Our client based in JHB, Germiston is looking for a Product Manager who has experience in Clothing or Footwear.

Identifying and introducing new products to the market

Managing product certification and product launches

Building and maintaining supplier relationships and negotiating supplier agreements

Supporting and training sales teams, including accompanying sales representatives on customer visits to drive product adoption

Monitoring product performance and inventory levels to ensure adequate stock availability and continuity of supply

The key requirement is strong product management experience and ownership of a product portfolio throughout its lifecycle.

Qualifications and work experience

Grade 12

Tertiary qualification or relevant Marketing degree/diploma

Three to five years’ experience in clothing or footwear

Must be willing to travel and possess a reliable vehicle

Reasonable knowledge of all products sold by the company

Computer literacy a must on Excel, Word, Outlook

Roles and Responsibilities

Achieve and exceed targeted turnover/ Achieve forecast unit sales

Work closely with Regional GM’s to align on relevant product market fit

Successful launch of new products, increasing the ratio of sales of new products

Achieve forecast unit sales

Monitor the accuracy of Contract Price List and maintain margins in line with company policy

Analyze markets to identify market threats and opportunities

Regularly conduct profitability analysis and recommended product line/SKU addition, or rationalization. Actively manage the product portfolio to optimize total profitability

Serve as spokesperson and ensure communication with all stakeholders

Negotiate with and build relationships with suppliers. Design buying and planning strategies regarding supplier’s alliances.

Ensure the efficient negotiation, establishment, and maintenance of excellent service levels by planning and buying managers. Deal with escalated supplier queries and problems

Build relationship with top customers and adhere to call cycle

Train on product related topics to customer, its sales force, etc.

Drive awareness of products to customers and industry events and across all channels.

Provide product related support for any new product launch campaigns.

Create and update product manual for sales training

Provide sales training on product related training, and during new product launches.

Conduct on the job training by Co-travelling with sales team according to call cycle

Mediate product availability issue, and works with supply chain to ensure that all logistics are resolved

Meet all marketing promotions and advertising deadlines

Devise pricing strategies to win new and retain existing customers

Responsible for setting minimum pricing, pricing maintenance, and approving price exceptions or price discounts

Calculate the product profitability and ROI and suggest corrective action as required