Job Description

Job Title:      Product Category Manager – International Helmets                   

Location:      HPW                                                                         

Scope of the Function

We are looking to recruit a Product Category Manager (PCM) to work within Team Wendy/Helmets SBU, reporting to Daron Shank, Product Category Director and based at HPW.

The PCM develops, leads and manages the international head protection product portfolio strategies including key collaboration with the Global Category Director to define the specific category, assessing, and measuring current performance and setting objectives and targets for the category in the international market. The PCM will devise and implement the product strategy aligning with the overall objectives and metrics of head protection international growth plan. They will engage in product development, pricing, promotion, forecasting, and budgeting. They will also build and implement, based on research and data insights, strategies and plans to grow the international product category in alignment with the sales strategy.  The PCM will work closely with cross-functional teams including Sales acting as a subject matter expert (SME), Marketing, Engineering, Operations and Customer Experience to ensure close collaboration as well as holistic planning and execution. They will maximize existing business, expand new categories and product offerings while in parallel rationalize legacy non-performing ones. The PCM will be responsible for Direct Profit management and Profit & Loss of assigned product/service categories.

Market Segments: International (all markets outside of North and South America).

Main Responsibilities: 

• Responsible for following product portfolios: Commercial Helmets
• Determine the positioning of a product category to maximize visibility and performance within broader Team Wendy portfolio.
• Act as the regional Subject Matter Expert (SME) for international business development & sales teams for head protection
• Work closely with our internal teams (international sales & marketing, engineering, operations, sourcing teams etc.) to drive new product development from ideation to discontinuation.
• Engage in Front End of Innovation (FEI) process and the NPI stage gate process.
• Develop international go-to-market recommendations and strategies regarding assigned categories and cross promotions with other categories.
• Define purpose and role of category within the Business portfolio and set, measure, and track specific category metrics to ensure performance success.
• Find opportunities to maximize the profitability of the business and conducting financial analysis.
• Develop exit strategies for unsuccessful/aging products, aligned to creation and management of Phase-In-Phase-Out Plans (PIPOs).
• Establish forecasts for product demand to ensure the sustainability of inventory. Checking and managing inventory for various product categories.
• Forage for innovative products that will shape the future through strategic involvement with industry partners, shows and publications, etc. while creating a highly curated brand portfolio.
• Develop, create, and recommend alternative solutions for profit and sales growth.
• Create long term strategic plans regarding category and company growth in the international markets.

• Work with the Global Category Director to establish annual and five-year budget development and revenue for category in the international markets.
• Create and circulate reports and dashboard to the Global Category Director that provides an overview of overarching strategy, monthly/annual sales performance with direct profit management, risks, competitive movement, and near-term objectives.
• Adjust strategies and materials to improve sales and profits with new target markets.
• Forecast new product demand and reviewing product pricing to ensure they meet margin targets with healthy YOY growth.
• Implement various strategies through in-depth analysis of pricing, competitor analysis, and various other market information.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience of safety/health, first responder, industrial or military products.
• A deep understanding of product and project management.
• Excellent strategic and analytical skill set.
• Demonstrated success defining and launching excellent products.
• Excellent teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated ability to meet or beat assigned targets and deadlines consistently.
• Experience with cross-functional teams that include engineering, manufacturing, regulatory, sales, and marketing staff.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including presentation experience to large and diverse audiences.
• Seasoned experience using Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
• Bachelor’s degree required (Business Administration or Marketing preferred) or related professional work experience. Master’s degree a plus.
• Experience managing technical products, from development through launch.
• Solid understanding of finance, pricing, supply chain management and operations.
• Proficiency in written and oral communication/presentation skills.
• Demonstrated capabilities in a variety of data collection and survey techniques.
• A demonstrated capability to think strategically and execute tactically. The successful candidate must be an integrative thinker with a strong foundation in data driven problem solving.
• A demonstrated depth and breadth in business acumen across the major functional disciplines including Business Development, Engineering, Operations, Finance, Contracts, Business Development and Sales.  
• Government/Military sales and communications (desirable).
• Knowledge of TUV/CE/NFPA/NIOSH or military PPE procurement/use (desirable).
• Bilingual is seen as advantageous.

Internal Customers: Product Portfolio Management, Cross Functional Teamwork.

External Customers: Military & first responder customers and end users, agents and applicable distribution, regulatory and certification agencies.

About Avon Protection:

We design and produce life-critical personal protection solutions for the world’s militaries and first responders, with a portfolio that includes Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (“CBRN”), protection.  We do this through our two brands, Avon Protection and Team Wendy. Our mission is to provide unparalleled safety for those who protect us, giving them the confidence to tackle challenging situations and helping them get home safely. At Avon Protection, we recognize that our success relies on the collective efforts of our talented team. As an organization, we welcome individuals who embody our #FIERCE company values - fearlessness, integrity, excellence, resilience, collaboration, and the ability to execute.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Up to 15% bonus
• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
• Training and development opportunities including 24/7 e-learning on LinkedIn Learning
• Medical and health cash-back scheme
• Pension matched up to 7.5%
• Share incentive scheme.

This job description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with this job. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserve the right to modify, add or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary.

Do not apply via the links below.  Interested applicants should apply by sending their CV to: ria.wakefield@avon-protection.com and helen.stevens@avon-protection.com 

This job description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with this job. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserve the right to modify, add or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary.