Product Manager

Job Title: Product Manager

Location: Saigon Office, Vietnam

Department: Product Development/Management

Reports to: Director of Sales & Marketing

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Summary:

The Product Manager is responsible for overseeing the development and management of products, ensuring they meet market demands and company goals. This role involves collaborating with various departments, including marketing, sales, and development, to create and launch products that provide value to customers and drive business growth. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to travel throughout South and Southeast Asia frequently, meeting suppliers, checking out new products, and developing itineraries in these destinations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Product Development:

• Lead the product development process from concept to launch.
• Conduct market research to identify customer needs, market trends, and competitive landscape.
• Develop product specifications and requirements based on research and stakeholder input.
• Lead on development of new itineraries and destinations in line with Pandaw's expansion strategy.
• Ensure the quality of main itineraries remains at a high standard and implement changes where required.

2. Supplier and Partner Management:

• Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers, DMCs, partner hotels, and other service providers in South and Southeast Asia.
• Negotiate competitive rates, exclusive inclusions, and service level agreements with suppliers. Develop exclusive agreements where possible to facilitate the growth of the destinations.
• Manage external service providers to maintain high levels of service and quality throughout guests trips with Pandaw both on and off ship.

3. Itinerary and Activity Planning:

• Develop and enhance itineraries to offer exciting, adventurous, and unique land extensions to cruises.
• Create a more extensive range of activities and events during the cruise.
• Work with the in-house destination management team to ensure a seamless guest experience.
• Work with Operations and Product Delivery prior to each new season launch to review the operational instructions to the Tour Directors and suppliers to ensure smooth operation of the tour season.

4. Team Collaboration and Training:

• Collaborate with the marketing, sales, and operations teams to ensure product alignment with market needs and company objectives.
• Appoint, train, and supervise guides and support staff.
• Provide training and support to the destination management team to enhance service delivery.
• Work with the Sales team and Product Coordinators to design and conduct Familiarisation tours for staff.

5. Product Performance and Improvement:

• Continually review the performance of the product (sales/competitor analysis) and recommend strategies to gain market share while maintaining product margins.
• Implement changes and enhancements to products based on feedback and performance data.
• Stay updated with industry trends and innovations to keep the product line competitive.

6. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):

• Head up the development of Pandaw CSR projects across our destinations (charity work, local collaborations with NGOs).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field.
• MBA or advanced degree is a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a Product Manager role.
• At least 2 years of experience in Southeast Asia or India.
• Experience with supplier management and contract negotiations.
• Experience on the rivers of Asia is preferred.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of Southeast Asia and India from a tourism perspective.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a multinational environment.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in market research and data analysis.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Competencies:

• Market Awareness: Deep understanding of market trends and customer needs in the travel industry.
• Negotiation Skills: Ability to secure favourable terms with suppliers and partners.
• Product Innovation: Capability to develop unique and compelling products.
• Collaboration: Strong ability to work with cross-functional teams.
• Customer Focus: Commitment to providing exceptional experiences to customers.

Working Conditions:

• Requires frequent travel throughout South and Southeast Asia.
• A willingness to travel frequently across our destinations as required for the role.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Pandaw is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

• Application Process: Submit resume and cover letter to [Confidential Information]