Product Manager

Travel Trade Recruitment Limited; England; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing tour operation in East Sussex is seeking a Product Manager for a 12-month maternity cover. You will develop new products, conduct market research, and manage a team. The ideal candidate will have experience in the travel industry, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. The position offers a salary of £40,000 - £45,000 plus bonus, and a hybrid working model.

Qualifications

• Experience in problem-solving using initiative.
• Background in Travel industry / Tour operator.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and source new product and strategy.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis.
• Manage the New Product Development team.

Skills

Initiative solutions

Team environment experience

Microsoft Office proficiency

Negotiation skills

Excellent communication skills

Flexibility and initiative

Education

GCSE level in English & Math

Tools

Microsoft Excel

SharePoint

Job description

Overview

New Vacancy for a Product Manager to join a growing tour operation in East Sussex. You will be part of a team developing and sourcing new product and strategy. The role is a 12 Month Maternity contract. We are particularly interested from anyone with an Adventure Travel / Water based holidays background.

Responsibilities

• Develop a clear understanding of the product strategy and programme plan and the role that new products play.
• Adopt an innovative approach to servicing market needs and delivering on business goals.
• Work with the Head of Product on gap analysis and identify where there is need for development of new products and concepts to deliver on the programme plan.
• Carry out market research and competitive analysis and identify portfolio gaps and overlaps.
• Understand needs of targeted markets and personas to ensure all product is positioned correctly.
• Provide support in developing positive relationships with tourist boards.
• Maintain New Product Ideas list and propel priorities along the product pipeline to launch.
• Develop Product Plans that make the business case, specify positioning, and define the product.
• Source and build effective two-way relationships with new supplier partners.
• Direct line management responsibility of New Product Development team.
• Consult with the Commercial team to ensure supplier cost base for new trip components is in line with competitor trips.
• Put the customer at the heart of all decisions to deliver outstanding service and product quality.
• Support the Customer team to manage guest queries, special requests and resolve issues.
• Facilitate sales training and champion new products and individual components.
• Collaborate with Operations team to ensure contracted services are achieving company goals related to service level expectations.
• Support business-wide feed of required Product Information to support relevant department needs.

Skills and experience

• Experience of using initiative solutions to solve problems.
• Experience working in a busy team environment.
• Experience using Microsoft Office, especially Excel and SharePoint effectively for general administration.
• GCSE level in English & Math's.
• Travel industry / Tour operator Product and supplier contracting and negotiating.
• Experience of negotiating supplier Service Level Agreements and overseeing contracts.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of software apps that improve efficiencies.
• Ability to manage, and make key decisions, on health and safety.
• Friendly and enthusiastic personality.
• Agile and dynamic thought processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to demonstrate flexibility and initiative.
• Ability to build professional relationships with people from a range of backgrounds and cultures, adapting the message accordingly.
• Collaborate working and influencing skills.
• Ability to negotiate with a variety of different suppliers.

The Package

• 12 Month Maternity Contract.
• Salary £40,000 - £45,000 + Bonus.
• Hybrid role in East Sussex.