Product Manager @ Ardmore New!

Description

Responsibilities

Market Research

• Acquire market intelligence through various sources and analyse trends to determine an appropriate product strategy for Ardmore.
• Use analysis to identify the right product type, quality, style and colours.

Product Buying

• Identify the right product type, style, colours, quality.
• Selecting products appropriate for the application of Ardmore designs.
• Develop all specifications of the product features, functions, packaging and resource requirements.
• Develop a Design and Development plan in consultation with the Design team.
• Considering how to apply an Ardmore’s spin on the product, without diverting from the initial concept that the market needs.
• Considering whether there are any existing and successful Ardmore designs, that could be adapted to fit it the concept before asking for new design work.
• Product Sourcing and Supplier Management.
• Create an adequate vendor base to mitigate risks and ensure optimum quality.
• Maintain relationships with key vendors who are critical for the long term success of the business.
• Communicate annual product plans and requirements – including drops, quantities, lead times and replenishments.
• Negotiate MOQ’s, pricing, specific merchandise requirements, terms and service level contracts.
• Pursue cost reduction measures through bulk buying and/ or selecting appropriate vendor mix, scanning the environment for benchmarks and constantly improving the purchase process.

Design Project Management

• Oversee the Project Manager who manages the Design team’s project and development timelines.

Product Planning

• Prepare annual plans for each product category – in terms of sales, margins and stock holding.
• This will include new product/category launches and newness in existing categories.
• Utilise historic and market data to inform the planning process.
• Ensure product plans are also aligned with the marketing and event calendar.
• Reviewing existing products and sales performance and making necessary adjustments.

Requirements

Qualifications: Degree in related field.
Experience: 10 years relevant experience of which at least 6-8 years should have been in retail industry.
Additional: • Good Knowledge of Buying principles and processes. • Advanced Knowledge of Retail industry and particularly luxury retail brands. • Advanced presentation skills (creative). • Shows initiative. • Proactive and results orientation. • Teamwork & collaboration. • Communication, planning and organising skills. • Commitment to excellence. Forward your CV to Gabi Traut at tpersonnel@iafrica.com should you have the required experience or call her on 083 274 5193. Visit our website www.trautpersonnel.co.za for all our positions.