Manage and support the product groups to achieve the sales and margin target through product management activitiesWithin the LAP business unit (with national and regional presence), act as the expert on technical matters of the Company's product range, responding to product related questions and issues on behalf of the company; supporting the Company sales force and product managers to successfully meet company objectivesTasked in establishing a solid network with professional- and key role players in the industry.Responsible for the continuous monitoring of product portfolio, upskilling of sales force and direct calling on customers in the field as and when necessary.Area of responsibility 1: Product management, ensure a high level of confidence on the LAP product range - internal (sales force) and external level (customers).Main activitiesPlan and implement short and long term strategies for your own range of productsDevelop and carry out marketing plans for new and established products - aligned with Brand PlanEnsure consistent brand messaging aligned with company objectives and Brand PlanIdentification, development, registration and launch of new productsEnsure effective technical support to key stakeholders and sales forceReview and feedback on portfolio strategies and industry trends during monthly meetings with managementAdministrate promotional budget within budget limitsExpected resultsTechnical support and positioning of Act 101 product rangeArea of responsibility 2: Training, education and knowledge transferMain activitiesStay abreast of all product and industry related developments by attending continuous training delivered by corporate, congress, seminars and events in fields of FPA expertise.Maintain a high level of expertise - Research and Self-train on new technical updates and share knowledge with the various teams (management, sales etc)Develop and execute training (technical and product) of sales force and key stakeholdersCollaborate with Technical Support Manager (LAP) to identify and address possible technical challenges experienced by sales force and product managersExpected resultsTechnically strong sales force - setting tone for new developmentsArea of responsibility 3: Customer guidance, advisory and troubleshooting.Main activitiesDemonstrate responsiveness by ensuring immediate and necessary actions to address adverse drug reactions reported by sales forceConduct customer visits through professional consultation, follow through and liaise outcome with Technical Support ManagerClosure of ADR according to company SOPExpected resultsTo ensure relevance of Virbac products within the FPA market in South Africa as well through effective networking opportunitiesArea of responsibility 4: Key AccountsMain activitiesRegular Key Account veterinary practice visitsDevelop and action strategic call schedule aligned with knowledge sharing of new developments and Virbac product positioning for new or current product marketing roll-outsCollaborate with Area Sales Managers to identify business opportunities and schedule visits with vet practices as and when neededExpected resultsKnowledge sharing and partnershipsArea of responsibility 5: Scientific expertise management and networkMain activitiesMaintain a network with Animal Health Institutes, labs, universities, KOL's and suppliers of animal health equipment to stay abreast of new technologies and facilitate collaboration in the marketplaceTo ensure relevance of Virbac products within the FPA market in South Africa as well through effective networking opportunitiesRequirements (Diploma and experience)Degree in Veterinary Medicine, with SAVC registration, ideally with strong focus on food producing animals - cattle and sheepAdditional marketing and technical service experience advantageous - Ideally experience as practicing vet in Livestock practice (cattle/sheep)Solid understanding of all FPA and other regulatory bodies' rules and regulationsUnderstanding of general business management and marketing practicesUnderstanding of online systems for feedback purposes (enquiry feedback loops and systems)SkillsKnow-how : job-related skills required to complete activitiesPresentation skills and interdepartmental project management skillsResearch and report writing skillsLanguages: Full English and Afrikaans proficiencyOperational marketing skillsCreativity and innovative skillsPlanning and organising skillsInformation Technology: High level Microsoft Office and Google SuiteBehaviours : Interpersonal skills required to complete activitiesAnalyse problems and situationsUnderstands how own activity affects business results and ensures the effectiveness of own actions/projects in terms of quality, cost and added valueLearning agility, analytical mindset and critical thinkingDevelops positive, constructive working relationships with people from different environments, functions and work unitsExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsUnderstands implicitly others' culture, their requirements and priorities, and their feelings, and knows how to take them into account in his argumentation to promote their acceptanceDemonstrate ability to learn and develop
