Head of Home Audio at SMD Technologies

Job overview

• The Head of Audio will be responsible for driving the sales, profitability, and strategic direction of the audio product category at SMD Technologies. This senior role involves product sourcing and development, competitor analysis, customer relationship management, go-to-market execution, and logistics supervision. The incumbent will collaborate closely with internal teams, retailers, and suppliers to ensure category growth and optimal performance across multiple sales channels.

Category Sales & Profitability Growth:

• Develop and implement strategic plans to drive sales and enhance profitability across online, retail, and wholesale channels.
• Analyse category performance using PowerBI dashboards, customer sales data, and external industry insights to make data-driven recommendations.
• Identify growth opportunities through new product introductions, targeted promotions, and strategic partnerships.

Competitor Analysis & Opportunity Identification:

• Conduct regular competitor benchmarking, assessing pricing, product assortments, promotions, and sales tactics.
• Monitor market trends and consumer behaviours to identify category gaps and emerging opportunities.
• Propose new products and category enhancements to address unmet consumer needs.

Product Sourcing & Development:

• Work closely with suppliers and product developers to source innovative products informed by consumer insights and retailer feedback.
• Evaluate current product performance, discontinuing underperforming SKUs and introducing new, high-potential items.
• Collaborate with logistics and procurement teams to ensure efficient stock management and timely product availability.

Customer Relationship Management:

• Foster and maintain long-term partnerships with key accounts, providing strategic support to Executives and Key Account Managers.
• Attend customer meetings and conduct business reviews to drive growth, address challenges, and align on category goals.

Go-to-Market Strategy:

• Develop and execute product launch plans, ensuring alignment across all sales channels in terms of messaging, pricing, and merchandising.
• Work with the marketing team to create compelling promotional materials, advertisements, and digital/in-store campaigns.
• Provide merchandising guidance for both in-store and online product representation.

Merchandising & In-Store Execution:

• Together with our merchandising team ensure that retail planograms for audio products are effectively implemented.
• Collaborate with retail teams to optimize in-store promotions, displays, and staff training on product features.

Logistics Supervision:

• Collaborate with warehouse and distribution teams to resolve any logistical challenges affecting category performance.

Meeting Preparation & Presentations:

• Develop comprehensive reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders, including senior management, retailers, and suppliers.
• Present category performance insights, market trends, and strategic initiatives with clarity and professionalism.

Performance Monitoring & KPI Management:

• Drive sales growth and profitability within the audio category.
• Ensure effective competitor analysis and proactive opportunity identification.
• Lead successful promotional activities, including aged stock clearance initiatives.
• Oversee timely and effective product launches and go-to-market execution.
• Improve customer satisfaction and feedback management.
• Ensure adherence to merchandising and in-store execution standards.
• Support and engage with retail merchandising teams effectively.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field; an MBA is a plus.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in product/category management, preferably within the consumer electronics or audio industry.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in data-driven decision-making.
• Expertise in competitor analysis, pricing strategies, and market trend evaluation.
• Proven track record in product sourcing, development, and supplier relationship management.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with sales, marketing, logistics, and procurement teams.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and business intelligence tools (PowerBI preferred).
• Willingness to travel as required.