Product Manager

Product Manager

Join Smartbox and Make a Meaningful Impact as Our Newest Team Member!

Are you a talented and passionate Product Manager who wants to play a part in creating technology that gives a voice to those without speech? Smartbox is seeking a dedicated and talented individual like you to join our team and make a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities.

At Smartbox, we take pride in being a leading company in assistive communication technology. Our innovative products, combining specialised hardware, advanced software, and engaging content, are used by individuals with diverse needs worldwide. All around the world, our products, accomplishments and aspirations are a reflection of our teams’ values: passionate, caring, empowering, achieving together and enabling change.

We believe that everyone deserves a voice, and our inclusive culture reflects this belief. By joining Smartbox, you will become part of a team that values diversity, fosters collaboration, and supports a community of users who rely on our technology to communicate effectively.

In addition to the rewarding nature of our work, you will collaborate with talented professionals who share a common goal of pushing the boundaries of innovation while considering the environmental impact of our products and processes. We strive to develop sustainable solutions that minimise our carbon footprint and promote a greener world. By joining Smartbox, you will have the chance to shape a more inclusive society while actively contributing to our sustainability efforts. Together, let's make a difference that extends beyond communication technology and leaves a positive mark on our planet.

How Will You Be Making a Difference?

• Diving deep to comprehend the fundamental needs and challenges of our target users, especially individuals with disabilities and those who support them.
• Guiding every stage of product development to meet these core needs effectively.
• Ensuring alignment between clinical, technological, regulatory, and commercial objectives throughout the product development process, always with a focus on addressing core user needs.
• Developing a clear understanding of the proposed value and project costs, working with colleagues to create financial models, forecast sales and determine pricing strategies.
• Fostering engagement with the product vision across the business, and a culture of participation, co-design, innovation and learning in cross-functional teams.
• Leading impactful product launches in close collaboration with sales, marketing, service and operational teams.

Essential Qualifications/Skills/Experience

• At least 5 years prior experience in a product management, technical management or business development role, preferably within the assistive technology or AAC sector.
• Proven track record in leading the development and delivery of successful products or product increments.
• Solid understanding of the assistive technology market, user needs, and relevant technologies.
• Commercial awareness, with a deep understanding of your employer’s business model and drivers, as well as other business models in the industry and an appreciation of how the market works.
• The ability to collate and analyse complex and conflicting needs, distil them effectively, and communicate vision, trade-offs and recommendations to senior leaders - guiding them to sensible, well-informed decisions.
• The ability to create and maintain pace – avoiding analysis paralysis, facilitating decision-makers to take appropriate risks, and providing clarity and leadership in the face of uncertainty.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and act tactically.
• Great collaboration skills, with the ability to work well in a small, dynamic team and with stakeholders across a larger organisation.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and engagingly.
• A hands-on, down-to-earth, customer-centric approach.
• Willingness to travel to other Smartbox and customer sites and potentially internationally.

Useful Qualifications/Skills/Experience

• Experience with electronic product development.
• Broad knowledge and experience in project management, user-centred design, user research and market research.
• Experience in product development in a highly regulated industry, e.g. medical devices.
• Experience in evaluating suppliers, developing supplier relationships, and understanding and influencing their product roadmaps.
• Experience in reviewing contracts and legal agreements.

Additional Information

• This is a hybrid role based in the Bristol location, with the requirement to come into the office twice a week.
• The salary for this position will be determined based on the applicant's education, skills and experience.

Why join us?

Here at Smartbox, we are positive and inclusive about making adjustments, providing flexible working, and encouraging all staff to engage in a diverse range of year-round learning and personal development opportunities. In addition, you will work alongside highly motivated colleagues in an environment of strong teamwork whilst also having fun. This is a hugely rewarding role and a career to be proud of where every day you will go home knowing you made a positive difference in the lives of disabled people.

Rewards and benefits

At Smartbox, our employees always do their best, which is why we give so much in return. In addition to your competitive salary, private medical insurance, and a whooping 25 days of holiday plus public holidays, we’ll shower you with perks, including:

• Dress: We want you to feel comfortable in the office; smart casual is perfect.
• Food: You can find free healthy office snacks in our kitchens.
• Hybrid working: Laptop and home working IT kit provided.
• Flexible work schedule: Balance is key to innovation, and we want to make sure you are at the top of your game with a schedule that will work for you (prior agreement from your line manager is required).
• Give back to the community: Each year every member of staff will get the opportunity to spend one paid day volunteering for a good cause of their choice.
• You, our best asset: We believe in investing in you and your development. Stay with us and grow with us! We will reward you with more holidays for your long service!
• Wellness: Stretch away the stress every morning with our online trainers, available via our cooperative perk website or hit the gym. We provide gym discounts too!
• Wellbeing: You gain unlimited access to a benefit and Wellbeing app Yulife, providing store discounts and wellbeing services.
• Mental health: You will have access to the 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme for a wide range of support, advice and resources about Family, Health, Life, Money and Work.
• Peace of mind: Every employee benefits from a company pension, group life assurance, and income protection.
• Fun: Complimentary theatre and cinema tickets to Malvern Theatres. We organise many free social events including team outings and get-togethers.
• Eco-friendly: You can sign up for a cycle scheme (save 25%-39% on a new bike or E-bike by cycling to work) or lease an electric car through a salary sacrifice scheme after 2 years of service.
• Bonus potential: We work hard and Smartbox recognizes that with a discretionary annual bonus.
• Finances: Enjoy a wide variety