(Sophia) Xiaohuan Zhang
Godmanchester,Cambridgeshire
Summary
Results-oriented professional with expertise in product management, team leadership, and project management of new product and website developments. Proven track record in enhancing customer satisfaction and executing successful product life cycle management. Proficient in brand development and marketing strategies, with bilingual capabilities in Chinese and English. Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite, ERP systems like Microsoft Dynamics AX, Power BI.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Product Manager
Crane Building Services & Utilities
Hitchin, Hertfordshire
02.2025 - 11.2025
- Strategic initiatives: Led both water and gas projects through NPD Stage Gate approvals within 3 months driving innovation with cross-functional teams to bring fresh ideas to life.
- P&L management: Developed new 80/20 quads model to monitor current profit and loss, in addition, to plan future pricing and manage costs to ensure financial health.
- Margin analysis: Conducted detailed margin analysis to forecast trends and adjust strategies; advised business with market trends to make data-driven decisions.
- Inventory management: Analysed demand of product lines defining input to Sales-Inventory-Operations-Planning (SIOP) process, subsequently, proposed business models and finished goods stock levels to satisfy customer demand and identify adequate inventory levels to maximise inventory turns.
- NPI management: Created commercial plan for Encapsulation Collar product launch; analysed market price and profit margin and set up pricing; created contents of literatures and marketing materials; composed internal and external launch presentations for product launch.
Senior Product Manager
Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS)
Kettering, Northamptonshire
05.2022 - 12.2024
- Led Product Management and Marketing Communication team.
- Implemented innovative marketing strategies to increase brand awareness of Alumasc Rainwater, Harmer, Wade, Gatic and Skyline.
- Introduced customer oriented product strategy to optimise market share and range profitability in line with AWMS’ objectives.
- Undertook market research and analysis to identify market trends within target sectors.
- Analysed market and competitors’ activities and their positioning.
- Identified customer and market needs for NPD opportunities and solutions.
- Conducted annual pricing reviews and ongoing margin analysis to ensure profitability aligned with business strategy.
- Ensured all products comply with industry regulations and standards to retain customer trust.
- Established and evaluated marketing plan and digital strategy to engage customers through social media, SEO and website development.
- Worked with external PR agent to promote AWMS brands and products by releasing product case studies and publications in press and online media.
- Reviewed and approved literature, datasheet and website contents to ensure accuracy and alignment with product strategy.
- Supported customers with their marketing plan and materials, to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Collaborated with subcontracted website developers to manage new website development project which better engaged customers and wider audience.
- Identified events and exhibitions and oversaw design and development of stands, which made excellent impact on visitors.
- Effectively managed marketing budget and reduced marketing spending by 11% through meticulous budget analysis and strategic cost-cutting measures.
- Tracked marketing department performance, reporting performance KPIs to board of directors.
- Improved product quality standards, enhancing customer loyalty and trust.
Product Manager
Aliaxis
Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
08.2014 - 05.2022
- Managed product portfolio for water and gas pipes, barrier pipe systems, and fittings throughout lifecycles.
- Developed product range aligned with growth aspirations and market standards.
- Oversaw new product development projects from initiation to completion.
- Cultivated customer relationships to enhance product feedback and loyalty.
- Participated in exhibitions, providing direction and approval for marketing materials.
- Collaborated with sales and technical teams to identify opportunities for innovation.
- Conducted market assessments to guide product propositions and launch activities.
- Delivered training sessions on product features to ensure comprehensive understanding by sales teams.
Market Specialist
Fire Fighting Enterprises Ltd (now FFE Ltd)
07.2012 - 07.2014
- Conducted competitor and market analysis to identify strategic opportunities.
- Developed marketing plan for new product development initiatives.
- Produced comprehensive competitor analysis reports to guide decision-making.
- Collaborated with Sales and Technical teams to pinpoint market opportunities.
- Generated Market Requirement Specifications for new product development projects.
- Coordinated with external PR agents and exhibition organisers to create promotional materials.
Business Integration Manager
Apollo Fire Detectors Ltd
01.2011 - 06.2012
- Reported to Apollo Divisional Financial Director, providing updates on post-acquisition integration progress.
- Monitored profit margin, producing detailed reports for Chinese acquisition.
- Established comprehensive product development plan aligned with acquisition goals.
- Developed and implemented new product development processes, advising project teams on documentation.
- Successfully managed projects including exhibitions, office decoration, and literature design.
- Drove establishment of operating procedures, ensuring effective implementation within acquisition.
- Integrated IT systems to facilitate functional collaboration between UK and China.
- Participated in recruiting management team and assessing new suppliers in China.
Product Manager
Apollo Fire Detectors Ltd
01.2008 - 05.2011
- Oversaw product development and commercialisation, ensuring adherence to LPCB, UL, VdS, and CCCF standards.
- Managed portfolio and PLC for manual call points and conventional detectors.
- Established product pricing, monitored profit margins, and supported sales growth in Asia Pacific market.
- Successfully led multiple new product development projects following NPI process.
- Conducted customer satisfaction surveys to inform product improvements.
- Developed and implemented targeted business strategies for products in Chinese market.
- Performed competitor analysis and segmentation research to enhance market positioning.
- Directed design and setup of exhibition booth at China Fire 2010, enhancing brand visibility.
Education
MBA - Business Administration
Salford Business School, University of Salford
SalfordPhD - New Product Development
School of Art and Design, University of Salford
SalfordBSc - Industrial Design (Product Design)
Shenyang Institute of Aeronautical Engineering, China (now Shenyang Aerospace University)
Shenyang / ChinaSkills
- Product management
- Project management
- Team leadership
- Business Relationship Development
- Marketing
- System implementations
- Problem solving
- Customer focus
- Product lifecycle mastery
- Brand development acumen
- Supply chain understanding
- Presentations
- Organisation
- Multitasking
- Prioritisation expertise
- Chinese/English Bilingual
- Conversant with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Project and Visio
- Experience in ERP systems, such as Microsoft Dynamics AX, CRM, Power BI, QAD, Dynamics NAV and AS400
- Experience in LinkedIn account management, WordPress and Umbraco website management
- Adaptability to different fields/knowledge, time management and working under pressure
Certification
- PRINCE2 Registered Practitioner (2013) Candidate Number: P2R/944974
- CIM MCIM Member Chartered Institute of Marketing
Hobbies and Interests
Reading which could benefit my professional and personal development, Jogging and keeping fit, Cooking and enjoying food
Languages
Chinese (Mandarin)
Native
Timeline
Product Manager
Crane Building Services & Utilities
02.2025 - 11.2025
Senior Product Manager
Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS)
05.2022 - 12.2024
Product Manager
Aliaxis
08.2014 - 05.2022
Market Specialist
Fire Fighting Enterprises Ltd (now FFE Ltd)
07.2012 - 07.2014
Business Integration Manager
Apollo Fire Detectors Ltd
01.2011 - 06.2012
Product Manager
Apollo Fire Detectors Ltd
01.2008 - 05.2011
MBA - Business Administration
Salford Business School, University of Salford
PhD - New Product Development
School of Art and Design, University of Salford
BSc - Industrial Design (Product Design)
Shenyang Institute of Aeronautical Engineering, China (now Shenyang Aerospace University)