Product Management Director

Paragraf’s patented contamination-free deposition technology delivers game-changing opportunities for the commercialisation of graphene by allowing us to manufacture high-purity 2D graphene sheets at scale.

Paragraf is the first company in the world to mass produce graphene-based electronic devices using standard semiconductor processes. We not only specialise in the manufacture of high-purity graphene but also its seamless integration into ready to use products that can be quickly adopted by our customers and partners to support the advancement of their technologies.

At Paragraf we are committed to materially transforming electronics through the development of high-purity graphene products that will facilitate massive improvements in the performance of technologies across all aspects of life.

Reporting to the VP Sales, the Product Management Director will embed and grow the Product Management capability within the business. This requires relevant knowledge and experience of leading Product Management for a new technology to develop the function effectively, engage the Paragraf team in the process and further build out the team, identifying and hiring new talent and skills to align with the product opportunities and convert these to commercial success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead the Product Management capability within the business through market insights from research and customer / potential customer and market requirements combining exceptional market knowledge and understanding with commercial acumen and great communication skills to ensure the business supports and engages with the process.
• Understand and define the key features, specifications and requirements of the product based on customer requirements liaising with colleagues to ensure feasibility and capability to deliver.
• Liaise with colleagues to establish and define roadmaps, ensuring that requirements of Product Management are reflected and supported within the business.
• Identify and approach potential routes to market and develop a network to support this.
• Perform profit analysis and forecasting to develop or improve product market strategies.
• Create project timeline and implementation schedules.
• Liaise with Commercial team colleagues to structure and coordinate business engagements with potential customers/partners to deliver successful relationships and build business opportunities.
• Guide and contribute to successful product launches and marketing campaigns with customer and market insight and understanding.
• Establish informed strategies for maximising product opportunities globally.
• Develop a comprehensive approach to competitor research to ensure in depth understanding of capabilities and limitations.
• Build the Product Management team and manage them effectively to support strong delivery and motivation.
• Represent Paragraf at conferences with papers, as an industry expert on panels, etc.
• Provide leadership for the Product Management function and Commercial team amongst the internal teams (development, commercial, etc.)
• Monitor performance to targets with comprehensive reporting of data and metrics.

Requirements

Education and Qualifications:

• A relevant technical/ scientific degree and/or post-graduate degrees
• A leadership or business qualification would be an advantage.

Experience:

• Significant years as a senior Product Management or business leader in a disruptive technology environment ideally with profit/loss ownership.
• Direct experience of taking a technology product from concept to launch and then volume production and the internal liaison and collaboration required to gain understanding and acceptance of the process.
• Experience of building and leading a team delivering robust commercial success.

Skills and knowledge:

• Skills in market research and network development supporting a product launch from early-stage product to a business with proven experience of delivering successful growth.
• Solid knowledge and understanding of performance analysis reporting and finance/ budgeting processes.

• Is organized, self-driven, detail-oriented and able to work in a value driven, team-based culture.
• Have a very high level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness.
• Have a strong work ethic and require minimal direction.

 Communication:

• Exceptional ability to communicate at all levels with both internal and external contacts
• Strong capabilities to present information clearly and appropriately for the audience to ensure engagement
• Excellent ability to form and build effective business relationships and networks

Additional factors:

• Respect and adherence to confidentiality and critical matters
• A willingness and enthusiasm for international travel

Benefits

At Paragraf we are constantly looking for new ways to support and reward our team. This is our current list of benefits, they are subject to change and review:

• Group Personal Pension Plan- Employer contribution 5%, Employee contribution minimum 4%
• Private health insurance on completion of probation
• Share Option scheme
• Death in service of 3 times salary and income protection on completion of probation
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays, and the chance to ‘purchase’ up to 5 additional days each year
• Personal and Professional Development Plans and support
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric Vehicle Lease Scheme
• Payroll Giving scheme