We are currently on a search for a Senior Specialist – Product Manager to join our dynamic team in Durban Jacobs who will be responsible for 34 Sub Saharan Africa markets (Excluding South Africa & The Southern African Customs Union markets). Your role will be product management centric with planning, developing suitable products and managing the products lifecycle. You will need to be a highly motivated person that will work solely on steering the regions product line up both short and long term. You will be required to visit several African markets annually to conduct in-depth market studies to ensure we have a robust line-up that the sales team can offer to the customers.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESCreate long-term and short-term product range plans with Global category Product ManagersTo manage and lead company's product development process in alignment with Global Product Manager teams and to maintain the key product development files & systems.To manage multiple brands across the region and have a sound understanding of brand mapping and price positioningTo monitor, manage and communicate internally all relevant legislations affecting all products across Sub Saharan MarketsTo work closely with the cooling, cooking, laundry, dishwasher & aircon production plants providing product briefs and to guide them on market size, product design, innovation, technology trends and to keep them up to date on market related cost and performance issues.To provide effective and timely communication and support to internal customers such as Sales, Customer Support, Supply Chain, Finance and Service teams on all product related issues including performance, market positioning, technical and commercial issues to ensure internal customers are up to date with all products related issues.To manage and provide reports on the stock keeping unit count and commercial performance of category product ranges. Take necessary actions to improve performance or discontinue models to maintain a competitive range that is appealing to our customers.To drive and contribute to marketing communication plans regarding product technologies, innovations and design stories that will strategically support brand equity targets in the short and long term.To run idea generation sessions regularly with consumers in country and to identify current and future trends, needs and integrate them into the long-term roadmap.Basic understanding of sales principles, retail management and customer service practicesCreating business presentations on a regular basis to update internal stakeholders about product performance in the market and evaluating the continuity or improvement of products. Including the monitoring of sell in and sell out through effective reporting.To run on an adhoc basis product training content and sessions for Instore Salesmen and/or brand ambassadors in Sub Saharan AfricaSupport the marketing team at a global, regional, and country level to ensure alignment of Marketing Plans and that product launches are aligned.Managing the phase in and phase out of products across the region.Engage with several stakeholders to plan assembly lines in various markets.MINIMUM REQUIREMENTSA Relevant Degree in Marketing/Engineering or related qualification4+ years relevant experience in Marketing, Product & RetailThorough understanding of the relevant market and a good understanding of the commercial environment and commercial relationships which can be incorporated into product strategiesExcellent communication skillsExcellent analytical skills coupled with attention to detail and advanced problem-solving skillsEffective interpersonal skills including ability to establish and develop good business relationshipsExcellent data analysis skillsAdvanced excel/outlook/power point skillsStrong Finance AcumenProject Management skillsClear understanding of Sub Sharan African consumer behaviour, current and future trends, and technologiesStrong product knowledge and experience across product categoriesAbility to manage a diverse team of peopleValid passport is requiredShould you not be contacted with 2 weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful
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