Product Development Manager, Milan, Italy Competitive Salary Bonus Benefits Currently working with 250 retailers worldwide across 60 markets and generating revenues of circa €460 million, it has never been a more exciting time for a Product Development Manager to make an impact within the team, as we look to grow the business. tcc is the world leading provider of retail loyalty. Proudly independent for 30 years we have led the way by designing and implementing tailor made solutions for most of the world's leading grocery retailers, strengthening the crucial relationships between retailer and shopper. * About the Role* We believe in a world more loyal, and a world more loyal starts with our people. As we continue to innovate and raise value for our customers, we look upon bold thinkers and customer attuned leaders to lead our clients on a “more loyal” journey with us. This strategic hire at tcc will further enhance and broaden our ability to create new opportunities for our customers in this consistently changing landscape and in a time where consumer behavior is shifting like never before. Reporting to the Head of Category, the Product Development Manager will support with the development of our soft goods ranges and work with various internal and external parties developing products from briefing stage through to launch. Responsibilities - Work with both Marketing and Communication (Italy) and Global Marketing to identify key consumer/market trends and insights; collect from the Marketing teams the results of market research; attend relevant trade shows together with the HC - Make an analysis of our competitors offer/campaigns at a global level with the support of the Local Teams - Collect relevant data from Supply Chain and GFT teams, analyze them and make cross comparisons (PLUS vs MINUS) in order to help the HC build the Category Strategy; collect the data related to the sitting inventory and submit them to the HC including any idea and proposal to clear it - Help the Head of Category organize the Bi-weekly Operational Team meetings and the Monthly Category Meeting; support to the HC for the preparation of the bi-monthly Category Reviews with the Board - Align with the Brand Manager and manage the product approval process including samples arrangement - Work to the product design brief draft including new products for the major clients; brief to be validated from the HC before sending it to the Product Designer - Work to the product development brief draft including a suggested line-up, specs and target costs; brief to be validated from the HC before sending it to the Sourcing Manager - Join the HC and Sourcing Manager to factories/suppliers visits to build relationships and get innovative suggestions to develop new concepts and products - Follow independently with the Creative Team the process of Packaging Development of the new ranges including translations, photo shooting and approvals; work with both Quality and Sustainability Team to finalize the packaging; manage the approval samples process (both Silver & Gold Seal samples) - Understand the cost structure/break down and make a purchase price analysis in collaboration with the Sourcing Manager to support the HC in the evaluation of the final purchase price VS the target cost - Deep analysis of the market in order to define tentative RRPs for new ranges to be finally validated from the HC - Prepare together with Sourcing, Quality and Sustainability teams the draft MIP (Product section only) to be validated from the HC and then to be sent to the Marketing Team for MIP finalization - Collect POST-MORTEM relevant data from Supply Chain and GFT to support the HC in the category strategy - Support the Italian Local Category team to make them aware of any good opportunity coming from Global Confirmed Campaigns in order to use the returns in local programs It's likely that you will have previous experience as a Category Manager/Product Development Manager (ideally circa 2-3 years). It's a given that you are a enthusiastic, bright and self-motivated individual with excellent teamwork, communication and presentation skills together with: - A degree (or equivalent) in Retail Buying, Economics, Business or similar field - High intermediate level of Italian and English language - Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships - Resilient and able to work under pressure - High knowledge of Office Package Finally, you'll be creative, super organised and efficient, have strong attention to detail with the ability to multitask and be adept at working as part of a team. * About Your Application* About Us & Our Culture We believe that in today’s world, loyalty is needed more than everbut has never been harder to achieve. tcc specialises in purpose led loyalty solutions that offer shoppers relevant, meaningful rewards to strengthen relationships resulting in short term sales impact & l