At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product strategy and lifecycle for excavators, collaborating with teams to drive market growth.
- Company: Join SMT, a dynamic leader in machinery distribution with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health cash plan, enhanced sick pay, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a caring, daring, and sharing team culture with great growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the construction industry while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication, negotiation skills, and a self-starter attitude are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
SMT is a leading full-service distribution company specializing in machinery and trucks. Our focus is on providing equipment for the construction, material handling, recycling, and transport industry. Launched in 2010, we have already obtained a significant heritage that dates back to 1946. Our mix of agility and international experience gives us the advantage of a synergetic environment. We are active in large parts of Africa, Belgium & Luxembourg, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and in the US.
As a Product Manager for Excavators you will be responsible for the development and lifecycle of your products, working with the OEM(s) to ensure that they meet the needs of SMT’s customers and that they align with the overall business strategy. The role requires a combination of strategic thinking, communication skills, and the ability to collaborate across different functional areas. You will need to develop and implement a clear product vision and strategy which will involve understanding market trends, customer needs, and competition to define the direction of the product(s). You will work closely with the Sales teams to ensure that they have the support and information required to achieve SMT’s market growth and long term objectives.
What You'll Be Doing
- Development of a product strategy and roadmap through the creation of Strategic Product Marketing plans - to include product, price, place and promotion considerations - across all target industry sectors.
- Project Management of new products/solutions’ development or continuous improvement projects related to the Product family.
- Development of Product Campaigns (in cooperation with OEM if appropriate) to support the delivery of market share growth plans and the achievement of targeted product margins.
- Management and on time execution of the New Product Launch (NPL) process for Product family ensuring full adherence to pre-launch checks and end to end process verification before products are released for sale.
- Carries out competitor product analysis and uses this information to develop comprehensive supporting material for the regional sales teams as well as using it to shape overall marketing strategy.
- Is the recognized expert in the business on the product and can deliver effective presentations both internally and externally as required.
- Carries out Regional Sales Team training as part of NPL process and as and when required to reinforce learning and sales team performance.
- Is the first point of contact for the OEM for their Product range and is responsible for managing this relationship on a “Business As Usual” (BAU) basis.
- Develops Machine Regional Specification (MRS) in agreement with Regional teams and OEM.
- Maintains a thorough understanding of VCE Zone type supplier agreements that exists between region EMEA and third-party suppliers.
- Works in accordance with SMT GB’s standards of health, safety, quality and environmental care.
- Any other duties that may be reasonably requested by your manager.
What You'll Need
- Excellent customer and market understanding.
- Good negotiation skills.
- Good systems and technical knowledge.
- Strong presentational skills.
- Proven ability to communicate at all levels.
- Works in an effective and systematic manner.
- A self-starter with the ability to work on own initiative with minimal supervision.
- Proven analytical skills.
- A collaborative approach.
What's in it for you?
Alongside a competitive salary we offer you a host of fantastic benefits!
- Health Cash Plan – Claim money back on prescriptions (including HRT), glasses, dentists appointments, physio and more.
- Free Physio Access – Speak to a physio by phone or video.
- 24/7 GP Service – Private GP access anytime.
That's not all - We also offer a whole host of additional Health & Wellbeing Support and benefits.
- Enhanced Sick Pay – Extra support when you’re unwell, meaning you can rest a little easier while you recover.
- Family Leave – Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
- IVF Support – Paid time off for treatment and appointments.
- Retirement Support – Enjoy bonuses and phasedown days when it's time to retire.
- Pension – We match your contributions up to 5%.
- Car Leasing – Salary sacrifice schemes through Tusker or Octopus.
- Cycle to Work – Save on a new bike and accessories.
- Discounts Platform – Save on groceries, holidays, shopping and more.
Feeling Part of the Team
You’ll also have access to a range of team-focused benefits, including a refer-a-friend bonus, long service awards starting at three years, a paid volunteering day each year, Christmas shutdown as part of your holiday allowance, and plenty of opportunities to get involved through our Employee Council, Social Committee, and Caring, Daring, Sharing awards.
Closing date & interview process
The closing date for applications is 5th June 2026. We review applications on an ongoing basis and may close this advert early if sufficient suitable applications are received. Early application is therefore encouraged. Interviews are expected to be conducted w/c 15th June 2026.
Our values
Our way of working as a professional community can be best described as Caring, Daring and Sharing. Caring because we are service-minded, and we always like to go the extra mile for our customers and give our people the attention and care they deserve. Daring because we are innovative in our business, constantly looking for smart improvement. And finally Sharing because we realize we’re doing this together; with our clients, with a great team of skilled specialists, excellent manufacturers and reliable suppliers. These values create an engaging environment for passionate people who like to work in a place with purpose.
Product Manager, Excavators - Strategy, Launch & Growth in Birmingham employer: SMT GB
SMT is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a competitive salary alongside a comprehensive benefits package including health cash plans, enhanced sick pay, and retirement support. Our collaborative work culture, rooted in our values of Caring, Daring, and Sharing, fosters innovation and teamwork, making it an ideal environment for passionate individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the machinery and trucks industry from the comfort of their home-based role in Duxford, Birmingham.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Manager, Excavators - Strategy, Launch & Growth in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching SMT and understanding their products and market position. Tailor your responses to show how your skills align with their needs, especially in product strategy and customer understanding.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! As a Product Manager, you'll need to communicate effectively. Run through mock presentations with friends or family to build confidence and get feedback.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the SMT team.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Manager, Excavators - Strategy, Launch & Growth in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Product Manager role. Highlight your experience with product strategy, market analysis, and project management. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the excavator industry and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Let’s see that enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve driven product growth or improved processes in previous roles. Numbers and results speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Let’s get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at SMT GB
✨Know Your Product Inside Out
As a Product Manager for Excavators, it's crucial to have an in-depth understanding of the products you'll be managing. Research the latest technologies, market trends, and customer needs related to excavators. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your passion and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss how you would develop a product strategy and roadmap. Think about how you would approach creating strategic marketing plans that consider product, price, place, and promotion. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully implemented similar strategies.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
This role requires working closely with various teams, including sales and OEMs. Prepare examples of how you've effectively collaborated across different functional areas in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve managed relationships to achieve common goals.
✨Be Ready for Competitor Analysis
Understanding the competition is key in this role. Familiarise yourself with the major players in the excavator market and be prepared to discuss their strengths and weaknesses. This will show that you can think critically about the market landscape and contribute to SMT's growth strategies.