Category Product Manager – Tech

Position: Category Product Manager – Tech

Location: Northampton, UK

Blackstar Amplification’s Marketing team are recruiting for a truly exciting position, a dream role for someone who is passionate about music tech and guitars, and has their finger on the pulse with the latest trends in music equipment and software.

This role isn’t for the faint hearted and would suit someone who loves being busy! It is an incredibly varied role and would fit someone who is driven by achieving targets.

Being the “point-person” for Tech will require a strong team ethic and an ability to focus on ‘the bigger company picture’, helping the company achieve it’s future growth ambitions.

The successful candidate will be joining our award-winning global business and taking ownership of growing the awareness and success of our Tech category.

The role:

You will take lead responsibility for Blackstar’s Tech product category. Your goal is to make Blackstar the #1 choice for home recording musicians worldwide. Success in this role will be measured by the impact that your initiatives have on the global commercial success and reputation of the Blackstar Tech product offering.

As the specialist for this product category you are the main contact, internally and externally, for any Marketing, Sales, Customer Service, and field needs.

The PM owns decisions on, and helps to create, materials and communications for educational, presentational, and positioning purposes. These include marketing assets, product copy, video and visual content, product launch campaigns, selling tools, and training and LMS content.

The duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Develop innovative content for the Tech category to engage consumers, staff and retailers.
• Materials and communications will be evidence based with competitive information, industry trends, and real-world applications in mind.
• Ensure all content is on-brand, consistent in style and quality, and optimised for consumers.
• Deliver content requirements set by brand management including copywriting, developing concepts for print and digital advertising, video direction / production or editing.
• Communicate launch plans, ETAs, new product production schedules and relevant product information to the company as required.
• Provide general editorial direction and support.
• Interface with external partners, including global distributors and dealers.
• Understand the competitive landscape – be an expert on our competitors and how the products are positioned in the market.
• Work with the New Products Introduction team on the planning, specification and development of new products.
• Develop compelling product positioning and messaging strategies for each new product launch, as well as updating and redefining the messaging and marketing content for existing products.
• Be the “on-screen” face when necessary to demonstrate products in video, live tradeshows and at retailers. Where appropriate bring in external demonstrators as needed to support initiatives.
• Interact with retailers and reps to maintain expert awareness and knowledge of dealer networks, and the retail environment.
• Plan, organise, and attend video and photo shoots.
• Assist and lead trade show preparations as required by the management team.
• Work closely with the Director of Marketing and Product Design team on projects that help to increase sales, awareness, and advocacy of Blackstar products.
• Work closely with the sales department to drive the category sales number globally.
• KPIs for category success include: global sales performance, digital and social media stats, on / offline reviews, artist acquisition, media exposure and end-user satisfaction surveys.

Required Knowledge and Experience:

• Must possess a high proficiency in music and recording tech, including DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations), plugins, interfaces, MIDI and monitors.
• Have a passion for music tech, home recording and consider themselves a music producer and composer.
• Demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for our products and be the go-to resource for “all things” tech product-related.
• The ability to Beta test products during the design process.
• Possess the interpersonal skills to develop strong rapport with Blackstar and retail personnel, artists and members of the media.
• Possess excellent organisational and time management skills; must be able to independently manage a diverse workload while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced business environment.
• Possess analytical skills and the ability to convert numbers to summaries, strategies and actions.
• Must have strong presentation skills – on and off camera.
• Possess a strong working knowledge of MS Office and CRM.
• Demonstrate the desire and drive for continual self-improvement in all relevant areas.
• Should have the ability to play guitar and have in-depth knowledge of guitar amps, pedals, and associated equipment, plus home and studio recording.
• Video recording and editing experience is a major benefit.

The company:

Launched in 2007, Blackstar is globally recognised and respected as an innovator and leader in guitar amplification design. We are a company of musicians who are truly passionate about what we do and understand the importance of great tone.

Blackstar is based in Northampton, with over 80 years’ combined experience in guitar amplification design and production. Our team pioneers change in the industry and has a strong commitment to driving transformational innovation within all of our products. Blackstar products are the best in the world for design, technology and performance – we create the ultimate tolls for self-expression.

The Environment:

• Blackstar is a unique environment; we are all musicians/music lovers and the dress code is relaxed.
• Our teams are experts in their field and we are incredibly passionate about our products and the industry as a whole.
• Most of our staff have worked in the industry for a long time and we are looking for candidates who wish to grow with the company and share in our current and future success.
• Office hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday, with a willingness to work extra hours as and when required to achieve project deliverables to schedule. Flexible approach to working hours/environment where possible, according to business needs.
• If you share our passion, approach your work with pride, are driven by innovation, want to be the best and help to grow our global brand to its highest potential we would love to hear from you. Please apply with an up-to-date CV for an immediate response. We are looking to hold interviews ASAP, for which an initial telephone conversation would be the first step.

How to Apply

If you think you have what it takes to join us please make sure you download and fill out the Blackstar Application Document. Please attach that along with your CV and send to: recruitment@blackstaramps.com

Alternatively if you would prefer, you are able to apply in writing with your Covering Letter, CV and your Blackstar Application Document to our mailing address: Blackstar Amplification Ltd, Suite 2, Hawes Business Centre, Sandfield Close, Moulton Park, Northampton, NN3 6AB