The Product Manager is accountable for the development, management and long-term success of the company’s soft furnishings and window coverings portfolio. The role will shape product strategy, lead range development and selection, govern product specifications, build strong supplier partnerships and translate market insight into commercially successful ranges. The postholder will work cross-functionally across Marketing, Sales, Technical, Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality and Customer Service. The role will champion the customer, own the product development process and ensure that new and existing ranges are differentiated, compliant, profitable and successfully brought to market.
Working hours: Monday – Thursday 8.30am to 5pm, Friday 8.30am to 2pm (37.5 hours per week)
Location: Lisburn, BT28 2FL
Main duties and responsibilities
Product Strategy, Range Development & Selection
- Develop and own the product and category strategy, aligned to the wider business plan.
- Create and maintain a clear product roadmap covering new ranges, enhancements, rationalisation and discontinuation.
- Lead range development and selection, using customer requirements, market evidence, design trends, target price points and commercial objectives.
Specification and Quality Management
- Own and maintain accurate product specifications, technical data, installation guidance and product documentation.
- Work with Technical, Engineering and Quality teams to validate product performance, manufacturability, installation requirements and quality standards
- Build and manage strategic relationships with existing and prospective suppliers.
- Set supplier expectations for innovation, quality, service, lead times, cost and continuous improvement.
- Lead regular supplier reviews and development plans in partnership with Procurement, Supply Chain and Quality.
- Identify new materials, technologies, manufacturing capabilities and product opportunities.
- Support commercial negotiations, continuity planning and supplier risk management.
- Maintain ongoing analysis of customer needs, market size, category performance, interior trends and emerging routes to market.
- Benchmark competitors across range breadth, design, specification, price, service, lead time, sampling, digital experience and positioning.
- Identify market gaps, threats and growth opportunities, presenting clear recommendations to the Senior Leadership Team.
Product Launch & Commercial Performance
- Lead cross-functional launch planning and ensure operational, commercial and customer readiness before release.
- Partner with Marketing on product positioning, value propositions, launch communications, samples, brochures, digital content and campaign plans.
- Partner with Sales on go to market plans, target customers, pricing structure and launch objectives.
- Monitor category revenue, margin, mix, adoption and return on investment, recommending corrective actions where required.
Training & Product Expertise
- Act as the senior product and category expert for soft furnishings and window coverings.
- Develop and deliver structured product training for Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Technical, Operations and other relevant teams.
- Create customer training covering product features, selection, measuring, installation, fitting, dressing, care and troubleshooting where applicable.
- Maintain effective training materials, product knowledge resources, FAQs and launch toolkits.
- Measure training effectiveness and close recurring knowledge gaps.
- 3 years experience in product management, category management or commercial product leadership.
- Relevant experience within window coverings, soft furnishings, interiors, home improvement, textiles or a closely related sector.
- Proven success developing, selecting and launching commercially successful product ranges.
- Strong commercial capability, including pricing, margins, business cases and product performance analysis.
- Experience managing international suppliers and leading cross-functional projects.
- Strong understanding of product specifications, quality controls and regulatory compliance.
- Excellent leadership, communication and presentation skills.
- Experience in made-to-measure or configurable product environments.
- Knowledge of trade, retail, contract and ecommerce sales channels.
- Experience of textiles, curtains, blinds, tracks, motorisation or associated accessories.
- Relevant degree or professional qualification in product management, marketing, textiles, design, engineering, business or related discipline.
What we offer
- Enhanced annual leave with additional for long service
- Long service awards
- Health Shield benefit upon 6 months service
- Discount on company products- up to 50%
- Life assurance upon one years service
- Employee assistance programme upon one years service
- On-site parking
*Applicants should be able to provide proof that they have a right to work in the UK.
Location Lisburn, BT28 2FL Department Marketing Employment Type Permanent, Full-time Minimum Experience 3 years experience in product management, category management or commercial product leadership.
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