Product Manager

Reports to:                        President - ANZ, Asia & AfricaLine Reports:                     Product Manager, ANZ, Asia & AfricaLocation                            ANZ Head Office, 917 Riversdale Road, Surrey Hills, 3127 AustraliaBrand Purpose                  Florsheim Provides Quality Footwear & Exceptional Service EverydayBrand Values                      Put Our People FirstAlways Be a Team PlayerAct with Integrity & RespectTake Ownership & Follow Up (TOFU)Have a Thirst to Learn       Key deliverables:           ·        Manage Product Development process from concept through sampling and production.·        Set and maintain the Critical Path at each stage from Concept to Production.  ·        Lead cross-functional teams in the determination of new Product Development ·        Maintain product quality, brand equity and customer goodwill. Responsibilities:             ·        Take the lead in day-to-day activities involved in product development, including concept creation, design, cost management, sampling, packaging and testing.·        Translate product strategy into detailed specifications for development and production.·        Direct range positioning that ensures products are relevant and competitive in the Australian and Pacific markets.·        Analyze competitor offerings and seek opportunities for new markets·        Undertake competitor analysis on a regular basis to validate range offer and direct new development ·        Maintain close communication with Glendale product team, ensuring timely interaction to maximize adoption of Global product input and exploit timing and buying opportunities.·        Direct AU style development across Men’s, Women’s and Accessories.·        Direct and coordinate Product function activities while allocating resources necessary to achieve outcomes in accordance with cost, quality, and critical path objectives.·        Engage with all selling channels, marketing and suppliers during the range build and development process.·        In conjunction with Planning optimize range timing and commercial appeal of product.·        Ensure all product labelling meets commercial and legal requirements.·        Supply, review and manage all relevant Vendor manuals and guidelines ·        Oversee and maintain appropriate QA systems and factory feedback mechanisms. ·        Engage with Weyco offshore supply QA team to ensure agreed standards are maintained.·        Ensure appropriate follow-up action takes place as and when required. ·        Foster strong and dependable relationships with factories.·        Continuously assess and identify appropriate manufacturing partners, ·        Establish target FOB pricing and oversee price negotiation and approval·        Oversee Registration of new product in accordance with established norms·        Manage Fit approval and pattern engineering that ensures correct look, fit and comfort.·        Achieve timely supply of samples to the Wholesale Team and Showrooms ·        Ensure availability of tooling and componentry so to achieve agreed delivery schedules·        Manage Buying activities in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures ·        Review and Audit SOP’s as appropriate.·        Implement and adopt all appropriate ESG initiatives. ·        Provide Product Knowledge and training support for Online, Retail and Wholesale ·        Coordinate production of seasonal Catalogues, Line sheets and Sell sheets for FAL and Florsheim Asia  REQUIRED CAPABILITIESFootwear Design, Engineering and Technical     ·        Have lead role in Range building and Product Development ·        Experience in a product management role·        Proven success in overseeing all elements of product development  ·        High effectiveness in managing cross-functional teamsLeadership·        Actively lead the team to achieve all targeted outcomes and maximise productivity ·        Motivate others by setting clear objectives that support agreed strategic objectives·        Foster a positive environment that encourages and empowers others to take the initiative and have ownership over all aspects of their role.·        Maintain good communication and feedback with team members  Commercial Acumen·        Oversight of the Product lifecycle, from concept to production to replacement / renewal. ·        Apply appropriate strategic thinking, governance and planning. Accountability & Results Focus·        Set clear and commercial strategies for all product ranges  ·        Ensure all relevant timelines and deliverables are met OTHER CAPABILITIES ·        Be a self-starter who seeks continuous improvement opportunities·        Be resilient and ready to find new and better ways to achieve targeted outcomes·        Be collaborative and contribute to a progressive team culture·        A good communicator who engages with colleaguesKEY SKILLSHave a proven track record in Buying, Product Development or Sourcing Project management qualification or relevant experience.Excellent numeracy and negotiation skills.Good understanding of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.