Product Manager

We are seeking a seasoned Product Manager with experience in LV and MV fusegear to lead; development, standardization, and life cycle management (Introduction, growth, maturity and Decline) of low-voltage and medium-voltage fusegear products. The role involves working closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality and commercial teams to deliver reliable, compliant and cost competitive protection solutions for Industrial, Utility and infrastructure applications. This is a new role within the business and presents a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate, as you will influence and help shape the profile, reputation and growth of Lawson Fuses globally. Job Context Incorporated in 1938, Lawson Fuses Limited (LFL), is an established British and global brand that operates in the fusegear market with a focus on design, development and manufacture of low voltage High Rupture Capacity (HRC) fuse-links and associated fuse holders. LFL’s products are ASTA certified and comply with IEC/BS/ENA standards and accepted throughout the world. With manufacturing facilities based in UK and India, LFL’s global clientele is spread across several countries including (not limited to) UK, Middle East, Africa, India, Malaysia, Australia, South Korea and Hong Kong. With ISO 17025 ASTA certified R&D lab and ASTA certified manufacturing plants, LFL is keen on safety, quality and speed of product delivery. From 2018, LFL is part of Lucy Group which is a diversified international group head quartered in Oxford, UK and operates in multiple sectors including Power Distribution, Smart Lighting, Fusegear and Real Estate. Lawson Fuses, under the banner of Lucy Group, is focusing on accelerated growth of its product line and subsequently the share of the market. The role of product manager will be directly influencing the vision of the business. This is a new role within the business and will sit within department of ‘Product Management’ but will work closely with other departments. Since this is a techno-commercial role, there is a possibility of integrating marketing function within product management. Job Dimensions Requirements Product Manager will be responsible for setting the vision, mission, direction and strategy for both new and existing products addressing the full life cycle of the fusegear products within LFL. Product Manager will define, standards, features and requirements necessary to deliver a complete product to the market. Product Manager must articulate the business value to wider teams including R&D, so they can understand and align behind these plans. There are several dimensions to this role: Product Strategy and Portfolio ManagementProduct Development and Engineering InterfaceMarketing and Communications SupportCommercial and Market SupportCollaboration with manufacturing, quality and supply chain Key Accountabilities Product Strategy and Portfolio Management2. Own and manage the fusegear product portfolio including fuses (gG,aM, aR etc), fuse bases, carriers and other ancillary products.Define product roadmap aligned with market demand, customer needs, standards and customer segments and manage product lifecycle including rationalisation.Conduct competitive benchmarking on ratings, performance, form factor and pricingIdentify opportunities for new product introductions, variants and localisation.Product Development and Engineering Interface2. Market research via customer visits to understand current and future needs of the customer enabling creation of a clear technical product roadmap incorporating market requirements.Offer continued support to R&D team during the new product development and legacy product modification process. Defining, leading and owning product road maps and deadlines for product launches is critical.Define product specifications including voltage, current ratings, breaking capacity, temperature rise and coordination requirements.Work with R&D on fuse element design, arc extinction, striker mechanisms and insulation systems and ensure compliance with market requirements.Support type testing, routing testing and validation activitiesManage engineering changes and variant rationalisationEnsure Standards, Testing and Compliance:IEC 60269, IEC 60947, ENA12-6, BS88, UL etc.Support R&D in 3rd party labs for type test and approvalsMaintain technical documentation, datasheets, catalogues and certification records for all products.Marketing and Communications2. Gather data, analyse and report on market positioning within target markets and sectors. Tracking competitors, market trends, historical information, channels and identify gaps in the market to enable targeted strategy for maximising sales for each product category.Product Manager will closely collaborate with marketing team on needs of target market, channel strategies and optimised route to market. This will also include product communication strategies as and when necessary.Support in identification of new opportunities across Utilities, Industrial, Wholesale, Datacentres and OEM segment.Closely work with marketing communications to develop product and segment specific technical collaterals.Commercial and market support2. Support pricing strategy, cost structures, margin improvement initiativesParticipate in Industry Exhibitions and articulate product benefits to customersProvide technical support and training to sales teams, distributors and customersAssist in product launches, customer presentations and tender supportEngage with OEMs, panel builders, utilities, EPCs and renewable energy customersManufacture, Quality and Supply Chain2. Collaborate with R&D, Quality and Manufacturing pertaining to design for manufacture, cost optimisation, delivery readiness and serviceability.Support alternative material development and vendor qualificationWork with quality to analyse failures, warranty claims and field issues to ensure the product line and segment remains healthy. Qualifications, Experience & Skills Required skills and competenciesStrong technical expertise in LV&MV fusegear and/or other electrical protection systemsIn depth knowledge of fuse characteristics, selectivity, coordination and application engineeringExperience in product lifecycle management within a manufacturing setupUnderstanding of electrical standards, testing protocols and certification processes (ISO, IEC, ENA, BS, UL etc)Strong cross functional coordination and communication skillsQualification and experienceBachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical or materials engineering5-12 years’ experience in fusegear, switchgear or other electrical protection productsHands on experience with LV, MV development, testing and application engineeringBehavioural CompetenciesTeam player, results-focused, determined, and responsible.Ability to manage multiple projects.Good people management skills and good customer handling skills.Strategic thinking, enthusiastic, able to work under pressure, initiative and strong analytical skill.Strong “customer comes first” focus and delivering on commitments.Proactive; takes the initiative and effectively deals with resistance.Assertive, tenacious and willing to challenge when required.Strong work orientation, taking ownership to deliver on time, every time.Forms effective relationships with key stakeholders across the matrix.Precise and to the point.