(Technical) Product Manager Substrates

Kekkilä-BVB; De Lier; Hybrid; EUR 65,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Non-contributory pension

24 holidays

8% holiday pay

Hybrid working model

Fresh fruit in the office

Financially attractive sport subscriptions

Friendly staff association

Job summary

A leading horticultural company in the Netherlands is seeking a Technical Product Manager Substrates to oversee the development of their substratum portfolio for the Central European market. This role requires strong expertise in horticulture and analytical skills to support the sales team and enhance customer satisfaction. The successful candidate will collaborate across functions to ensure innovative solutions while representing the company at industry events. A degree in Horticulture or a related field is essential.

Qualifications

• Extensive background in horticulture, understanding the industry's scientific and commercial sides.
• Fluency in English essential, proficiency in other languages is a plus.
• Relevant experience in horticulture or a related field.
• Fluent in English; additional languages a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical advice for optimal performance substrates.
• Analyze customer data to enhance market solutions.
• Implement new solutions to meet customers’ needs.
• Coordinate cross-functional projects and key accounts.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Technical expertise in horticulture

Communication

Education

Degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field

Tools

Data analysis tools

Job description

Join to apply for the (Technical) Product Manager Substrates role at Kekkilä-BVB

Kekkilä-BVB is the European leader in horticulture. We provide products and services for professional greenhouse growers, retail, consumers, and landscapers in over 100 countries worldwide. We have strong product brands within the professional and consumer growing markets, trading under the names of BVB Substrates, Kekkilä Professional, Brill Substrates, BVB Landscaping, Kekkilä, Hasselfors Garden, Terra Brill, Jardino, and Florentus. Together with our customers, we bring performance to life. Kekkilä-BVB is part of the Neova Group.

We are currently looking for a Technical Product Manager Substrates. Are you a plant enthusiast with technical expertise? Join us as Product Manager for our professional segment for the Central European market. Take the lead in managing and developing our portfolio of substrate solutions for the horticulture segment. Your deep expertise and analytical skills will empower our sales team in offering maximum support to our valued customers.

Responsibilities at a glance:

Technical Product Management (60%)

• Provide technical advice for the best performance substrates for our customers
• Analyze customer and research data and process data into improved market solutions
• Work close with innovation to develop, test and implement new solutions
• Growing expert in our raw materials
• Process manager of digital data tools
• Ensure projects meet business development and innovation targets

Empower Sales Teams (20%)

• Implement new solutions to serve customers’ needs
• Advice on substrate recipes
• Conduct engaging training sessions and onboarding programs
• Represent Kekkilä-BVB at exhibitions and industry events

Central Hub (20%)

• Collaborate with our business unit with cross-functional teams to improve customer satisfaction and business development
• Coordination of raw material related challenges
• Be the communication bridge between technical teams and business stakeholders
• Project manager for innovative projects / Key Account projects
• Cooperation with colleagues from our business unit Global on several projects

You will bring:

• Expertise in the Technical and Business Aspects of Horticulture: You have an extensive background in horticulture, understanding the industry's scientific and commercial sides. Your knowledge helps bridge the gap between product development and market needs.
• Degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, or a Related Field: Your advanced education provides a solid foundation in horticultural science, ensuring you have the technical knowledge required to excel in this role.
• Fluency in English (additional languages are a plus): Effective communication is key in our global operations. Fluency in English is essential, and proficiency in other languages will give you an edge in interacting with our diverse team and international clients.
• Relevant Experience: Your experience in horticulture or a related field demonstrates your deep understanding and capability to handle complex projects and responsibilities in this industry.
• Strong Market Insight and Technical Proficiency: You possess the ability to understand market trends and commercial opportunities, combined with strong technical skills to develop and support innovative products.
• Exceptional Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: You cliffs at analyzing complex issues, identifying root causes, and developing effective solutions, ensuring our products and strategies meet the highest standards.
• A Creative and Innovative Mindset: You bring fresh, imaginative ideas to the table and are not afraid to challenge the status quo. Your innovative approach helps drive our projects forward and keeps us at the cutting edge of the industry.
• Outstanding Communication and Presentation Abilities: You communicate clearly and confidently, whether writing detailed reports or presenting to stakeholders. Your ability to convey complex information in an accessible way ensures our teams and clients are always well-informed.

What do you get in return?

If you choose to work at Kekkilä-BVB, we offer you a challenging job in an international organization. You will join an informal and pleasant working environment with plenty of opportunities for advancement. In addition, we offer:

• A 12-month contract, with the prospect of a permanent position
• A challenging and dynamic working environment with opportunities for professional growth and development
• A stimulating work culture based on collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement
• A competitive salary and attractive fringe benefits such as:
  • Non-contributory pension
  • 24 holidays
  • 8% holiday pay (paid out in May and November)
  • Hybrid working model; allowing you to work 2-3 days per week at office location de Lier (some travelling is required).
  • We stimulate a healthy lifestyle offering fresh fruit in the office & financially attractive sport subscriptions
  • A chance to be part of a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration.
  • A friendly staff association (voluntary)
  • And above all, the best colleagues in the business.

At Kekkilä-BVB, we are driven by our core values:

• Focus on customer success: We strive to provide our customers with the best possible service and support and strive for long-term relationships based on trust and mutual success.
• Achieving together: We believe in the power of cooperation and teamwork and work together on common goals to realise our vision.
• Courage to renew: We embrace change and innovation and encourage our employees to explore new ideas and face challenges with creativity and determination.
• Trust through respect: We treat each other with respect and integrity and create an inclusive and supportive work environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

At Kekkilä-BVB, we believe in promoting a dynamic and innovative work environment where your ideas can thrive. You will be part of a Avenida team dedicated to sustainable growth and technological advancements. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and endless opportunities for professional development. Do you recognize yourself in this position, or are you ready for the next step in your career? And can you identify with our core values? Then we would like to receive your motivation and CV!

For more information about this position, don't hesitate to get in touch with Jaap Solleveld ([e-mail]) or if you have questions about the procedure please get in touch with Nathalie van Donzel ([e-mail]).

Aquisitionλέον based on this recruitment vacancy is not appreciated.

More information about our organization on www.kekkila-bvb.com