Product Manager (Cleaning Chemicals & Equipment) (JHB)

ENVIRONMENT:

DESIGN buying & planning strategies, align product market fit while achieving forecast unit sales as the next Product Manager sought by a leading provider of Industrial Consumables to join its Joburg team. You will be responsible for all aspects of Category/Product Management, including identification of product from supplier, sourcing and successfully bringing the product to market and ensuring product profitability and ROI. The primary category would be cleaning chemicals, equipment, and paper products. The successful candidate will have Grade 12/Matric, a relevant Marketing Degree/Diploma with 3-5 years’ experience in a similar position specifically in cleaning chemicals, equipment, and paper products. Applicants must be willing to travel and possess a reliable vehicle.

DUTIES:

· Achieve and exceed targeted turnover/ Achieve forecast unit sales.

· Work closely with Regional GMs to align on relevant product market fit.

· Successful launch of new products, increasing the ratio of sales of new products.

· Achieve forecast unit sales.

· Monitor the accuracy of Contract Price List and maintain margins in line with company policy.

· Analyse markets to identify market threats and opportunities.

· Regularly conduct profitability analysis and recommended product line/SKU addition, or rationalization.

· Actively manage the product portfolio to optimize total profitability.

· Serve as spokesperson and ensure communication with all stakeholders.

· Negotiate with and build relationships with suppliers.

· Design buying and planning strategies regarding supplier’s alliances.

· Ensure the efficient negotiation, establishment, and maintenance of excellent service levels by Planning and Buying Managers.

· Deal with escalated supplier queries and problems.

· Build relationship with top customers and adhere to call cycle.

· Train on product related topics to customer, its sales force, etc.

· Drive awareness of products to customers and industry events and across all channels.

· Provide product related support for any new product launch campaigns.

· Create and update product manual for sales training.

· Provide sales training on product related training, and during new product launches.

· Conduct on the job training by Co-travelling with Sales team according to call cycle.

· Mediate product availability issue, and work with Supply Chain to ensure that all logistics are resolved.

· Meet all marketing promotions and advertising deadlines.

· Devise pricing strategies to win new and retain existing customers.

· Responsible for setting minimum pricing, pricing maintenance, and approving price exceptions or price discounts.

· Calculate the product profitability and ROI and suggest corrective action as required.

REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifications -

· Grade 12 / Matric.

· Tertiary qualification or relevant Marketing Degree/Diploma.

Experience/Skills -

· 3-5 Years’ experience in a similar position specifically in cleaning chemicals, equipment, and paper products.

· Must be willing to travel and possess a reliable vehicle.

· Computer literacy a must on Excel, Word, Outlook.

ATTRIBUTES:

· Leadership skills.

· Organized with attention to detail.

· Excellent teamwork skills.

· Be able to work under pressure and overall goal driven.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.