Leading Group of Companies based in Bryanston are seeking a Product Manager to join their growing team. You will be responsible for the product planning and execution throughout the product lifecycle, including: gathering and prioritizing product and customer requirements, defining the product vision, and working closely with sales, marketing and Logistics to ensure revenue and customer satisfaction goals are met. The Product Manager’s job also includes ensuring that the product supports the company’s overall strategy and goals.

ENSURE CUSTOMER AND MARKET GROWTH

Ensure consistent interpretation of brand objectives and strategies.
Monitor the appropriate implementation of brand identity tools.
Build business partnerships.
Create and maintain a network of co-operative relationships with business partners and key customers.
To develop, recommend and execute annual Marketing plan activities in conjunction with the brand marketing manager
In close co-operation with Sales & Trade Marketing, identify Trade needs/Opportunities, developing pricing and distribution strategies and trade promotions for assigned brands.
Monthly input into brand forecast in conjunction with Sales and Supply.
Guide custom fit marketing strategies with independent distributors, ensuring that regional relevance is achieved as well as market penetration.
Work alongside the PR department to increase brand awareness and conversion through the alignment of the marketing and PR strategies


STRATEGIC EFFECTIVENESS

Determine and implement strategies to maximise sales and profits of the portfolio:
Integrate all strategies, plans and objectives into an annual Product development and management Plan setting out objectives and strategies per product.
Implement all the elements of the Marketing Plan.
Monitor results achieved through these activities and directing response to any changes to plans or in the marketplace.

OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS

SALES & FORECASTING

In close co-operation with Sales & Marketing, identify Trade needs/Opportunities, developing pricing and distribution strategies and trade promotions for assigned brands.
Monthly input into brand forecast in conjunction with Sales and manufacturing for both SA and International markets
Control marketing expenses and monthly recons.
COG’s value analysis & improvement to ensure benchmarked costs and required gross profit is achieved.

COMPETITORS

Actively monitor competitive activity (marketing strategies, activities and pricing) and take required action in local and international markets.

CONSUMER RESEARCH

Initiate and manage Market Research project to deliver powerful consumer & customer insights as the basis for long term brand growth.
Develop these insights into achievable plans.
Drive research and feedback across distributors, to understand needs in different international markets

IMPROVE BUSINESS PROCESSES

INNOVATION

Contribute to Brand innovation by delivering a product development programme (5 year pipeline) to generate consistent sales & profit growth.
To initiate, brief and project manage brand & category NPD’s
Work in collaboration with NPD in overseeing the QA of all packaging and manufacture of products

ADVERTISING AND CONSUMER COMMUNICATION

Work with the Marketing manager on the briefing of an ad agency on communication strategy, brand positioning, brand strategy, target market and media purchasing
Evaluate creative execution and media plans.

Requirements:

A relevant degree (e.g. B.Com Marketing)

Knowledge of Marketing policies/ procedures

Experience in Product/Marketing Management

Cosmetic Industry knowledge (advantage)

At least 5 years in Marketing or retail sales company

Research and Development skills

Forecasting experience