Product Manager

As a Product Manager in the plumbing industry, you will play a pivotal role in developing and leveraging the Watts product portfolio to meet market demands and drive business growth. You will be responsible for overseeing the entire product lifecycle, from ideation and development through launch and post-launch analysis all the way to product rationalisation. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, engineering, and manufacturing both within Apex and across the APMEA region, you will ensure that our products meet customer needs, adhere to quality standards, comply with local regulations, and align with company objectives.

PRODUCT MANAGER

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Product Management

• Product Development:

• Assist with the development of new products and enhancements to existing products, collaborating with R&D and Operations to ensure alignment with customer requirements, regulatory standards, and company goals.

• Market Analysis:

• Conduct thorough market research and analysis to identify trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape within the plumbing industry in New Zealand.

• Utilise insights to inform product development strategies and identify opportunities for growth for the Watts portfolio.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with sales, R&D and other internal teams to develop go-to-market strategies, promotional campaigns, and sales enablement tools.

• Provide product training and support to internal stakeholders and external partners (Hydraulic Consultants & Plumbers) as needed.

• Ensure compliance with relevant industry regulations and standards.

• Customer Focus:

• Act as the voice of the customer within the organization, advocating for their needs and preferences in product development initiatives.

• Gather feedback through training and market interaction to continuously improve and grow product offerings.

Technical Knowledge Expertise

• Continuous learning and mastery of the full range of Watts and Apex products: product series, main features and application points, product selection and quotation.

• Develop and establish system solution capabilities based on familiarity with products: system solution design, optimisation and cost analysis.

• Understand the relevant installation, debugging and after-sales service knowledge.

Training and Assessment

• Establishment and maintenance of online/offline training and assessment system: production and updating of technical training materials and assessment content.

• Provide support to sales and marketing teams by creating product documentation and training materials.

• Conduct product demonstrations.

• Train internal teams and distributors, including customer service and sales, on product features and benefits.

• Attend conferences, trade shows, and other industry events to showcase product and gather customer feedback.

Technical Support for Large Projects/Major Customers

• Support large projects/major customers: preparation of tenders, selection and quotation, technical Q&A.

• Attend or host technical exchange meetings for large projects/major customers.

Communication and Reporting

• Provide monthly reports.

• Attend Sales, Operations, R&D team meetings and provide relevant updates.

• Regular communication on progress of projects and events to key stakeholders.

Compliance

• Comply with relevant legislation, regulations and policy that impact on/relate to Apex

• Keep sensitive customer and/or product information confidential

Health and Safety

• Compliance with all Apex Health and Safety policies and procedures

• Actively contribute to Health and Safety initiatives

• Ensure safe work practices and encourage a safe working environment for team and others

EDUCATION

• Diploma or Bachelor degree in Business Administration or a technical field (preferred but not essential)

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Relevant practical experience in a similar role and industry.

• Effective communication and presentation skills with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and present to internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

• Ability to build strong working relationships.

• Business development skills.

• Results oriented and driven.

• Attention to detail and accuracy.

• Analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to understand complex technical concepts.

• Ability to work independently and be a self-starter.

• Computer literacy skills are necessary (Microsoft Office suite).

• A current driver's license (mandatory)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Mixture of office and travel (local, and occasional international)