Product Manager

Division: Group Buying
Reports To: Category Manager
Based: Normanton
Hours of Work - Full time on a fixed term contract
Role Specification
The role is based in Normanton. The Product Manager will be required to travel to other Group locations to work alongside colleagues and for external meetings as appropriate (including internationally).
Role Objective
The product manager will be responsible for ensuring the Group has a well-constructed, competitive range of products for the different sales channels. Commercial success is critical to the role. The role will be in constant contact with the supplier base. The role will be responsible for the product within the organisation and ensure the product is managed successfully across several different disciplines. Finally, the product manager will provide a link between different departments and their relationship with suppliers. They will need to manage that relationship to the benefit of EVO whilst ensuring the supplier is engaged in the opportunities within the Group.
Responsibilities Will Include But Will Not Be Limited To
Negotiate with suppliers to achieve best business package for EVO including agreeing terms for rebates, MDF, annual & quarterly targets
Support the Category Manager to build category plans for key suppliers/key categories that support EVO's aspirations for revenue and profit growth.
Understand the category, competitors, suppliers & market dynamics.
To develop and communicate knowledge of the UK and Irish market and trends in order to define the vendors & sku range for the category.
Alongside the Purchasing team, develop unique private label product ranges from suppliers in the UK, Europe and the Rest of the World
Manage their product range to ensure EVO has the right products to service its different sales channels. This includes the constant removal and launching of new lines
Identification & development of long-term suppliers for existing and new products in accordance with the business strategy & range control plans
Source, evaluate and select new products to present to the Category Manager for pre-approval, include all key commercials & reasoning
Ensure due diligence is performed on all new suppliers in accordance with Responsible Procurement policy and coordinating with the Compliance Manager on new products
Manage the full process of bringing new products to market including internal communication with the relevant departments, key areas being inventory, operations and marketing. Plus, the production of external publications e.g. the annual catalogue
Manage all supplier 'housekeeping 'including product set up, pricing, stock issues, rebates, price protection, and customer queries.
Report on supplier performance and manage communication with suppliers on issues and improvement plans where required.
Deliver on the company's sustainable procurement objectives, and introduce products and solutions to further the company's CSR objectives.
Understand and monitor product and supplier compliance in line with company terms and conditions and keep up to date with differences between EU and UK product certification.
Support and advise Product Marketing teams to deliver on the product marketing programme; this includes pitching for funding and negotiating contractual support
Assist Purchasing in completing competitive customer tender bids through sourcing products and negotiating vendor support.
Support Group Inventory with problematic suppliers and negotiate solutions to poor performance
Build strong relationships and rapport with key personnel, interfacing at different levels with key supplier contacts.
Ensure regular communication on EVO's strategic direction.
Prioritise activity that presents the greatest influence, both real and potential, on the profitability of EVO Group
Person Specification
Appreciation of and understanding of the legal implications of this role through legislative and regulatory knowledge.
Time management is critical in this job role, so the ability to focus and drive to meet goals, deadlines and manage their workload is key.
Developed communication skills and a high level of professionalism to work with senior supplier contacts.
Ability to manage critical business data in a confidential manner
Other Qualifications or Experience
Attention to detail
Strong negotiating and supplier management skills
Experience buying products from manufacturers and major international brands
Experience developing strong supplier relationships
Ability to construct product ranges to meet multiple different customer base requirements
Ability to project plan the introduction of new products and moving products between suppliers
Strong numeracy skills, the ability to manipulate and present data
Ability to successfully deliver multiple projects simultaneously
Desirable Qualifications or Experience
Knowledge of the business supplies and services industry
The Company
evo - a powerhouse of brands. evo Group of Companies is the UK and Ireland's largest multi-channel business supplies and services distributor. We operate a centralised distribution network, with distribution centres around the UK and Ireland, complemented by regional cross-dock sites. Our unrivalled logistics platform includes hundreds of our own delivery vehicles, efficiently delivering a vast range of essential goods to workplaces across the nation. We Recognise That Our People Are At The Heart Of Our Culture Here At Evo And We Are Proud To Employ Over 2,000 People Across Our Industry Leading Brands VOW Wholesale , VOW Ireland , Banner , Complete , Premvan , Truline & Staples .
The Benefits
Flexible working
Pension contributions
Cycle to work scheme
Employee Assistance Programme
State of the art IT equipment
Volunteer days