A Product and Services Manager is a versatile professional who oversees developing, managing, and optimizing a company’s product and service offerings. This role involves strategic planning, market analysis, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to successfully deliver products and services that meet customer needs and align with the company’s overall objectives.
Product and Services Managers typically work in office settings, engaging with various teams, including product development, marketing, sales, and customer support. The role may involve occasional travel for industry events, client meetings, or to conduct market research. The working conditions are dynamic, requiring adaptability to changes in market dynamics and customer preferences.
A bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field is commonly required for Product and Services Manager positions. Strong analytical, strategic thinking and communication skills are essential. Practical experience in product management, marketing, or related roles is valuable. Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies is beneficial. Continuous learning, staying updated on industry trends, and obtaining relevant certifications contribute to the ongoing success of Product and Services Managers in effectively managing and optimizing a company’s product and service portfolio.
ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:
the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.
Product and services manager is a Skill level 4 occupation.
This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of product and services manager.
Characteristics of products: The tangible characteristics of a product, such as its materials, properties and functions, as well as its different applications, features, use and support requirements.
Channel marketing: The strategies and practices, including channel sales, involve distributing products directly and indirectly through partners to bring the products to the end consumer.
Advertising techniques: The communication strategies intended to persuade or encourage an audience, and the different media used to achieve this goal.
Content marketing strategy: The process of creating and sharing media and publishing content in order to acquire customers.
Product comprehension: The offered products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Company policies: The set of rules that govern the activity of a company.
Characteristics of services: The characteristics of a service that might include having acquired information about its application, function, features, use and support requirements.
These skills are necessary for the role of product and services manager.
Plan marketing strategy: Determine the objective of the marketing strategy, whether it is for establishing image, implementing a pricing strategy, or raising awareness of the product. Establish approaches of marketing actions to ensure that goals are achieved efficiently and over the long term.
Perform data analysis: Collect data and statistics to test and evaluate to generate assertions and pattern predictions, aiming to discover useful information in a decision-making process.
Maintain relationship with suppliers: Build a lasting and meaningful relationship with suppliers and service providers in order to establish a positive, profitable and enduring collaboration, cooperation and contract negotiation.
Apply business acumen: Take appropriate actions in a business environment in order to maximise possible outcome from each situation.
Develop the product catalogue: Authorise and create items in relation to the delivery of a centrally held product catalogue; make recommendations in the further developing process of the catalogue.
Have computer literacy: Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.
Ensure products meet regulatory requirements: Study, implement, and monitor the integrity and compliance of products with the required regulatory aspects by law. Advise on applying and abiding by regulations on the product and manufacturing regulations.
This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of product and services manager. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Attention to detail: Performs tasks conscientiously and effectively, considering all their aspects, no matter how detailed they are.
Consumer protection: The current legislation applicable in relation to the rights of consumers in the marketplace.
Printed goods processes: The various types and characteristics of producing printed goods such as catalogues, flyers, etc.
These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of product and services manager. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Plan digital marketing: Develop digital marketing strategies for both leisure and business purposes, create websites and deal with mobile technology and social networking.
