Marketing Product Manager
product manager, product manager or specialist, assistant product manager, buyer (in distribution), group leader
The marketing product manager is responsible for designing or selecting a new item and supporting it until it is marketed. This strategist works from marketing studies. He uses his knowledge of the market to assess new trends and anticipate consumer expectations in order to better respond to them. Bac + 4 level training is required to start in this position.
See the training courses to become
Professional life
Especially mass distribution
The most sought-after candidates must have experience in the food industry, pharmacy or cosmetics. Opportunities are mainly located in large-scale distribution companies (purchasing centers), companies manufacturing capital goods, industry, etc. But positions have also been created in recent years in services ( banks, insurance companies, etc.) and new technologies.
First assistant, then boss
A beginner always initially occupies an assistant position before becoming a product manager. Then, after a few years of experience in the role, he can become a group manager (and thus manage several product managers). A move towards the role of marketing manager is also possible.
Favored internal promotion
The number of positions is stagnating due to the consolidation of brands and the frequent reduction in the number of products per manufacturer. Although 15 to 20% of job offers are aimed at beginners, the recruitment of product managers is often done through internal promotion, within the same company.
Beginner's salary
Working conditions
A transversal role
In contact with all the departments of his company (research and development, sales team, etc.) and external stakeholders (printing company, communications agency, press relations, etc.), the product manager exercises a transversal profession.
Rich and varied exchanges
In the industry, he collaborates mainly with professionals in production, research and development, purchasing, marketing and the sales force. In large-scale distribution, discussions with department managers, sector managers and suppliers are daily.
Autonomy and mobility
Regardless of the company that employs him, the marketing product manager makes numerous external appointments, with advertising agencies and marketing research companies. Finally, his schedule requires him to travel frequently and work irregular hours, but he enjoys a great deal of autonomy.
SKILLS
A fine negotiator
A negotiator at heart, the product manager must have good knowledge of sales and marketing. It is essential that he knows how to convince his interlocutors and defend his projects.
Head full of ideas
Creative and dynamic, the person who occupies this position must find ideas and demonstrate originality. It must also anticipate new consumption patterns and monitor competition.
Team spirit
Having to work with various people, he must know how to listen and take into account several opinions. Furthermore, great availability and a taste for teamwork are among the most appreciated skills.
English spoken
Finally, 2 out of 3 product managers work regularly with English-speaking countries. Mastery of English therefore becomes essential to progress during your career.
Nature of the work
Design a product
Jam, hi-fi system, shampoo... the product manager is responsible for a type of item or an entire range from its design to its marketing. To launch a new product, it relies on market research. He analyzes customer expectations and observes the competition. Always attentive to creations and new trends, he anticipates consumer needs. Its mission: to imagine and define the future product in collaboration with the manufacturing department and salespeople.
Optimize sales
Once designed and manufactured, the product is sold by the sales team. A strategy is put in place to optimize sales: advertising, marketing plan, etc. The product manager coordinates commercial and promotional actions while respecting a budget. It also determines the distribution conditions (quantities and prices) and verifies their application in the field.
Track results
Once the product is launched on the market, the professional monitors the sales results. If successful, an increase in orders may be decided. If sales forecasts are not achieved, he suggests lowering the price or increasing the advertising budget, for example.
Training to enter the profession
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