We are currently on a search for a Senior Specialist – Product Management Exports to join our dynamic team in Durban - Jacobs on a Fixed Term Contract the successful individual will be responsible for 13 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 key African markets to conduct in-depth market studies to ensure we have a robust line-up that the sales team can offer to the customers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Create long-term and short-term product range plans with Global category Product Managers
• To 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 positioning.
• To monitor, manage and communicate internally all relevant legislations affecting all products across Sub Saharan Markets
• To 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 practices
• Creating 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 Africa
• Support 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 REQUIREMENTS:

• A Relevant Degree in Marketing or related qualification
• 4+ years relevant experience in Marketing, Product & Retail
• Thorough understanding of the relevant market and a good understanding of the commercial environment and commercial relationships which can be incorporated into product strategies
• Strong Finance Acumen
  
• Clear understanding of Sub Sharan African consumer behaviour, current and future trends, and technologies
• Strong product knowledge and experience across product categories
• Ability to manage a diverse team of people