The Senior Product Manager for Soft Surface will be responsible for managing the product life cycle of Tarkett soft surface branded products with the objective of: protecting and growing market share within current target market segments, managing existing product portfolio, identifying new product/service ideas for growth, and identifying new market segments/channels for growth. The Senior Product Manager for Soft Surface will also be responsible for serving as a liaison between Design, Sales Ops, Operations, R&D, and Sales teams with an objective of implementing new product ideas and product improvements. The Senior Product Manager for Soft Surface must ensure that all products, sales, customer service and communication efforts are consistent and supportive of the strategic direction of their portfolio and the Tarkett Brand and associated Brands.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
New Product Development and Market Research: To provide a solid rational for projects involving product improvements, new product development and new target market/channel development.
Identify new trends in existing markets, translate their meaning for our business and recommend changes to the product line(s)/services/go to market strategy.
Discover new market segments, identify their market potential and necessary product adjustments or new product needs.
Engage different audiences (external and internal) in identification and development of innovative ideas.
Participate in development of new products including the development and coordination of product briefs from concept to segment intel to design and launch.
Travel with member(s) of field team at least once per quarter to contribute to knowledge base and build/maintain Voice of Customer.
Product Performance: To ensure the fit between selected audiences' needs and our products/services to secure continuous stream of profitable revenue.
Be the expert in assigned product categories.
Know the target markets/audiences.
Understand our manufacturing systems and capabilities and their impact on quality of our products and services.
Work closely with operations and engineering teams to identify and address products' performance issues.
Work closely with sales/field people to identify improvement opportunities and new needs coming from customers and prospects.
Seek direct feedback from selected target markets and end users to improve products and identify new needs.
Identify product-improvement priorities and organize teams to manage them.
Champion the internal communication on product related issues.
Analyze product performance including financial indicators and our position in target markets. Communicate internally conclusions/recommendations for changes within product portfolio based on this analysis.
Develop and drive the development of product training in support of the portfolio.
Product Positioning: To create and continuously update the competitive advantage message based on understanding of our competition, and work with marketing communications group to project this value message to the external audience.
Benchmarking against competitors: Regular updates of competitive information, including pricing, competitive mapping, identifying improvement areas based on changes in competitive landscape, and creating internal tools to explicitly communicate our standing against major competitors.
Product Portfolio mapping: working in collaboration with other product managers to create a map of current products and their position within market segments, distribution channels, geo markets.
Work closely with and provide direction to Marketing Communications team, customers, field team, technical/installation team, and production facilities to create communications programs related to specific product line and/or target market.
Regularly communicate developments and competitive advantages to marketing and field team, and develop and execute plans to counteract competitive actions.
Price Structure Management: To establish fair and profitable pricing strategy that reflects the value of our products relative to competition.
Annual product line profitability analysis.
Recommendation of price list structure changes.
New price structure development for new product launches.
Brand, Communications and SIOP/Forecasting Support: To maintain an understanding of product lines and communication touch points within the brand portfolio.
Continue an open dialogue with marketing team members to ensure all efforts are aligned with brand/business direction, priorities are set, and product and communication results are maximized across all initiatives.
Based on portfolio performance, understanding of marketing dynamics and sales/marketing plans for programs contribute to the SIOP/Forecasting process.
Requirements
Minimum 4-year higher education degree in the related field. MBA is a plus.
7+ years of relevant business-to-business experience in product management, marketing, or an equivalent combination of experience and education. Building product industry experience is a plus. Commercial carpet experience is a plus.
Willingness to travel (up to 25%).
What We Offer
A commitment that Safety is #1.
Competitive benefits, pay, and retirement plan options!
Career growth, stability, and flexible work arrangements.
Responsible Manufacturing – Protecting Our Planet for the Future
We utilize renewable energy and a closed loop recycled water process.
We are committed to reducing greenhouse emissions and water consumption.
We are the only flooring company recognized by the Asthma and Allergy foundation.
Who we are:
With a history of 140 years, Tarkett is a worldwide leader in innovative flooring and sport surface solutions with 12,000 employees and 34 industrial sites. Offering a wide range of products including vinyl, linoleum, rubber, carpet, wood, laminate, artificial turf, and athletic tracks. The Group serves customers in more than 100 countries across the globe. Committed to change the game with circular economy and to reducing its carbon footprint, the Group has implemented an eco-innovation strategy based on Cradle to Cradle principles, fully aligned with its Tarkett Human-Conscious Design approach. Tarkett is listed on Euronext (Compartment B, ISIN FR******** , ticker: TKTT). www.tarkett-group.com
Tarkett is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in backgrounds and in experiences and promote an inclusive workplace where all employees can perform at their best.
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