Emplicure – Product & Portfolio Manager

Do you have experience from and excitement for product management, portfolio strategy, and FMCG? Is your drive rooted in innovation, consumer insights, and commercial growth? Do you thrive in a start-up, cross-functional environment, operating in a fast-moving category? Then the role as Product & Portfolio Manager for KLAR could be a great next step for you! This is a unique opportunity to shape and make a real difference for a disruptive nicotine pouch brand built on advanced technology with bold ambitions.

About Emplicure Group & KLAR

Emplicure is a pioneering bioceramic laboratory based in Uppsala, Sweden, specializing in developing advanced nicotine delivery systems. Founded in 2015 by Professor Håkan Engqvist, a globally recognized authority in Applied Materials Science, the company leverages its patented bioceramic technology to create products that offer a faster, superior, and safer nicotine experience.

As an independent entity with no affiliation to the tobacco industry, Emplicure is committed to redefining the future of nicotine consumption. Their mission focuses on facilitating the transition of nicotine users away from traditional tobacco products and heated inhalation devices, aiming to positively impact public health.

The company’s flagship product, KLAR, is the world’s first bioceramic, accelerated-release nicotine pouch. Utilizing proprietary SERATEK technology, KLAR delivers nicotine 50% faster than leading brands, providing users with a more efficient and satisfying experience. Emplicure’s dedication to innovation and transparency positions it at the forefront of the rapidly expanding nicotine pouch market, which is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. This is a unique opportunity to take on a key role on this exciting journey, in a new position as Product & Portfolio Manager.

About the role

As the Product & Portfolio Manager, you will play a vital part in shaping the success and strengthening the product proposition of KLAR, the bioceramic nicotine pouch brand. You will be leading both strategic and operational work across key areas such as portfolio planning, product lifecycle management, pricing, distribution, and consumer insights. Internally you will serve as a central source within the organization, cooperating and working closely with R&D, production, sales, finance, regulatory, and marketing to ensure that all efforts are aligned with the company’s overarching business objectives. Externally, the role engages with key stakeholders including suppliers, manufacturing partners, retail and distribution networks, as well as market research agencies, to optimize product development, placement, and market insights.

You will report to and work closely with the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Work is hybrid, with great coworking facilities in central Stockholm and HQ + production site in Uppsala.

Key responsibilities

The Product & Portfolio Manager at Emplicure plays a central role in driving the strategic direction and execution of KLAR’s product offering, ensuring it remains innovative, competitive, targeting to be a leader in the market. With a focus on optimizing all aspects of the marketing mix including:

• Product Strategy & Lifecycle Management: Define and execute the product roadmap, overseeing the full product lifecycle from concept to launch and ongoing optimization.

• Portfolio Management: Ensure KLAR’s product portfolio aligns with market demands, competitive positioning, and commercial objectives.

• Pricing Strategy: Develop and manage pricing models to balance competitiveness, profitability, and market positioning.

• Distribution & Market Expansion: Drive distribution strategy, ensuring optimal market reach through the right channels.

• Consumer & Market Insights: Analyze consumer behavior, market trends, and competitive landscape to inform product decisions.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Act as the key link between R&D, production, sales, and marketing to ensure seamless product execution.

• Regulatory & Compliance Alignment: Work closely with compliance teams to ensure all products and artwork meet regulatory requirements and market standards.

This function translates business goals into tangible product performance, making sure that KLAR’s unique bioceramic technology delivers on its promise. Within approved commercial and regulatory frameworks, the Product & Portfolio Manager is empowered to define and lead KLAR’s product strategy and oversee its development and portfolio management in support of Emplicure’s mission to redefine nicotine delivery through innovation.

Key Experiences & Qualities

To succeed in this role, it is important to have broad experience within product management and strategy. You should be confident leading product development and lifecycle activities, working with R&D and production to optimize formulations, resolve challenges, and meet deadlines. Further, you have a good grasp of pricing and commercial strategy, a strength in analyzing pricing models, adapting to market shifts, and collaborating with finance and sales to ensure profitability. Experience with distribution and market expansion is also valuable, including securing product availability, tracking sell-through, gathering retailer feedback, and spotting growth opportunities. Your strong analytical mindset helps in interpreting market and consumer insights, identifying trends, and guiding product decisions.

Understanding regulatory compliance and quality control is important to ensure both products and artworks meet market standards. You should also be able to optimize the product portfolio by evaluating performance and identifying opportunities for improvement. Finally, effective cross-functional cooperation and coordination with internal teams is crucial for smooth and successful product execution. To sum up, desired skills, experiences and personality traits include:

• At least 3+ years of experience in product and brand management within the FMCG sector, with a solid understanding of traditional product & portfolio + brand management principles.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and apply insights to product and brand management strategies.

• Proven track record of managing the 4 P’s. Distinctive case study of actioning change.

• Collaborative and entrepreneurial mindset, with experience working in cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, preferably also international environments.

• A genuine passion for the category and a drive to make an impact within the nicotine pouch industry.

• Fluency in English is required; Swedish is a plus.

To apply

In this important and exciting recruitment, Emplicure is partnering with Academic Search, a leading expert in Executive Search, Recruitment and Interim Management. For more information about the position, please contact Researcher Amelia Kämpeberg amelia.kampeberg@academicsearch.se.

Apply through the link below to play a pivotal role on the journey of Emplicure and KLAR!

All information is handled confidentially in accordance with Academic Search Integrity Policy as well as the data protection act, GDPR. This means that we can only process applications with CV’s coming through the applications system. Please apply to the position as soon as possible, as we are interviewing on an ongoing basis. Thanks for your understanding!

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