This vacancy is ideal for fluent English speaking candidates, with a proven track record of product development for the UK market, particularly locks, cylinders and door hardware. The Product Development Manager will manage all aspects of the ideation, development, implementation and improvement of integrated manufacturing systems as well as cost reduction / productivity improvement projects and overlooking all ranges of APECS product portfolio.

This opportunity offers a diverse experience: the ability to positively impact manufacturing processes, quality, productivity and technology through all phases of a product life cycle, from inception to aftermarket support and across the entire suite of products. It also offers an impressive opportunity to progress in your career to a director level role with team management prospects.

The Role

APECS is looking for an aggressive creative thinker to join its team and work on innovation pipeline development. This person will be critical in leading the product development managers and identifying market opportunities, conducting end user research and solidifying the path forward to transition back into the business.

Key Activities Include the Following

• In-depth knowledge of all products in the APECS portfolio as well as the mechanical/technical aspects
• Acting as the main point of contact for the UK and Chinese offices
• Maintaining solid communication on a daily basis and resolving queries on behalf of the UK and Chinese offices
• Overseeing and setting the direction and vision for the focus areas and key categories of the APECS portfolio
• Developing and executing an overall business plan for each of the APECS ranges. This will require situational and internal assessments, competitive overview, strategic goals, portfolio objectives, financial analysis and action plans
• Developing a long-term product road map that delivers market share growth in that segment
• Pitching and presenting APECS products to customers and industry experts
• Participating at exhibitions and trade shows
• Applying extensive technical knowledge of the Building Hardware British Standard and Testing Method and all related Health and Safety regulations when overseeing the production process
• Working with the UK testing and certification centres for all of the UK products
• Interacting with key buyers/customers to identify the critical requirements to success
• Market research, competitor analysis and end user feedback gathering
• Preparing and supporting monthly reviews for the board of directors
• Reviewing CAD drawings and providing effective solutions to meet client requirements and to achieve client satisfaction

Requirements & Key Skills

• 2-5 years of experience as a product manager BS (MSc preferred) in an engineering field or experience in door hardware manufacturing with excellent commercial and product sector awareness.
• Demonstrated business knowledge acumen in key areas: sales, gross margin, OI, etc.
• Comprehensive knowledge in production and manufacturing process for metal hardware.
• Familiar with international trading, import/export, B2B and B2C business model
• Strong project management skills, solid analytical skills and a strong attention to detail
• Excellent strategic planning and strategic thinking skills
• The ability to analyse information and make decisions is critical to success in this role.
• Strong verbal, written and presentation skills
• Fluent verbal and written English skills
• A knowledge of Mandarin would be advantageous
• Eligibility to work in the UK is preferred but not essential