Product Manager (H/F) in Watford

Your mission: The Product Manager owns the product planning stage of the product life-cycle working closely with Epson’s head office in Japan. With a segmented approach, the Product Manager builds a comprehensive knowledge of the market place and customer values for both existing and new product segments in order to drive future product planning to grow the business. This person will be an experienced engaging professional with a good mix of technical and marketing knowledge; additionally they will work well and closely with our sales, pre-sales, in country Business Managers, marketing communications, product planning group and service teams. They will confidently and demonstrably be able to contribute to growth plans whilst keeping track of industry trends to grow the business.

What you will do:

• Technology: Have a good knowledge and understanding of key Epson technologies and those of competitors. In addition the Product Manager should have an understanding of key technologies in the markets and be able to identify future trends. Technically evaluate products/competitors and present findings clearly.
• Product Planning: Through hands-on Epson/competitor testing and market specific research covering customer, competitor and channel partner information, assess product competitiveness in meeting customer needs, and identify areas of potential improvement to customer value proposition. Track the price/features/value propositions of key competitors with a segmented approach, working with other stakeholders and customers as required. Use this information and technology development as inputs to plan future product(s). Contribute to the market understanding of the BU and sales teams by being the go to expert for price/features of key competitor products, own product sales performance and customer needs (VOC).
• Product Training: Provide product training for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Business Management: Support the Business Planning and quarterly update processes, providing latest market and competitive conditions, and sales forecast for the assigned product range.
• Market: Working with the Market Research team, use external and internal data sources to build the correct segmented market sizing and trend view for business and product planning.
• Stock Management: Assessing market situation and historical sales trends; and working with the Forecasting and Strategic Planning teams to create monthly sales forecast.
• Customer: Working with the Market Research team and stakeholders, gain an insight and understanding of the customer profile for the allocated product(s). The understanding will include the market segment and resulting 'customer value' to ensure a correct understanding of the customer requirements.
• Launch Preparations: Manage all aspects of launch preparation for the group of products ensuring that the necessary actions are completed on time. Develop and implement launch plans, including product phase-out/phase-in, for new products; Develop product positioning, through definition of target market(s), product proposition and supporting key features & benefits. Ensure all launch documentation is complete for the group of products. Ensure the update of the ERP system (SAP) and product database (Neon) are carried out as part of the launch project for all products.
• Communication: In conjunction with Seiko Epson Corporation, from the products’ differentiation, responsible for identifying the Customer Value (benefits) of the products to be launched. Be responsible for the clear communication on all subjects related to the assigned products; identifying the target markets, developing the value propositions to be communicated and briefing Marketing Communications.

What we ask for:

• Previous experience in media product management, inkjet media products, or related project management roles.
• Degree-level education preferably in a technology or marketing related subject.
• A good knowledge of Epson’s key technologies and those within the competitor landscape.
• Sound technical product knowledge with experience of presenting, demonstrating and training a variety of stakeholders.
• Sales enabler – able to influence and work with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to assess and analyse market intelligence in relation to Epson’s product range.
• Advanced MS Excel skills and highly IT literate.
• Skilled influencer; able to build networks at all levels.
• Fluent in English language; an additional European language is considered an advantage.

What we offer:

We aspire to be an indispensable company, trusted throughout the world for our commitment to openness, customer satisfaction and sustainability. We respect individuality while promoting teamwork, and we are committed to delivering unique value through innovative and creative solutions. Our commitment to the environment: We all have a role to play in building a better future. For Epson, being a sustainable company means being mindful of every aspect of our organisation – from the smallest lightbulb to the largest factory. It fuels our innovation, drives our growth, motivates our workforce and, ultimately, contributes to society. Our people: We believe a healthy culture, strong values, teamwork and contribution from a diverse range of individuals will help us to strive for excellence. Our brand: Ranked by Clarivate Analytics as a Top 100 Global Innovator brand for the last seven years running. Epson is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all protected characteristics and are committed to providing any necessary accommodations during the application and assessment process, as well as upon joining our team. If you require additional assistance for your application or wheelchair access to our facilities, please email recruitment@epson.eu. A member of our team will be happy to assist you.