Product Manager: Cooling and Thermal

Product Manager: Cooling and Thermal

Purpose of the job:

Managing the cooling and thermal management product portfolio. Manage the product lifecycle and product offerings in support of the organizational strategy and objectives.

Key Performance Indicators (KPI):

Product Range Planning, Development and Management

• Develop a comprehensive product and brand strategy to meet customer needs as well as organisational expectations.

• Conduct market & competitor analysis to identify opportunities for new product range introduction and expanding existing product ranges.

• Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the current product range to ensure viability of the category.

• Leverage off local and import suppliers to ensure a comprehensive product offering.

• Lead the product development process, in close collaboration with various stakeholders.

• Shortlisting & identifying the most suitable suppliers.

• Negotiating pricing, acquiring product samples & trading terms with suppliers.

• Develop pricing strategies.

• Collaborating with technical team to ensure product quality.

• Working with supply chain to ensure adequate stock levels.

• Constant monitoring of product sales performance & report monthly on market findings.

• Manage obsolescence by reducing product at the end of its life cycle.

Product Marketing

• Collaborate with the marketing team in developing a product marketing calendar.

• Work with the marketing team in developing marketing initiatives and launch campaigns to generate awareness for new products.

• Meet with suppliers to develop a marketing strategy and supporting campaigns.

• Conduct product training presentations to upskill sales teams on new product introductions.

• Monitor competitor marketing activities.

• Tracking sales performance of on-going marketing campaigns.

Customer and End-User Support

• Address product-related queries from customers.

• Visiting customers with sales teams to conduct product training.

• Provide technical product support at customer store promotions.

Research and Analysis

• Identify key competitors and customers.

• Co-ordinate with sales teams in conducting market research to determine customer needs.

• Liaison with suppliers to attain current market conditions & trends.

• Use market feedback to inform product range development and range rationalizations.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree/ diploma or equivalent

• Post graduate degree would be an advantage

• Previous product management or related product experience with:

• General automotive components

• Water Pumps

• Radiators

• Thermostats

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Independent, self –motivated and ability to solve problems.

• Purchasing and product management experience in the automotive aftermarket.

• Experience with automotive cooling systems will be advantageous.

• Computer literate in MS Office and Excel.

• Data Analysis skills.

• Strong communication and organizational skills.

• Knowledge of marketing principles and practices.

• Knowledge of business and management principles and practices

• Project management skills

• Presentation Skills

• Customer orientation

• Vehicle parc knowledge

• Technical aptitude