Ian Stephenson Email and Phone Number

Responsible for portfolio of products with annual t/o in excess of £5m. Duties encompass gathering and presenting economic and commercial data necessary to justify new product investment projects, ab initio construction of technical documentation library for all existing or new switchgear products and compilation of marketing support material in English and French with outside agencies.Recent broadening of role to include strategic intelligence aspects of Product Management. Additional tasks involve identification of overseas markets, competitor product evaluation and providing directives to Design department for operational enhancements to our products.Notable achievements:• Played a key role in securing Asset Approval of the Lucy LV Fused Distribution Cabinet amongst the UK Distribution Network Operators by personally demonstrating the cabling process to senior Cable Policy Engineers • Compiled all the technical documentation necessary to gain Electricity Networks Association (ENA) approval of the LV cabinet range

Responsible for all aspects of the marketing and development of the company’s flagship UK electrical accessory range, “Synergy”Specialist responsibilities:• Identification of product range extension opportunities. • Defining prototype specifications leading to bespoke products with small batches for key clients.• Provision of technical support and consultancy both externally and internally for Group.• Compilation of product literature.• Maintain business competitiveness of existing portfolio, driving through both competitor led and regulatory change requirements.

Leading manufacturers of low voltage wiring accessories for commercial and domestic applications. Reporting jointly to the Project Director in France and Group Engineering Director in the UK, briefed and gave technical support to a joint UK/French development team of 10 CAD designers on a £25 million Group investment. Principal responsibilities:• Proposed and validated product specifications, paying particular attention to price-led competition from low-cost Far East imports.• Briefed and controlled outside agencies involved in both focus group and one-to-one research.• Compiled and maintained detailed technical and marketing assessments of key competitor products.• Devised and communicated to both UK and French design teams precise details of technical specification and modifications as needed. Ensured timely delivery of product designs.• Initiated and developed overall marketing strategy.

Responsible to Group Marketing Director for full life cycle product management including:• P&L accountability of existing product range.• Identification and evaluation of product development opportunities.• Presentation of business case at Board level in France.• Management of product development through prototyping to launch.• Monitoring of competitor activity and implementing counter strategies.Achievements:• Successful launch of three new ranges of wiring products, generating over £2 million additional turnover in UK and export operations.• Client Management and development of OEM customer into company’s third largest direct account, representing over 5% of wiring accessory turnover.