Product Manager at Defy Appliances

Job description

Required Skills & Experience

• Degree or Diploma in Engineering / Marketing (or Business -related subject),
• Relevant experience in production management,
• Thorough understanding of the relevant market and a good understanding of the commercial environment and commercial relationships which can be incorporated into product strategies,
• A clear understanding of South African consumer behaviour, current and future trends and technologies,
• Good communication (written / spoken) and presentation skills,
• Good PC skills – esp. MS Outlook, Excel, Powerpoint, and SAP,
• Effective interpersonal skills including ability to establish and develop good business relationships,
• Creativity combined with excellent analytical skills coupled with attention to detail and advanced problem-solving skills,
• Excellent verbal and written skills in English,
• Thinking broadly about business,
• Understanding needs of the customer,
• Having the desire to do outstanding jobs,
• Recognizing and understanding emotions of other people,
• Listening different perspectives and showing flexibility,
• Building collaboration,
• Clear in communicating thoughts and ideas.

Key Responsibilities

• Create long-term and short-term product range plans
• Manage the Laundry and Dishwasher product development process
• Maintain the Key product development files: NPI, SKU monitor, Model retail pricing target, Product Introduction Calendar
• Support the co-ordination of new product development issues
• Monitor, manage and communicate internally all relevant legislations affecting all products
• Work closely with the laundry and dishwasher production plants providing product briefs and to guide them on product design, feature trends and specifically to keep them up to date on market related cost and performance issues
• Provide effective and timely communication and support to internal customers such as Sales, Customer Support, Supply Chain and Service teams on all product related issues including: performance, market positioning, technical and commercial issues to ensure internal customers are up to date with all laundry product related issues
• Manage and provide reports on the SKU count and commercial performance of the laundry and dishwasher ranges. Take necessary actions to improve performance or discontinue models to maintain a competitive range that is appealing to our retail customers
• Manage the showroom display areas to ensure it is maintained with the models that reflect an up to date line up of core ranges. Ensure that the products are presented in the best possible condition with all relevant product information displayed
• Develop marketable communications concepts backed by qualified data capable of supporting potential product promotional claims