Instron is a global organization that designs, manufactures, sells and services materials testing applications and its leadership in the marketplace is continually expanding. You will find that our established strength, commitment to our core values and team focus provides an engaging work environment and offers exceptional opportunities for personal and career development.

We are looking for a European Service Product Manager who will take ownership of all Service product lines and collaborate with our Business, Sales, Customer Success and Marketing teams, as well as senior leaders and key customers to build and enhance our portfolio of Service products.

The  role affords great opportunity to deliver a product across disparate markets and tailor the approach in each region for success. You will have the expertise and support of subject matter experts, who are highly skilled at the specific, technical aspects of the products and services that Instron provides. Your job is to lead across these cross-functional teams  and determine where the value for the customer lies & how best to deliver it. You will need to be comfortable managing & shifting gears between short, medium & long term projects.

Key Responsibilities

1. An important part of this role will be focusing services towards the identified key market segments. This includes defining and developing products for the segments and then developing, deploying and focusing resources to fully maximize the opportunities.

2. Working closely across function and using our CBI framework, clearly define the vision, positioning, competitive differentiation, promotions as well as Go-To-Market strategy.

3. Actively managing our service product funnel integrating market knowledge, strategic insight and a strong user focus, taking our ideas from concept to new product introduction within the agreed timelines and liaising with others, as required.

4. Working with the product businesses, actively managing the Service product life cycle from strategic planning to tactical activities.

5. Performing market research and competitive analysis to progress our product strategy.

6. Serve as the gatekeeper for our portfolio of service products - this will include (but is not limited to) ensuring that the generation of new service catalogue numbers is controlled and all our business systems are updated with latest information including price and revenue recognition flows, etc. Simplification and rationalization of existing products.

7. With the wider team develop and deliver new product information and product updates including training to stakeholders (e.g. sales, marketing, engineering, support teams and customers).

8. Define key operational metrics and establish an efficient process to track progress and report regularly on these metrics, including adoption and user satisfaction

9. Serve as a B2B service product subject matter expert.

10. Responsible for the development and execution of the marketing plans including budgets.

11.Through training, enhance knowledge of the value of the Service offerings to customers to enable an informed and proactive selling of service products.

12. Develop and manage a strategic plan to grow product lines through identification of target customer base, product needs, positioning strategy and understanding of the competitive landscape.

13. Responsible for increasing market penetration of the service products, in addition to assisting with the development of new product offerings and analysing current product positioning and pricing.

14. Work with product business marketing managers to develop advertising and media plans and strategy statements for service products.

Key Competencies

• Positive “can do” attitude with a willingness to succeed.
• Ability to visualize information, refine and define processes.
• Superior working knowledge of MS products (Power BI and Agile would be advantageous) .
• Possess an entrepreneurial and pragmatic approach to product development and be able to work independently and effectively in a results-oriented, efficient environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem solving, analytical / critical thinking skills
• Naturally customer-centric with an ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment that requires strong business judgment
• Capable of working within the expected timescale and budget
• Thorough understanding of general business processes & workflows
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills

Working Conditions

Work is usually performed in the office during regular working hours but flexibility will be required due to the nature of the role.

Location-  The role will be based at Instron's headquarters in High Wycombe.

Travel-  The expectation will be around 30 to 40% travel (including international) on average.

This is an opportunity to join a successful team where you can make a significant impact.  Enjoy a competitive compensation and benefits package.

Instron is an equal opportunities employer.