Product Category Manager - Blackburn - IMI Plc

Description

IMI plc

We are a global specialist engineering company that creates breakthrough solutions. We are curious and like to solve problems, partnering with our customers to solve the demands of today and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. We embrace innovation and care about outcomes that are good for business, everyday life and making a better world – creating lasting impact for everyone. We design, build and service highly engineered products in fluid and motion control applications. We focus on five market sectors: Industrial Automation, Process Automation, Climate Control, Life Science and Fluid Control, and Transport.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Smart Home and Underfloor Heating Product Category Manager to join our team. As a Product Category Manager, you will be responsible for defining and executing the global strategy for the Smart Home and Underfloor Heating Product Category, within the overall Residential Portfolio strategy. This includes managing the entire product lifecycle, driving innovation based on market and customer insights, and ensuring alignment with business objectives and market trends. The Product Category Manager works cross‑functionally to optimise portfolio performance, margin, and market share.

Category Strategy

• Develop and execute the category strategy aligned with the Residential Portfolio objectives. Identify market opportunities, assess the competitive landscape, and define target customer segments.

Portfolio Lifecycle Management

• Own the product lifecycle from early‑stage ideation to phase‑out; determine the product offering within the category to meet customer needs and maximise sales growth and profitability.
• Monitor portfolio performance (revenue, margin, market share) and drive improvement actions.
• Define and optimise the SKU structure to reduce complexity.

Customer & Market Insight

• Monitor industry trends and competitive landscape, conduct market research, gather customer feedback, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to identify new product opportunities and improve existing offerings.
• Source customer‑ and market challenges as material for customer‑led innovation, to identify high‑quality problems to solve and develop differentiated and high‑value solutions.
• Establish and nurture relationships with sales teams and customers to achieve the customer intimacy required for successful roadmap and solution development, and to maintain a deep understanding of current and emerging market needs and requirements.
• Translate insights into concrete product or feature development.
• Support customer interactions and key account initiatives.

Go‑to‑Market Support

• Define and support value‑based pricing strategies in collaboration with the Pricing Manager.
• Develop clear value propositions and messaging for both products and solutions within the category.
• Collaborate with Marketing to develop effective marketing campaigns and product launches, providing guidance on product positioning, messaging, and target audience.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Engineering, Operations, Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain teams.
• Collaborate with R&D teams during product development to ensure outcomes match requirements.
• Support forecasting and planning activities by providing market intelligence and volume projections.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum five years of experience in Product Management, Portfolio Management, Technical Sales, or Design/Planning within the HVAC or fluid control industries.
• In‑depth knowledge of smart home technologies and hydronic systems.
• Solid grasp of product lifecycle management.
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex datasets and drive decisions based on insights.
• Proven ability to develop and implement data‑driven strategies.
• Proficient in English (spoken and written).
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally (approx. 25–35%, depending on the season).

Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proactive, results‑oriented mindset with a strong focus on quality and timely delivery.
• Solid leadership capabilities and a collaborative working style.
• Comfortable working in cross‑functional teams and matrixed environments.
• Ability to balance technical depth with strategic thinking and business focus.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to support the growth of the Heatmiser business whilst being part of a large organisation with over 10,000 employees in 50+ countries.
• Be part of a company at the forefront of innovation, improving the quality of life for our customers and communities.
• Personal growth, career development and networking opportunities within the business, division or the wider Group.
• Be part of a company that is committed to inclusion and diversity.
• Attractive remuneration package including a range of wellbeing benefits.
• Modern office building with free parking and links to major motorways, airports and cities in the North of the UK.

Health & Safety

The physical demands described within the Key Duties & Responsibilities section of this job description are required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Please contact your local HR representative to discuss the specific work conditions and physical requirements of this role.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Duties

At IMI, we are all personally committed to protecting our people, minimising our impact on the environment, the communities we operate in and our company. All members of our workforce have the duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of themselves, others, and the environment. Every employee is expected to follow all HSE operating procedures, also to challenge any observed behaviours or unsafe acts.

Code of Ethics

IMI requires the highest standard of ethics in all business dealings, particularly with customers, suppliers, advisors, employees, and the authorities. In accordance with the IMI Way: Our Code of Responsible Business.

Changes to This Job Description

IMI may amend this job description in whole or in part at any time.

Equal Opportunity Employer

IMI is an equal‑opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, colour, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status.