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