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