Product Manager - Active Retail at Core Group

Job Description

• We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Product Manager to take ownership of a high-growth consumer technology portfolio within a dynamic retail and distribution environment.
• This is a senior role responsible for the commercial performance, product strategy, market growth and operational success of the portfolio across South Africa and relevant African markets. You will develop and execute growth strategies, manage the product lifecycle, drive revenue and profitability, develop localised marketing plans and build strategic relationships with major retail and e-commerce partners.
• The successful candidate will combine strong commercial acumen with product management expertise, using market insights, financial data and customer trends to identify opportunities and deliver sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Financial Management

• Take overall commercial ownership of the assigned product portfolio.
• Manage revenue, gross margin, P&L performance, marketing investment and inventory against approved budgets.
• Set, monitor and report monthly financial KPIs.
• Prepare accurate financial forecasts and proactively identify risks and opportunities.
• Monitor profitability and operating expenditure, ensuring performance remains aligned to budget.
• Provide regular commercial reporting and insights to senior management and brand partners.

Product Management & Strategy

• Develop and implement annual and quarterly product business plans aligned to commercial objectives.
• Define and execute product strategies and roadmaps throughout the product lifecycle.
• Analyse market trends, customer behaviour, competitor activity and retailer performance to identify growth opportunities.
• Develop strategies to increase market share and contribution across key retail partners.
• Identify opportunities to expand the product portfolio, market segments and distribution channels.
• Ensure product priorities are clearly communicated across internal teams and external partners.
• Set and manage sell-in and sell-out targets across key retail partners and channels.
• Drive achievement of revenue and profitability targets.
• Identify and activate new revenue streams, market opportunities and strategic commercial partnerships.
• Work closely with sales teams to develop account strategies and maximise retail opportunities.
• Analyse sales performance and develop corrective actions where performance is below plan.
• Support the development of forward orders and demand plans to maximise sales and minimise stock-outs.

Retail & E-Commerce

• Develop strategies to maximise performance across major retail and online channels.
• Provide strategic direction for the portfolio's e-commerce presence.
• Monitor online revenue, traffic, conversion and other relevant performance metrics.
• Identify opportunities to improve product visibility, positioning and customer conversion.
• Work closely with key retail and e-commerce partners to execute commercial plans and promotional initiatives.
• Develop and provide strategic direction for localised marketing activity.
• Translate global or international brand strategies into effective local market plans.
• Work closely with Marketing teams and external partners to develop campaigns that drive awareness, consideration and sales.
• Ensure marketing investment is aligned with commercial priorities and delivers measurable returns.
• Drive promotional programmes and partner marketing initiatives.

Operational Excellence & Inventory Management

• Ensure the product portfolio operates efficiently through clearly defined processes and effective cross-functional collaboration.
• Monitor inventory, stock cover and ageing stock across the business and retail partners.
• Provide guidance to Sales and Supply Chain teams on stock requirements and forecasting.
• Maintain healthy inventory levels while minimising excess and ageing stock.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency through technology, automation and AI.
• Drive initiatives that improve processes, reduce costs or save time.
• Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with key retail and brand partners.
• Act as the senior escalation point for significant partner issues and commercial matters.
• Lead regular business reviews and ensure agreed actions are delivered.
• Manage stakeholder requirements and ensure clear ownership and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with partner programmes, certifications and commercial obligations.
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Service, Supply Chain and Field teams.

People Leadership

• Lead, coach and develop direct reports to achieve agreed business objectives.
• Set clear performance expectations and ensure accountability across the team.
• Conduct regular performance discussions and provide ongoing coaching and feedback.
• Build a high-performance, collaborative and results-driven team culture.
• Support recruitment, development and performance management where required.

What We're Looking For

• Grade 12 with relevant tertiary qualification.
• 3–5 years' experience working with major retailers and online retail channels.
• 2–3 years' product management experience.
• Minimum 3 years' experience within a retail supplier/distribution environment.
• Experience managing major consumer-facing brands would be advantageous.
• Experience within the consumer electronics, technology or lifestyle products sector would be advantageous.
• Demonstrated experience in commercial and financial management.
• Proven track record of delivering revenue and growth targets.
• Experience managing retail and e-commerce channels.
• People management experience with demonstrated coaching and performance-management capability.
• Strong commercial and financial understanding.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation and relationship-management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organisational and project-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Energetic, passionate and self-motivated with a strong entrepreneurial mindset.
• Intermediate-level Microsoft Excel proficiency.
• Knowledge of macOS and iOS advantageous.
• Valid driver's licence and own vehicle essential.
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally when required.