Introduction
To strengthen
our Product team we are looking to hire a Product Manager. Reporting into the
Business Development Manager and managing a Product Specialist - the PM will provide
product expertise on specific equipment lines and build long term relationships
within our dealer network/key accounts as well as provide information and
training to dealers and sales staff, highlighting features and competitive
advantages of new and existing Kubota products in comparison with competitor
products.
Objectives
The successful candidate will also create and maintain
product information including websites, pricing, product guides, bid
specifications, magazine ads, brochures, sales bulletins etc. and gather and
analyse industry and competitive sales information to make recommendations for
strategies to increase Company sales - to contribute to a robust communication
process which is ‘fit for purpose’ covering both internal and external
stakeholders.
Responsibilities
To
undertake market research, providing data to the BDM which might lead to sales,
parts and service growth opportunities, including competitor pricing, benefits
etc.
To attend and assist/present in various meetings/initiatives such as dealer and customer surveys, sales meetings, trade shows, product demonstrations, providing technical support and follow up as required
Deliver,
in coordination with the training manager, training on Company products to the
field and dealer staff. Permanently updating on knowledge about the Company as
well as our competitors product line-up and prepare/ deliver the product
comparisons identifying unique selling points.
In
conjunction with the Marketing department to recommend product positioning for
advertising/website, promotional and sales material and ensure product message
is communicated correctly.
To
implement innovative marketing and sales planning initiatives in conjunction
with the BDM, Dealer Development Manager (DDM) and Marketing department.
Assist
in the resolution of dealer enquiries/complaints and maintain effective working
relationships with the dealers and customers.
Identify
the need for new product development and existing product improvements, working
in conjunction with R&D and supporting R&D surveys.
Support
local homologation process and product documentation translation.
Guide
engineering and product development from a sales and marketing perspective.
Support
and work with sales and marketing staff and dealers to achieve division and
corporate objectives and manage resources.
To
assist with new business projects.
To
develop and implement strategies to motivate dealers/distributors, their sales
and marketing managers and appropriate staff in conjunction with the BDM and
DDM.
Recommend
to the BDM, pricing strategies to ensure that the product market share, sales
and profit contribution plans are not threatened.
Prepare
and create the relevant machine configurations and respective price build up.
Undertake
any other duties and responsibilities commensurate with the level and
responsibilities of the position.
Work
in harmony with all other personnel and communicate in an open courteous manner
with colleagues and customers.
Carry
out responsibilities in accordance with Company policies and procedures.
Undertake
any training necessary to carry out duties and responsibilities.
Maintain
confidentiality at all times in relation to product, financial aspects etc of
both Kubota and the dealer network.
Ensure
that Safe Systems of Work and Standard Operating Procedures are in place,
advertised, adopted and remain relevant for each section of responsibility,
reviewing as required.
Requirements
Educated
to degree level in a relevant discipline such as Business Administration,
Marketing, Engineering, Agricultural sciences or equivalent desired.
Extensive knowledge of the industry, some level of knowledge of the Kubota product range and their application is desirable.
In-depth
knowledge of the competitor products.
Previous
experience of market analysis etc including translating this into action plans.
Up
to date knowledge of industry, trends, changes and market intelligence.
Results-oriented
with a strong willingness to improve the presence on the market.
Experience
of working within a dealer/distributor business model with an insight on how to
improve and optimise.
Mechanical
aptitude including the ability to operate Kubota equipment, with excellent
technical skills.
Strong
IT systems skills.
Be
able to implement good change management strategies.
Will
be able to demonstrate ability to manage issues to a successful conclusion
using empathy, mutual respect and negotiation skills.
Will
possess good numeracy skills and attention to detail.
All
‘core’ management skills ie communication, interpersonal, presentation,
negotiation, proactive, confidentiality, integrity, focused etc, including
experience of working within a continuous improvement environment.
A
current driving license is required and ideally a valid passport as there will
be extensive travel, mainly within the UK and Ireland, but also overseas.
Your Company
Kubota Corporation has been a leading manufacturer of agricultural, turf, hay and construction
equipment since 1890. With world Headquarters in Osaka Japan, and sales in more than 110 countries throughout
North America, Europe and Asia, Kubota achieved revenues last year over $16
billion. Although, engines,
agricultural and construction equipment are Kubota’s primary businesses, Kubota
also manufactures a diverse line of other products including city wide water
filtration systems, irrigation, piping, roofing, housing and large underground
valves.
Our Mission: “For Earth, For Life” speaks to our commitment to the
preservation of the earth’s natural environment while aiding in production of
food and water supplies that are vital to societal needs as our world
population continues to grow. That mission is realised each time a Kubota
tractor harvests the land to produce life sustaining food or our construction
equipment excavates to transport water resources or provide shelter.
Kubota (KUK) based in Thame, Oxfordshire currently
employees in excess of 130 staff and has four distinct business lines – Tractor
& Groundcare, Engines, Construction and Parts and has been based in the UK
Since 1979.
The operations within the
UK incorporate Sales, Marketing, Administration, Distribution, Service, Product
Development, Parts, Finance, HR, Business Solutions & Planning and H&S.