Employer: Tailormade Solution 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