Our client, multinational luxury goods conglomerate, is recruiting a Regional Product Manager for Travel Retail in Asia Pacific.

Responsible for execution of all marketing activities related to a product category within the Asia Pacific Region for Travel Retail. 

Reports to and works closely with the Category Manager to ensure that Marketing strategies and launches are implemented regionally with smooth daily operations. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Product Management

a. Contribute to the growth of your category by driving key new launches and pushing growth of the pillars of your category.

b. Work one year in advance to prepare for product launches, liaising with Central and field teams to develop relevant tools and product assortment for the launch. 

c. For each initiative, identify a relevant 360 launch platform with Category Manager and ensure necessary development and production is done for the region 2 months prior to launch. Areas to look at consists of the following :

• Manage the assortment for the APAC region; ensure to secure the right products on time 
• Potentials and forecast of saleable products, POSMs, tools and launch material
• Prepare the launch packages of each forecast cycle and oversee the collation of regional forecasts
• Work closely with CM to develop relevant POS materials or adapt materials from HQ when necessary. Ensure availability of 360 materials are well prepared before launch (e.g. translations for visuals, VM designs, manage regional productions, etc.)
• Prepare merchandising recommendations (planograms) per POS type
• Disseminate marketing updates to the team and assist the field teams in getting information that they need to make a smooth launch
• Work with the forecast and supply team to promote smooth allocation of quota
• Work with HQ marketing teams to get samples before forecasts to make the best assortment for the region
• Establish good working relationships with Local Market affiliates for good sharing of information

d. Consolidate post evaluation of product specific activities to understand the consumer response, and best practices for future investment and launches.

e. Keep updated with weekly Central information provided by HQ and highlight key action needed with relevant Central updates.

f. Maintain product assortment throughout the year and update when needed. Ensure to keep updated with Central catalogue vs. TR APAC catalogue and make recommendations on product assortment. 

g. Analyze market trends and competitors by tracking new product launches and market developments.

h. Retrieve and prepare monthly sell-out reports or quarterly SKU rankings. 

2. Key business matters

a. Assist RCM with Sales Cycle Seminars 3 times throughout the year with the following :

• Prepare Sales Cycle presentations and booklets
• Gather information from different stakeholders to create relevant presentations for the field teams (e.g. additional information from HQ Marketing teams, competitor comparison charts, price comparison gathered from the field, etc.)
• Order and coordinate timely receipt of marketing samples from HQ teams and for marketing presentations

b. Support the key event of Beauty Consultant seminar each year to ensure timely delivery of relevant items for your category.

c. Be of key support to the RCM during Budget, R1 and R2 periods. Prepare essential documents and data needed for financial planning. 

d. Prepare and send out retailer PR kit before each launch.

e. Liaise with training teams to ensure strong animation during training to Beauty Consultants for each key launch. 

3. Execution at counter  

a. Work with VM team to ensure best visibility of novelties and best-sellers in Flagships and Top doors.

b. Responsible for updating trade and VM teams with latest product names and taglines as provided by affiliate markets. 

c. Ensure consistency of key messages (for all languages) on each counter within Travel Retail and versus Local Market for all launches.

d. Be the coordinator and spokesperson of your category for issues raised throughout the region and work with various teams to solve the problems. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Requirements:

• University Degree 
• 3 – 5 years’ experience in Marketing / Trade Marketing
• Relevant working experience in FMCG and or Luxury Goods, in the Fragrance category preferably
• Good computer skills (Powerpoint, Excel, Word required. Adobe Photoshop/illustrator is an added advantage)
• An eye for detail 
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong capability of reporting and working within a matrix structure

PERSONALITY PROFILE:

• Good perfume and cosmetics product category knowledge, proven ability to respect and communicate brand DNA and image guidelines
• Be able to express ideas, opinions and thoughts succinctly and eloquently in both verbal and written communication.
• Be able to build strong relationships both internally and externally and show high levels of integrity and trustworthiness
• Strong attention to detail coupled with strong grasp of project management. Commit to and take ownership of obligations and achievements of outcomes.

Note that only short-listed candidates will be notified. Thank you for your understanding.