Product Manager
Location: Kilkenny

A leading brand in the manufacturing industry for retail products is seeking a Product Manager to join its Commercial department. This role is key to delivering product excellence, driving commercial success, and supporting cross-functional projects from concept to launch. The position is hybrid, based in Kilkenny (3 days per week onsite) 

The business values care, courage, connection, and common sense—striving to be a force for good, to challenge the status quo, and to support inclusive collaboration and integrity in every decision.

Key Duties

• Product Expertise & Market Intelligence
  Become a credible expert across the full product range, understanding product design, pricing, and market trends. Conduct competitor benchmarking to identify gaps and opportunities.

• Commercial Performance Analysis
  Analyze margins to inform pricing strategies and range development.

• New Product Introduction (NPI) Support
  Support product development from concept to launch, contributing to business cases, market positioning, and go-to-market strategies.

• Tender & OEM Project Ownership
  Lead the creation and management of proposals for tenders and OEM developments, overseeing internal coordination and client engagement.

• Portfolio Management & Category Strategy
  Identify opportunities for pricing or SKU improvements, support lifecycle management and strategic range evolution.

• Pricing Analysis & Strategy
  Conduct breakeven and margin analysis, developing pricing strategies that align with business goals.

• Competitor & Market Benchmarking
  Track and report on competitor movements and market trends to shape product development and positioning.

• Customer Insight & Market Feedback
  Capture and apply voice-of-customer insights through trade visits and industry engagement.

• Customer File and Range Management
  Manage pricing files and product listings, supporting the sales team with bespoke configurations.

• Technical Communication & Stakeholder Influence
  Present technical and commercial concepts clearly to various stakeholders, including senior leadership.

• Trade Events & Representation
  Represent the company at trade shows and industry events to enhance brand and product visibility.

• Flexible Project Support
  Contribute to multiple cross-functional projects with a proactive and collaborative approach.

• Customer Visit Support
  Assist with client visits in the UK and Ireland to ensure a high-quality experience.

Requirements:

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in product/category management.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Highly organized with the ability to prioritize workload.

• Strong commercial acumen with experience in pricing and margin analysis.

• Competence in Excel and numerical analysis.

• Ability to develop and deliver compelling presentations.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience in bathroom, consumer durables, or building products sectors.

• Exposure to product lifecycle management from concept to phase-out.

• Customer-centric approach with experience in market research.

• Knowledge of Product Information Management (PIM) systems.

• A business or management degree (or equivalent).

Competencies

• Positive, can-do attitude with attention to detail.

• Proactive and improvement-focused mindset.

• Integrity, honesty, and ownership of responsibilities.

• Strong team player and effective communicator.

• Adaptable to change and customer-driven.

Other Requirements

• Full driving license and access to a vehicle.

• Ability to work in Kilkenny three days per week under a hybrid model.

For additional information and a confidential discussion on this Product Manager position and similar opportunities contact: Sarah 056-7786631 / 086 0444833 or Sarah@optimizerecruitment.ie

Sarah is available for a call between 9am and 5.30pm daily (outside of work hours calls / meetings can be arranged upon request). 

Please submit your CV via the link provided, in confidence.

All applications will be dealt with in the strictest confidence and your CV will never be released without your prior approval.

Job Ref Number: OR- 13139

www.optimizerecruitment.ie

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