Product Manager EMEA

In short

The Product Manager plays a pivotal role in actively managing an allocated product group, ensuring adherence to agreed branding rules and hierarchies. This multifaceted position is dedicated to supporting the Product Management team in the implementation, execution, and maintenance of New Product Development/New Product Introduction (NPD/NPI), harmonization, and rationalization projects.

Key Responsibilities

Product Portfolio Management

• Manages product lifecycle as a portfolio, bringing in new products and regularly replacing and eliminating obsolete products. Manages the tail by driving initiatives to reduce slow movers/ obsolete products (SLOB). 
• Translates value propositions from segment plans into product solutions. Provides input for competitor benchmark studies.
• Coordinates with R&D to create specification for new products based on market trends and customer needs 
• Creates strategies to ensure optimal product positioning and value creation.
• Maintains the specified product ranges and associated master data; ensuring compliance with technical specifications set by R&D and PSRA.

Product Positioning & Commercialization

• Creates sales arguments for products including competitive comparisons
• Ensures that relevant product information is provided to the commercial organization.
• Provides market input for product positioning of new product developments.
• Contributes to the creation of best practices in product management across the business unit, particularly with respect to actual process and IT-tools
• Product related Communication
• Supports the development & implementation of product positioning literature for the internal organization and external customers; message strategy, planning and deliverables. 
• Supports the creation of high-impact sales tools and customer retention tools such as white papers, newsletters, presentations, product demos.
• Provides product relevant input for digital media / social media, technical ‘how to’ video and product campaigns.

What do you bring

• At least 5+ years directly experience in either R&D, Manufacturing or Marketing preferably in Paints & Coatings industry 
• University qualification in engineering or chemistry; business management, marketing
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Collaborative, results focused and excellent communicator
• Displays initiative and ability to work independently.
• Quick learner to develop IT skills (SAP, Focus, Excel, Gaudi, etc.)
• Willingness to work across functional teams in a matrix organization and manage all stakeholders; management by influence

More information and how to apply

We welcome your online application via https://www.akzonobel.com/en/careers. Only online applications including resume, and cover letter. If you have any questions, please contact David van Gelderen, Talent Acquisition Partner. E-mail david.vangelderen@akzonobel.com. 
 
The recruitment process includes a selection of the best applications received through the system, interview rounds and further steps. An online assessment might be part of the selection process.  

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.