Product Manager in Footwear

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PORTWEST, a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE is currently seeking applications for the position of Product Manager in Footwear. Portwest is one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world currently employing over 5,300 staff worldwide, with customer service staff in over 130+ countries and 11 Global warehouses in UK, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Spain, UAE, USA and Australia.We design, manufacture and distribute market leading workwear, safety wear and PPE in fully owned production facilities.

As the Product Manager in Footwear you will manage in a specific range for global markets. You will be a product expert and provide technical support for the range, working closely with our global sales teams.

OVERVIEW OF DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work to deadlines to ensure projects are completed on time.
• Research and develop commercial products to grow sales.
• Manage general product merchandising queries, with the use of in house systems
• Liasing and collaborating with our Fuzhou office and other offshore partners
• Assist in the proof reading, set-up, creation of seasonal product catalogues
• Liaise with test houses to ensure that products are correct and meet certification criterion.
• Proactively source new suppliers and innovative fabrics for the foot protection range
• Manage our sales team feedback from customers
• Presenting at our online Portwest University trainings
• Managing feedback from suppliers and from specific assigned regions.
• Carry out both market and competitor research
• Attend trade shows, exhibitions and networking events
• Communicate with overseas suppliers to identify and solve problems before they impact on production.
• Presenting ideas and workings to internal stakeholders
• Working closely with our Technical Sales Managers in Footwear
• Collaborating with our warehouse teams in the UK and other global sites
• Benchmarking the Portwest product with close contemporaries in the industry to ensure that new product development continues in-step with competition and innovation.
• Support the New Product Development process, capturing price quotes from supply partners, following up on sample tracking and receipt. Support the sample evaluation process in partnership with the Category Manager and Product Managers.
• Managing the creation of new styles, technical packs and specifications in PLM systems.
• Manage the follow up of quotes and tenders in partnership with the relevant departments
• Supporting our Category and Product Managers with the developmental process and critical path management

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Relevant 3rd level degree in Product Development or similar field
• Strong industry and commercial experience of the PPE/Workwear industry
• Ability to work in both a collaborative team environment as well as on individual pieces
• A willingness to travel when required
• A keen passion for continuous learning and continuous improvement
• Upwards of 8 years' experience in a Product Management /Development position in the PPE/Workwear Industry

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE

We offer a competitive remuneration package working within an experienced and driven team. You will be supported with training and excellent opportunities for further career progression.

WHAT TO DO NOW

Please apply today with an up-to-date CV outlining your skills for this position.

COMPANY AWARDS

• Great Place To Work 2023
• Best Medium Sized Workplaces 2022
• Ibec Leading in Wellbeing Top 100 companies 2021
• Portwest CEO - Business Man Of The Year - In Business Ireland 2020
• Deloitte Best Managed Companies 2016-2023
• Private Irish Business of the Year Export Industry Awards 2019
• Exporter of the Year 2018
• Portwest CEO - EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2017

Portwest do not support visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have a right to work and must fulfil any relevant visa / work permit requirements in the relevant jurisdiction.

Portwest are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, civil status, veteran status, family status, civil status, disability status or membership of a minority group