Product & Procurement Manager

The role is a combination of a traditional senior product management role together with the requirement to take the lead on product sourcing, which requires the selection and management of the product suppliers, which are largely China-based. This includes driving the best possible commercial terms whilst ensuring Core is not unduly exposed to risk in its procurement processes. You will work closely with Core’s Sales and Marketing teams to drive Core’s revenue and profits from the category, and with Core’s Operations and Customer Services team.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio:- Deliver a competitive portfolio to meet Core’s customer requirements - primarily Core’s independent retailer requirements, major multi-retailer requirements and end-consumer requirements in Core’s target sectors

Competitor Analysis:- Be the expert in understanding the competitive landscape to ensure products in the portfolio are comparable to competitor brands and where appropriate create product differentiation to maximise growth of current and new segments

Product Expert:- Be the product expert in terms of: specifications, impact of specifications on pricing, technical functionality etc.

Technical Lead:- Be the technical lead for the product roadmap, to ensure new technologies and coming trends are catered for as appropriate in portfolio developments

Product Positioning:- Develop product pricing and product positioning strategies for each sector to drive growth

Sourcing:- Lead the product sourcing and supplier management functions. Select and manage product suppliers to maximise Core’s commercial position whilst minimising Core’s commercial and regulatory exposure. This includes working with Chinese suppliers on product development. [Note this also includes working with UK suppliers to find ‘gap filler’ lines and other branded products as well as handsets]

Quality & Compliance:- Own product compliance and quality to ensure all products are fully compliant with UK regulations prior to launch and that quality is maintained through product lifecycle

New Product Introduction Process:- Own the NPI process to ensure effective launch management. Work closely with suppliers, customers and the Core team to deliver successful product launches.

Key Requirements:

• Proven work experience and successful track record in product sourcing; particularly ‘own design’ sourcing from China, and managing multiple factory relationships
• Proven track record of managing a portfolio (of multiple segments) and all aspects of product lifecycle management
• Proven ability to develop product and marketing strategies and effectively communicate recommendations to executive management
• Solid technical background sufficient to understand the key elements of mobile accessories products so that product specifications can be developed and reviewed, along with working with partners to ensure products are compliant
• Strong problem-solving skills and can-do attitude, and a willingness to roll up one’s sleeves to get the job done with limited resources
• Skilled at working effectively with cross functional teams in a matrix structure
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Strong negotiation skills preferably with experience negotiating with overseas suppliers
• Strong financial and commercial awareness
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• Experience of managing a mobile accessories category advantageous but not essential; however, having experience of managing electrical consumer goods is essential.

This role is currently home based due to Covid; new offices are being sought in either central london/M25 SW corridor