Recruitment Room Team
Product/Brand Manager (JHB)
Job Description
ENVIRONMENT:
A dynamic provider of IT Solutions is currently seeking a Product/Brand Manager will be responsible for managing the entire lifecycle of a product or brand, ensuring that sales and marketing strategies align with the company’s overall goals. This includes developing and executing marketing plans, driving product demand, and maintaining strong relationships with vendors and internal teams. The Product Manager plays a key role in product marketing, vendor management, sales support, and back-office operations, with the ultimate goal of optimizing product performance and driving business growth.
DUTIES:
Product Marketing:
- Develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies to increase product visibility, demand, and market share.
- Conduct competitive analysis to understand market trends and position the product effectively.
- Design and implement promotional programs for sales teams and customers, including incentives, deals, and special offers.
- Collaborate with PR agencies or in-house teams to enhance product exposure through media coverage and events such as product launches, trade shows, and dealer evenings.
- Track product performance, adjusting strategies as needed to meet sales targets and business objectives.
- Prepare annual and quarterly budgets, ensuring that marketing spends align with vendor targets, seasonal trends, and market conditions.
Vendor Management:
- Build strong relationships with vendors, understanding their product offerings, target markets, and promotional opportunities.
- Monitor and track vendor targets, rebates, and stock levels, ensuring that incentives and discounts are effectively capitalized on.
- Provide regular feedback to vendors on performance and collaborate on new product options or extensions.
- Ensure alignment between the company’s strategy and the vendor’s goals to achieve mutual success.
Sales Support:
- Provide the sales team with necessary tools, training, and product knowledge to help them achieve sales targets.
- Conduct product training sessions, update sales teams on new product developments, and assist in the creation of sales materials like Catalogs, presentations, and product guides.
- Collaborate with the sales team to develop tailored sales strategies and identify opportunities for growth.
- Visit key accounts, attend sales meetings, and assist with negotiating deals, including bulk purchases and trade agreements.
Back Office Management:
- Manage inventory, ensuring that stock levels meet demand and that underperforming products are identified and addressed.
- Oversee stock rotation policies, ensuring timely returns of ageing products to vendors when necessary.
- Monitor the product margin and ensure that pricing is competitive while maintaining profitability.
- Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to prepare purchase orders, track shipments, and ensure product availability.
- Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, including margin analysis, stock performance, and sales forecasts.
Cross-functional Collaboration:
- Work closely with internal teams, including sales, marketing, and finance, to ensure cohesive and efficient execution of strategies.
- Regularly communicate product updates, competitor analysis, and market trends to all relevant stakeholders.
- Ensure that the product’s lifecycle is managed effectively, from launch through to discontinuation, with proper planning for phase-outs.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Proven experience in product management, marketing, or brand management.
- Strong understanding of market trends, competitor analysis, and product positioning.
- Experience with budget management, financial forecasting, and inventory management.
- In this role, the Product/Brand Manager ensures that the product is positioned correctly, achieves its sales targets, and delivers maximum value to both the company and its customers. The role is dynamic, requiring flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions, while maintaining a focus on long-term success and growth.
ATTRIBUTES:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with vendors, sales teams, and internal departments.
- Ability to think strategically and make data-driven decisions.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
