Brand Manager - Apache & Grandstream at First Distribution

MAIN PURPOSE OF POSITION:

• The main purpose of the  Brand Manager encompasses a wide range of responsibilities of the product’s life cycle, and you will oversee a products, or part of it, from ideation to distribution.

Brand Manager Job Duties and Responsibilities.

Business Strategy Development and Execution

• Training on vendor processes and systems
• Involving partners in vendor training and events
• Ensure operational excellence of the vendor within the partner.
• Orders are placed on the vendor timeously.
• Quotes are fast and accurate.
• Credits are passed by the vendor and to the reseller/partner.
• ETA and delivery information
• Escalation of partner operational issues at vendor and focus on resolution.
• Understand the development strategy for the vendor and implement it in the SBM sector.
• Increase customer coverage / count for vendors and Partners.
• Increase vendor product coverage.
• Increase geographic coverage.
• Define and document a development plan with each partner and focus on the execution
• Review the plan every quarter.
• Training and up-skilling of partners and First Distribution
• Development partner to grow sales and presales resources of the partner.
• Training on vendor sales tools

Vendor & Partner Relationship Management

• Technical, Presales
• Sales Management, Marketing, Working with the partner to drive marketing initiatives on behalf of the vendor, these initiatives may include.
• Marketing events
• Tele-campaigns
• Internal incentives
• Promotion of vendor events
• Driving vendor GTM’s with the partner
• Managing the vendor sales process
• Discount Management
• Lobbying support for partner at the vendor
• Margin management (ensuring the integrity of channel pricing)
• Vendor sales funnel management & reporting funnel to vendor
• Enlisting vendor support to drive the opportunity to closure
• Vendor relationship management
• Making sure that relationships are maintained with key vendor contacts who are required to be successful in quarterly reviews for the partner.
• Solution focus for each partner
• Vendors focus on each product.

Product Lifecycle Management

• Take ultimate responsibility for the revenue target allocated to the partner.
• Drive FD’s product focus within each respective partner
• Be the custodian of the vendor relationship at the partner.
• Ensure that vendors’ products are top of mind with all key stakeholders within the partner.
• Analyze market segments and develop marketing strategies to build product demand by creating effective solutions and awareness of the product and brand
• Provide marketing plans and GTM plans for the sales team
• Liaise with vendors and the industry to understand product and market trends and amend plans accordingly to ensure efficient product life cycle management and maximize opportunities
• Clearly communicate product, market strategy, objectives and technical
• Strategic account management plan for all channel partners to be presented once a quarter as part of your quarterly review
• Monitor inventory (inventory turns, stock aging, stock days, obsolesces, stock-outs) for the stock to meet all key performance indicators
• Negotiate targets, rebates, co-op marketing funds, stock rotation, pricing, and supply
• Manage orders and warranty returns
• Ensure that customer-related queries are effectively dealt with and solved
• Assist the team with other related functions when and where required
• Submit Weekly / Monthly/quarterly reports as required by management, vendors, and partners

Internal training associated with competencies:

• During the first week of your employment, you'll be presented with a meticulously crafted learning map designed to seamlessly guide you through your on-the-job training experience.

Requirements

• Grade 12
• Tertiary Qualifications would be advantageous.
• 3 Years of Accounts Management / Product management experience in Networking
• 3 years of IT Distribution experience
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office suite is essential.
• Excellent understanding of Networking optics and Optical products

Skills and Abilities

• Strong Self Motivational and Empowerment skills.
• Strong Communication Skills.
• Strong Relationship and Self-Management Skills.
• Takes Initiative.
• Works well with all kinds of people.
• Remains calm under pressure.
• Proven account management or other relevant experience
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, present, and influence credibly and effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent time management skills