Head of Product (Locks & Ironmongery)

Role Overview

This is a senior commercial role responsible for owning and growing a product category within the hardware and building materials sector. Day to day, you will shape the category's assortment, negotiate with suppliers, and align inventory levels with demand so that the right products are available at the right margin. Your decisions directly affect revenue, profitability, and how competitive the company is in the Kenyan construction and ironmongery market.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a multi-year category roadmap, from product introduction to end-of-life, ensuring the range stays relevant and profitable.
• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships, lead price negotiations, and secure supply terms that improve overall margin and reliability.
• Analyse sales data and market trends to forecast demand accurately, plan purchase orders, and balance stock levels to avoid both stock-outs and slow-moving inventory.
• Work closely with Sales and Marketing to plan product launches, set competitive pricing, and create technical or sales enablement materials for the category.
• Coordinate with Purchasing, Finance, and Operations to ensure smooth product flow and resolve supply or quality issues promptly.
• Track and report on category performance, including sales, profitability, supplier service levels, and market share, using ERP data and dedicated management dashboards.
• Identify new product opportunities or gaps in the local market and champion initiatives that strengthen the company's position as a preferred supplier to contractors, fabricators, and hardware retailers.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• At least 5 years of hands-on experience in product management, category management, or business development within hardware, locks and ironmongery, construction, or building materials.
• Proven track record in managing suppliers, negotiating commercial agreements, and hitting category revenue and gross margin targets.
• Solid understanding of inventory planning, demand forecasting, product lifecycle management, and working knowledge of ERP systems.
• Strong analytical and commercial instincts, with the ability to turn data into clear action plans.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills, with experience influencing cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability and comfort working in a fast-paced, trade-oriented environment.

What We Offer / Why Join

A competitive net salary of KES 250,000–275,000 per month, based on experience, with additional benefits provided in line with company policy. This role offers an opportunity to have a direct impact on a growing category in the construction materials sector, working with established supplier networks and a collaborative commercial team.