Product Manager - Cape Town at Media24 (Pty) Ltd

Main purpose of the role

• To generate sales, service a portfolio of accounts and maximize revenue and account handling in order to sell the Company's products/services within the geographic or product boundaries and thereby meet predetermined targets, revenue and circulation. Expertise in Cape Town geographic areas is essential.

Key outputs

• Assist the wider team to grow smaller accounts to become Key Accounts for the business and implement procedures to ensure that they receive premium customer service
• Develop and implement account plans and approaches in line with the overall strategy formulated by the Supply Manager
• Identify and generate new business opportunities for customers on an ongoing basis in order to achieve predetermined sales targets, revenue and circulation
• Prepare and present sales proposals and presentations to existing clients in order to negotiate and close deals
• Create tailored solutions which meet the client’s short and long-term needs
• Build strategic working relationships with clients and maintain a high level of client contact (telephonic / face to face) to ensure that their specific requirements are addressed, in order to monitor and grow existing business
• Provide professional and exceptional client service in all interactions with clients
• Closely monitor competitors and maintain client database
• Keep all administrative work updated
• Report on sales opportunities and achievements as required (daily/weekly / monthly)
• Maintain a high level of relevant industry knowledge
• Detail Forecasting by publication down to the lowest level
• Highly proficient in relevant software packages and applications, especially Excel and Power-point
• Effective time-management skills (good at planning, organizing, and meeting deadlines)
• Strong focus on and attention to detail
• Ability to deliver to tight deadlines
• Manage the publication from the point of scheduling to the point of consumption, liaising with all relevant parties including the Distribution Division, Retail and Demand Planners to give best possible service and to minimize costs
• Utilize software tools to finalize publication requirements and to validate specifications during development/ testing and launch of new publications
• Handle all logistical aspects regarding the publication
• Interact with the Category manager regarding the sales performance of the publication by analyzing the different sales channels
• Manage all administrative tasks involved in the day to day operations of the publication
• Analyze and report on promotions and sales initiatives
• Responsible for declaring ABC and geographical sales figures within set timelines
• Manage back copies and special requests from Key Account Managers/publishers
• Demand Planner interaction, whereby you work together to formulate the best possible opportunities for each Publication within each Retail group

Requirements

• Relevant tertiary education in sales, marketing and/or logistics
• 3-5 years’ experience within a sales / target driven environment including experience managing accounts
• Proficiency in relevant software packages and applications
• Knowledge of sales strategies and concepts
• Good understanding of developing sales reports

Priority Skills and Competencies

• Forecasting Knowledge and or affiliation for numbers
• Sales trend Analysis
• Deadline driven
• Able to work under extreme pressure, and flexible working hours
• Apply logical thinking to incorporate operational needs
• Able to work in structured fashion in an ever-changing environment
• Building customer relationships

Additional Skills and Competencies

• Excellent communication skills
• Problem solving skills
• Negotiation skills
• Goal orientated and motivated to succeed
• Organizational and administrative skills
• Attention to detail
• Presentation skills
• Team player