Product Managers

SUMMARY:
Our Client based in the North of Johannesburg is looking for a Product Manager with five years experience as a Product or Category Manager with a Degree in Marketing (BCom) or 3-year IMM diploma and 4-5 years proven track record in brand management and product / promotional campaign management in similar industry (Direct Selling, FMCG, or Retail)

POSITION INFO:

POSITION OBJECTIVES

• In conjunction with the team, responsible for:

v  The planning and successful implementation of the monthly and yearly product packages (promotions and campaigns) to meet Company objectives and support the Sales Strategy.

v  Ensuring that the brand achieves the annual objectives and total profit contribution as determined by the annual Marketing Plan and overall Company strategies.

• Analyse product and promotional performance to assess whether the implemented product packages (promotions and campaigns) are meeting/ have met the set objectives including Gross Profit and standard costs and implement corrective/change measurements as appropriate.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

PROMOTIONAL PLAN AND FORECAST

• Responsible for the promotional concepts by providing input into formulating the monthly/yearly product packages (promotions and campaigns) in order to contribute to the mobilization and activation of the sales force. Plans to be 6 months in advance.
• Identify and introduce new standard and promotion lines to ensure constant innovation, competitive edge, market penetration and brand growth
• Prepare and plan accurate forecast per product which includes the monthly line item and product promotion forecasts
• Effective management of ‘obsolescence’ – tracking performance of plans/initiatives on a quarterly basis
• Tend to costing requests and follow up timely and effectively in accordance with the process required
• Manage the distribution and signing off of the plan internally, ensuring that all financial and other standards and procedures are adhered to
• Proactively and effectively manage “mould” requests – reporting risks and problems to the Marketing Manager
• Record and retain all product and promotional info - up to date and accurate
• Source and import “imported” product samples as and when necessary
• Involved in updating and maintaining pricing information (and as a backup to the other Product Specialist)

MPR (MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS REPORT)

• Run and present monthly MPR report as per the requirements of the Financial Director (Controller)
• Assist with other MPR reports for Marketing Director as and when required

PROMOTIONAL ANALYSIS

• During Promotion

v  Monitor stock levels

v  Analyse Sales trends

v  Adjust product forecasts if necessary

v  Report deviations and corrective/adjustment plans to the Marketing Manager

• Post Promotion:

v  Responsible for the review and assessment of promotion and contingent plans and identify key learnings to enhance and develop future product packages (promotions and campaigns)

v  Discuss above with Marketing Manager and Marketing Director

v  Prepare the Post-Promotion Analysis and deliver presentation to Sales Dept. monthly

MEETINGS: PREPARATION AND PARTICIPATION

• Weekly Production meeting in Brakpan
• Weekly Status Update meeting with Marketing Manager
• Bi-Weekly Marketing Meeting with Marketing Director
• Quarterly Opportunity Meeting to present upcoming product packages (promotions and campaigns)
• Quarterly brainstorm sessions with Sales and then another with Distributors

REPORTS

• Provide input and data as required to relevant associates in the marketing team in order enable them to provide accurate information in the following reports:

v  GP report; MPR; Line Item vs. Promotion %; Stock lists; and Co sales

DISTRIBUTOR QUERIES

• Effectively and promptly handle and resolve Distributor queries pertaining to product promotions

Education & Experience

• Degree in Marketing (BCom) or 3-year IMM diploma
• 4-5 years proven track record in brand management and product/promotional campaign management in similar industry (direct selling, FMCG, retailing)
• Highly numerate (financial acumen) in relation to brand management and promotion management
• Research and evaluation (analysis) skills
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Well-developed computer skills and experience (MS Word; Excel; Power Point).
• Well-developed planning and organizing abilities, systematic with high level of attention to detail
• Prepared to travel (locally [Brakpan] and Sales Conferences [sleep-over])

Key Competencies

• A deadline driven, supportive and adaptable team player
• Innovative and creative in a fast and pressurized marketing and business environment
• Ability to work well under pressure to meet deadlines and objectives
• Methodical and be able to work autonomously

NB! This job is now closed. You can apply for other jobs by uploading your CV.