Q&A with Kobe

Kobe is a product manager at Radiall Shanghai.

Q. How long have you worked at Radiall?

A. I joined Radiall Shanghai at the end of last year.

Q. What did you do when you first started at Radiall?

A. Maybe like other product managers in RF&I, I started with following ongoing projects and managed daily routines like RFQ handling and product promotion.

Q. Can you tell us more about your current role?

A. As a product manager of the RF&I BU, especially in China, we face high competition and pressure to be an industry leader. So besides legacy product promotion and following up on-going NPI opportunities, I also work together with the local sales team on new product diversification.

Q. What do you like most about your work?

A. For me, Radiall is a place with an innovation mindset. There are so many talented and dedicated people here, which is a good thing for the company. Especially for the product marketing team, they always can meet our expectations for new products.

Q. What is a typical day like for you at Radiall?

A. My day consists of RFQ handling; of course we have a pricing team, but sometimes we need the PM’s approval on better pricing, or need to optimize cost to gain the opportunity.

I also work on product promotion and tech support to customers, in person or virtual product training for customers on existing products, and voice of customers for new product ideas.

There are regular discussions with the internal team (R&D, process, planning, etc.), new product design review, finding ways to optimize cost, delivery schedule…

I also gather market intelligence, understand competition of existing products to find new product launches of competitors and new trends of the market.

Q. Why is it important to develop products that meet customer needs?

A. This is the necessary process by which we can realize Radiall’s value, solving customer issue pain points with Radiall's knowledge and innovative abilities.

Q. What does that process look like?

A. Good engagement with customers in the design phase is important. You must identify the pain points the customer is facing and then turn it into product spec requirements. After drafting the design, work with the customer to improve and fix the design.

Q. What's the best advice you have for people wanting to pursue a career in your field?

A. Sometimes, a challenge is also good; it can push you to improve your skills.