The Product Manager is responsible for the product planning and execution throughout the product lifecycle, including: gathering and prioritizing product and customer requirements, defining the product vision and positioning, and working closely with research and development, sales, and support functions to ensure revenue, margin and customer satisfaction goals are met. The Product Manager's job also includes ensuring that the product supports the company's overall strategy and goals.

Portfolio Optimization and Performance:

·       Determine breeding objectives and product specifications at mid and long-term level based on a strong understanding of market dynamics and competitive environment

·       Manage and own the portfolio range to ensure the long-term profitability for the company by leveraging global pipeline assessment for target markets

·       Optimize turnover and margin of managed products through supply chain expectations, sales potential evaluation and product pricing guidance

Strategy:

·       Develop crop strategy and coordinate actions/projects linked to its implementation with internal stakeholders.

·       Develop new product concepts with collaboration of breeders, development team and sales team.

Product Life Cycle management:

·       Ensure rigorous product life cycle management of products with collaboration of Production, PD and Sales, especially during launch of new products and phasing out.

·       Manage new product introductions in accordance with the strengths and weaknesses of existing product range, market potential, and competition pressure.

·       Develop and implement product trial plans with breeders and regional product development teams based upon market knowledge and objectives. Assess trial results to determine product performance and life cycle.

·       Collaborate and manage new products, new product concepts, and product development with the Breeder, Product Development and Sales.

·       Maintain knowledge of all varieties within the assigned product portfolio.

·       Coordinate global market positioning (targeted markets, price per zone, development objectives)

Inventory Management:

·       Work with inventory management teams to manage seed availability effectively and efficiently for varieties at the development and commercial stage and collaborate on production decisions. Participate in production planning pre-release meetings. Manage safety stock level for his crops.

·       Manage the seed quantity needs for varieties under development, through collaborative efforts with Sales Managers in preparation for commercial launch.        
Sales support and product communication:
·       Provide sales with technical data to support optimal product performance and product sales. Actively participate in the implementation of the marketing activities for the crop in relevant markets.
·       Maintain and improve product quality consistency via collaborative efforts between Production, Quality Control, Operations, Inventory Management and Seed Technology.
·       Coordinate with sales, product development team and marketing communication for effective product promotion, new product launches, product campaigns, literature, go to market activities
·       Challenge development plan and sales forecasts
·       Monitor and control product promotion strategy. Ensure its consistency with global approach.
Market Data:
·       Collect market data in collaboration wit

Strategic Planning, Forecasting and Analysis – Ability to initiate and lead the planning and analysis of market data, through constant communication and coordination with research, development, and sales teams, to evaluate main targets.   Ability to plan actions, execute, follow-up and analyze results.

Technical Skills – Practical knowledge and experience in breeding, seed development, seed sales or seed or vegetable production is favored. Project management ability needed. Prior experience in dealing with vegetables seeds preferred. 

Interpersonal Skills – Possess strong leadership and communication skills.  Ability to develop and maintain productive work relationships with various positions within the organization such as breeders, lab personnel, sales and product development teams, seed production department, inventory management, quality control, operations plant managers, communications, product management, and technical data teams. Play a coordination role with key stakeholders.

Teamwork - Team player with a positive attitude.  Ability to lead as well as collaborate.