(Technical) Product Manager Substrates

Kekkilä-BVB is the European leader in horticulture. provide products and services for professional greenhouse growers, retail, consumers and landscapers in over 100 countries worldwide. We have strong product brands within the professional and consumer growing markets, trading under the names of BVB Substrates, Kekkilä Professional, Brill Substrates, BVB Landscaping, Kekkilä, Hasselfors Garden, Terra Brill, Jardino and Florentus. Together with our customers, we bring performance to life. Kekkilä-BVB is part of Neova Group.

We are currently looking for a (Technical) Product Manager Substrates

Are you a plant enthusiast with technical expertise? Join us as Product Manager for our professional segment for the Central European market. Take the lead in managing and developing our portfolio of substrate solutions for the horticulture segment. Your deep expertise and analytical skills will empower our sales team in offering maximum support to our valued customers.

Responsibilities at a glance:

Technical Product Management (60%):

·        Provide technical advice for the best performance substrates for our customers

·        Analyze customer and research data and process data into improved market solutions

·        Work close with innovation to develop, test and implement new solutions

·        Growing expert in our raw materials

·        Process manager of digital data tools

·        Ensure projects meet business development and innovation targets

Empower Sales Teams (20%):

·       Implement new solutions to serve customers’ needs

·       Advice on substrate recipes

·       Conduct engaging training sessions and onboarding programs

·       Represent Kekkilä-BVB at exhibitions and industry events

Central Hub (20%):

·       Collaborate with our business unit with cross-functional teams to improve customer satisfaction and business development

·       Coordination of raw material related challenges

·       Being the communication bridge between technical teams and business stakeholders

·       Project manager for innovative projects / Key Account projects

·       Cooperation with colleagues from our business unit Global on several projects

You will bring:

• Expertise in the Technical and Business Aspects of Horticulture
  You have an extensive background in horticulture, understanding the industry's scientific and commercial sides. Your knowledge helps bridge the gap between product development and market needs

• Degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, or a Related Field:
  Your advanced education provides a solid foundation in horticultural science, ensuring you have the technical knowledge required to excel in this role.

• Fluency in English (additional languages are a plus):
  Effective communication is key in our global operations. Fluency in English is essential, and proficiency in other languages will give you an edge in interacting with our diverse team and international clients.

• Relevant Experience:
  Your experience in horticulture or a related field demonstrates your deep understanding and capability to handle complex projects and responsibilities in this industry.

• Strong Market Insight and Technical Proficiency:
  You possess the ability to understand market trends and commercial opportunities, combined with strong technical skills to develop and support innovative products.

• Exceptional Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills:
  You excel at analyzing complex issues, identifying root causes, and developing effective solutions, ensuring our products and strategies meet the highest standards.

• A Creative and Innovative Mindset:
  You bring fresh, imaginative ideas to the table and are not afraid to challenge the status quo. Your innovative approach helps drive our projects forward and keeps us at the cutting edge of the industry.

• Outstanding Communication and Presentation Abilities: 
  You communicate clearly and confidently, whether writing detailed reports or presenting to stakeholders. Your ability to convey complex information in an accessible way ensures our teams and clients are always well-informed.

What do you get in return?

If you choose to work at Kekkilä-BVB, we offer you a challenging job in an international organization. You will join an informal and pleasant working environment with plenty of opportunities for advancement. In addition, we offer:

• A 12-month contract, with the prospect of a permanent position

• A challenging and dynamic working environment with opportunities for professional growth and development

• A stimulating work culture based on collaboration innovation and continuous improvement

• A competitive salary and attractive fringe benefits such as:
  - Non-contributory pension
  - 24 holidays
  - 8% holiday pay (paid out in May and November)
  - Hybrid working model; allowing you to work 2-3 days per week at office location de Lier (some travelling is required).

• We stimulate a healthy lifestyle offering fresh fruit in the office & financial attractive sport subscriptions

• A chance to be part of a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration.

• A friendly and active staff association (voluntary);

• And above all, the best colleagues in the business.
  

At Kekkilä-BVB, we are driven by our core values:
- Focus on customer success: We strive to provide our customers with the best possible service and support and strive for long-term relationships based on trust and mutual success.
- Achieving together: We believe in the power of cooperation and teamwork and work together on common goals to realise our vision.
- Courage to renew: We embrace change and innovation and encourage our employees to explore new ideas and face challenges with creativity and determination.
- Trust through respect: We treat each other with respect and integrity and create an inclusive and supportive work environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

At Kekkilä-BVB, we believe in promoting a dynamic and innovative work environment where your ideas can thrive. You will be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to sustainable growth and technological advancements. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and endless opportunities for professional development. Do you recognize yourself in this position, or are you ready for the next step in your career? And can you identify with our core values? Then we would like to receive your motivation and CV!

For more information about this position, don't hesitate to get in touch with Jaap Solleveld (jaap.solleveld@kekkila-bvb.com) or if you have questions about the procedure please get in touch with Nathalie van Donzel (Nathalie.van.donzel@kekkila-bvb.com).

Aquisition based on this recruitment vacancy is not appreciated.

More information about our organization on www.kekkila-bvb.com