This is an exciting opportunity to join our Product Team as we look to grow our own brands over the coming years.
You will oversee the continually evolving new product launch cycle roadmap for specific categories as well as the lifecycle of existing products; and ensure that productranges remain in line with consumer demands and are commercially viable.
You will work collaboratively with all departments across Bluestem Group, taking on a pivotal role in the continued growth of the business through product development.Product Development and Range ManagementYou will continuously monitor market trends and manage the lifecycle of new and existing products within assigned categoriesCarry out continued analysis of assigned product ranges in conjunction with consumer and retail market research to assist in the creation of commercial plans that lead the direction for new product developmentYou will conduct new product sourcing within assigned categories in accordance with the agreed brand commercial plan, creating a buying guide and mood board.Manage the costing process for any potential new product to ensure that commercial viability is always achievedWork with the Product Development Supervisor to ensure that all ongoing new product launches remain on track in accordance with the commercial plan and product specific workflow critical pathYou will be responsible for "value engineering" all products driving out cost and driving in product improvements.
This will ensure we offer quality products at market competitive pricesQuality ManagementEnsure that all products in the ranges meet relevant local market legislation and that all technical data and certification is kept up to date and accurateEnsure satisfactory factory audits are received for all potential new suppliers before any new orders are placedKeep up to date with any changes in legislation for all categories of product and communicate any relevant updates to the supplier and China sourcing office; developing a plan to ensure mass production incorporates any required changesWork with factories to implement a corrective action plan to resolve any quality concerns Product Marketing and Artwork CreationOversee the creation of all product artwork collateral for new and existing products within assigned categories to ensure brand guidelines are followedWork with the Marketing team to ensure that new and existing products within assigned categories are promoted through traditional and digital mediums effectively to help with the growth of our brandsBe responsible for how new products within assigned categories are marketed to both internal and external stakeholders through the creation of new product sales launch packs as well as trade and retail publications, working closely with the Product and Marketing teams to ensure all collateral including imagery and videos is created to the required standard and encompasses all features and benefitsCommercial PlanningAssist the Management team with the completion of the annual Commercial Plan for each of our own brands, including new product development roadmaps, EOL product planning and annual sales targetsContinually review product pricing and profitability, monitoring changes in the market to ensure pricing always remains competitive Work closely with the National Accounts Team and Sales Managers on any tenders featuring our products, ensuring the correct products are selected with estimated cost prices based on delivery requirements and set pricing in line with our profitability targetsESSENTIAL SKILLS:3+ years' experience working in a product development or buying role at a consumer products / FMCG company or similar industryProficient with Microsoft Office PackagesStrong communication and interpersonal skillsGood all-round administration and IT skillsAbility to multitask High attention to detailHighly organised TrustworthyFlexible and adaptableWillingness to travelExperience within a supervisory / team leader role would be an advantage