Product Manager Job

JOB DIMENSIONS
-Product strategy and portfolio management: SKU management, raw material monitoring, margin optimization/cost reduction management for Crop Nutrition & Industrial Minerals
-Stage Gate process owner for the Crop Nutrition and Industrial Minerals business
-Strategic liaison between the business and key support functions of the organization with respect to commercial, new business and product development initiatives
-Development/management of key processes

ACTIVITIES
Product Portfolio Management (50%)

-Develop and manage the product portfolio specific to the regional needs of the business and aligned with global strategy and growth objectives 
-Conduct routine product lifecycle analysis and portfolio review to determine products to be promoted, products to be rationalized and new product development needs
-Standardize portfolio regionally as much as possible, especially to leverage regional ( and global when appropriate) manufacturing footprint to optimize supply chain and sourcing. This will involve standardization of specifications and some raw material supplies.
-Continually refine service level requirements by product, with input from sales and marketing, for implementation by supply chain
-Approve creation of new raw materials, new products and new packaging and ensure accuracy of product master data
-Support corporate CSR efforts and product development related to CSR objectives and mitigation efforts

Stage Gate Coordination (30%)

-Manage NBD process for Crop Nutrition and Industrial Minerals (process for determining which projects are appropriate for Stage Gate and which are not)
-Develop and manage Stage Gate calendar
-Ensure project teams understand and are the stage gate tool appropriately
-Facilitating and attending all gate meetings
-Ensure project teams are functioning w/regard to project management for all development initiatives (both gated and non - gated)
-Ensuring all support functions are aligned with project priorities, for both gated & non – gated projects
-Establish and enforce, with business management, minimum thresholds for volume/revenue/margin for all projects for business alignment and improved profitability
-Coordinate with project teams to ensure gate packages are prepared and distributed timely

Margin Optimization & Cost Reduction (20%)
-Develop and maintain product cost benchmarking baseline and analyses across North American Arkema - ArrMaz sites and competitors globally, together with counterparts in other regions
-Propose and implement cost optimization projects including, but not limited to, qualification of new raw materials and raw material suppliers, make vs. buy decisions, and technology and process improvements. Liaise with other functions as needed to execute on plans inc. DAMPE, R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, etc.
-Own decisions on disposition of non-performing stocks and support inventory management efforts, developing both proactive and reactive initiatives.
-May require some regional travel ~15%

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
-BS in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain and/or Chemical Engineering/Chemistry, or other related areas.  MBA a plus.
-Minimum of 5 years in Portfolio Management, Product and New Business Development.
-Proven financial acumen and understanding of project valuation calculations
-High level of written and oral (including presentation) competency.  Ability to effectively represent Arkema in front of end market, including customer or end user targeted events.
-Excellent project management and organization skills
-Able to take opposing and/or strong positions when necessary both within and outside the organization.
-Ability to concurrently support and/or manage multiple and complex projects in a fast paced and competitive environment.
-Experience and knowledge of the use and application of value chain analysis, product and technology road mapping, product segmentation, competitive analysis and other current Best Practice marketing concepts.
-Cultural awareness and willingness to travel regionally.