Product Manager

SUMMARY:
Our client in Alberton is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Product Development Manager to lead the end - to- end development, sourcing, and delivery of their product ranges
This role is responsible for managing the full product lifecycle from international sourcing and supplier negotiation to packaging, quality control, and retail readiness across approximately 2,500 SKUs spanning crockery, cutlery, glassware, barware, bakeware, and kitchenware

POSITION INFO:
Minimum requirements:

• Matric or relevan NQF qualification
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in product sourcing or development, specifically dealing with international suppliers specifically sourcing products from China
• Proven leadership experience managing or building a team
• Strong understanding of import processes, costing, and global supply chains
• Experience in home ware, kitchenware, or related product categories highly advantageous
• Valid drivers licence and own vehicle
• Willing to travel Internationally +- 3 times per year conducting supplier visits

• The successful candidate will oversee both international branded ranges and proprietary house brands (e.g. Regent and Bar Butler), ensuring that all products meet quality, cost, and market requirements
• Ensure that product ranges are relevant, commercially viable, and delivered efficiently directly impacting profitability, brand
• strength, and customer satisfaction

• Develop, curate, and optimize product ranges aligned with market trends and retailer requirements
• Identify opportunities for innovation, cost improvement, and category growth.
• Evaluate product & category performance and rationalize ranges based on commercial metrics

• Source products globally, with a strong focus on suppliers in China and other key manufacturing regions
• Negotiate pricing, MOQs, production timelines, and quality standards
• Establish and maintain strong supplier partnerships

• Ensure product alignment with brand strategies (e.g. Regent, Bar Butler, Consol and international brands represented by HCS)
• Manage packaging development, artwork coordination, and compliance with retail requirements
• Maintain consistent brand presentation across all product categories

• Ensure all product information is accurately captured and maintained
• Verify product descriptions, specifications, and attributes are correctly recorded
• Oversee uploading and management of product data and graphics onto relevant systems, platforms and websites

• Establish and maintain quality assurance processes
• Coordinate inspections, certifications, and product testing where necessary
• Investigate and resolve product or supplier quality issues

• Collaborate with sales, logistics, procurement, and warehouse teams
• Oversee timelines from concept through to import and delivery
• Ensure accurate product specifications, costing, and documentation

• Margin performance across ranges
• On- time product development and launch
• Supplier performance and reliability
• Product defect/return rates
• Team performance and delivery efficiency
• Inventory optimization and stock turn
• Speed of sourcing and development cycles