Product Manager
About CFL
CFL flooring is a leader in innovative vinyl flooring solutions
Founded in 2004 by European owners and based south of Shanghai we have consistently built on our story, focusing on our core values bringing innovation, reliability, and flexibility to the market.
CFL group of companies has grown into a worldwide pioneer committed to developing and manufacturing value added flooring products.
CFL products are currently exported to over 70 countries worldwide under several brands (Firmfit, Audacity, Novocore, Lamett, etc.). The company has offices in China, US, UK and Belgium, and manufacturing facilities in China, the US and Vietnam. The CFL group currently employs 3500 staff worldwide and is active in >100 countries around the world.
Main activities and responsibilities
1. Product category management
a) New product development – Work with R&D to develop a product portfolio for export
b) Product Lifecycle Management - understanding at what stage of life is a certain product category: i. Introduction / ii. Growth / iii. Maturity / iv. Decline / end of life.
c) Identification the direction for a category - what is missing in our product portfolio.
d) Complexity and costs reductions strategy - which products/product lines/SKUs do we need to phase out.
e) Product global manufacturing/supply strategies - where and what do we produce.
f) Product life cycle extension strategies.
g) Addition of NEW products/designs/specs to a category - initiate and drive NEW product development with the Product Development team under manufacturing (what, how much, by when).
h) End of life management - phasing out a certain category or specification.
i) Sales/market analysis (volume, margins, etc.) per category.
2. Product market insights
a) Market and competitors’ pricing - Sales teams provide data, CM provides analysis and conclusions.
b) Regular competitors review and reporting.
c) Coordination and alignment with key sales/responsible channel managers.
3. SKU portfolio and prices - set up expectations, guide and ensure delivery.
4. Product regulatory compliance and certifications - set up expectations, guide and ensure delivery for compliance (CARB2 & EPA, Lacey Act, ULFPA, etc.) and certifications (e.g. GreenGuard Gold, IAC GOLD, Assure, FSC, PHD, EPD, etc.).
5. Product technical documentation - set up expectations, guide and ensure delivery for TDS, SDS, Installation manuals, Warranties, Maintenance guides, etc.
6. Product loading factors, packing (pallets, cover-boards, wraps, etc.) and packaging (boxes, end labels, inlays, etc.) - set up expectations, guide and ensure delivery.
7. Sample kits - set up expectations, guide and ensure delivery.
8. Category and product claims analysis - ensure regular analysis is available and feedback is timely provided to the upper management.
Skills and Attitude
1. Profile
· Business-related degree or equivalent professional qualification
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills (English)
· Mandarin Chinese for day-to-day communication is a big advantage
· Strong preference for candidates with experience in construction materials / flooring
· Prior experience in product and/or category management is considered a plus
· Technical background preferred
· Both Chinese and foreigners can be considered, candidates with international experience will be prioritized
· Experience in an international environment is considered a plus
2. Personality
· Technical mindset
· Detailed and organized worker
· Able to multi-task
· Hands-on mentality
· Flexible and adaptable
· Able to meet deadline without giving in on quality