The Product Manager, Tools and Equipment serves as the subject expert in all matters pertaining to the Tool and Equipment division, its competition, and the marketplace. The Product Manager takes ownership of all inbound (product development, supplier liaison, product category development, margin maintenance, and liaising with marketing on outbound product marketing activities for the product category including product branding, positioning, pricing, messaging/packaging, and competitive analysis. The Product Manager will be responsible for continued development, enhancement, and product training within their product category for internal and external clients.
This position will work closely with the Marketing, Sales, and Supply Chain departments to develop and enhance our product lines through product line development, product line enhancement, supplier negotiations, supplier relationships, product training, offering, pricing, marketing programs and other product presentations. This position will report directly to the Group Product Manager, Tools and Equipment and the ideal candidate resides in the Greater Vancouver or Greater Toronto area.
This will be a hybrid role, and travel will be required up to 25% of the time.
Key Responsibilities:
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Product management for the tool and equipment division, including line and program development, researching product offering opportunities, factory correspondence, product testing, pricing, communication strategy, etc.
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Manage the product life cycle process.
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Support the development & implementation of planning strategies that grow profit and volume based on category direction, new product development, product entry into new market segments, pricing, and merchandising.
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Development of presentations for the new products introduced and rolling out these training programs by conducting training sessions.
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Work in conjunction with the marketing team, to determine placement, product introduction and promotion strategy.
- Develop clear product “core” messaging and provide clear value distinction in the marketplace.
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Develop and mentor direct reports through on-boarding, open communication, training and development opportunities and performance management processes.
- Understand, define, and communicate the competitive landscape for the product category, define target markets and determine key market messages.
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Develop product specifications, packaging ideas and technical information for the graphics department.
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Combine creativity and out-of-the box thinking in marketing and introducing new products to the market, seasonal promotions, advertising opportunities, new product launches etc.
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Fielding troubleshooting calls from users and distributors, product and safety training development and delivery.
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Support trade shows and other company-sponsored events as required.
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Respond to questions and concerns from customers and sales and service staff.
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Other duties and projects will be assigned as required.
Education and Competencies:
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Minimum education requirement : Bachelor’s degree
- A minimum of 5 years of demonstrated product management experience (preferably in the hard good sector)
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Product marketing and promotions experience.
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Project management experience.
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Excellent presentation skills.
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Ability to build strong relationships.
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Ability to understand, work with and relay technical product specifications.
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Highly organized and detail oriented.
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Strong research, analytical and problem-solving ability.
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Excellent computer skills with an emphasis on MS Office – particularly Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
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Works well in a fast-paced and changing environment.
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Thirst for knowledge.
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Creative and progressive.
- Gifted with the ability to clearly convey verbally or in writing technical jargon in a clear and concise fashion.
SureWerx is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at SureWerx are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, Strategic, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. SureWerx will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
