Product Development Manager
Knoxfield, Melbourne | Full Time
A well-established Australian manufacturer and distributor in the plumbing sector is seeking a commercially minded Product Development Manager to take ownership of its product portfolio and help shape the next phase of range growth. Operating nationally for over 50 years, the business supplies plumbing merchants, hardware retailers and trade customers across Australia and New Zealand. With a strong reputation in the market and long-standing supplier relationships, the company is now looking to bring greater structure and commercial discipline to its product function. This is a newly created role designed to strengthen how the business reviews, develops and expands its product range.
The Role
Working closely with the Director and Sales Manager, you will take ownership of reviewing the existing product portfolio and identifying opportunities to improve margins, optimise the range and develop new products. The position is both strategic and hands‐on. It will involve analysing the current SKU range, researching competitor products, working directly with overseas manufacturers and helping guide the development of new product lines. You will play a key role in introducing more structured product management processes while helping the business reduce supplier risk and identify new growth opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
* Conduct a full review of the current product portfolio (approx. 340 SKUs)
* Identify opportunities to improve margins, pricing and product positioning
* Analyse competitor ranges and identify adjacent product opportunities
* Work directly with overseas manufacturers, primarily in China
* Reduce reliance on single‐source suppliers and explore alternative manufacturing options
* Support the development of new product lines, including pipe flashing ranges
* Collaborate closely with sales and leadership on product viability and commercial strategy
About You
* You are a commercially minded product professional with experience working in manufacturing, industrial or trade‐based environments.
* You understand product lifecycles, sourcing and supplier management, and are comfortable working with overseas manufacturers.
* You enjoy analysing product ranges, identifying opportunities and bringing structure to product development.
* You are practical, analytical and confident working autonomously within a small team environment.
If you have extensive experience in product development in trade based environments, please apply direct or contact Hannah on Hannahs@sde.com.au
Six Degrees Executive acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do. Should you require assistance in your interactions with us or through a recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide adjustments for you.
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