build up. Experience in pricing and a clear understanding of margin expectation. Ability to demonstrate sound commercial acumen with strong analytical skills. Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Excellent organisation and time management skills. Proficient user of Microsoft Office and in particular MS Excel to at least intermediate level. Full, clean, valid driving license. Desirable. Sound product knowledge in heating – particularly of larger Commercial Heating suppliers. Practical heating product knowledge in relation to Heat Merchants product range essential to assist with product selection & substitution. Previous exposure to key heating suppliers in terms of price negotiation. Previous exposure to working with an internal pricing department. Relevant experience on CORE or ERP system. Additional Information. Closing date for completed applications is Tuesday 8th May. Interested applicants should send their CV and cover letter clearly outlining how they meet the requirements of the role. This job originally appeared on RecruitIreland.com.

2190 days ago