Product Manager – Flooring at Eva-Last Distributors PTY Ltd

OVERVIEW:

• Are you a meticulous, driven, self-starter wanting to be a part of a fast-growing company that’s committed to leading global change in the way people build and live?
• If so, we have an exciting opportunity to work for a leading manufacturer and distributor of building products in the outdoor living segment.

OUR CORE VALUES:

Sustainability:
Care for our planet and future generations steer us towards sustainable manufacturing & environmentally friendly building products.

Innovation:
Industry leaders in cutting-edge composite building technologies. Designing for the future!

Accountability:
Reliable and trusted global brand with a proven track record in providing quality, class-leading products and services! We strive to always do what is right!

Customer Excellence:
We understand that our customer experience determines our existence and that will always be our number one priority.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Product Management:

• Oversee product lifecycle management, including new product introductions, SKU rationalization, and end-of-life planning.
• Collaborate with R&D and product development teams to identify market needs, define product specifications, and drive product innovation aligned with customer requirements.
• Conduct market research and gather customer feedback to inform product roadmap decisions and enhancements.
• Develop pricing strategies, promotions, and product positioning to maximize revenue and market share.
• Coordinate with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure timely production, inventory availability, and distribution of products.
• Analyze product performance metrics, including sales data, customer feedback, and market trends, to optimize product strategies and drive continuous improvement.
• Work with R&D to ensure all products have up to date testing and compliance to remain at the forefront of market accessibility.

Market Analysis and Strategic Planning:

• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences to identify growth opportunities, market gaps, and areas for strategic expansion.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement sales strategies, marketing strategies, promotional campaigns, and go-to-market initiatives aligned with business objectives and market dynamics.
• Provide insights, recommendations, and actionable intelligence to senior management to inform decision-making, resource allocation, and strategic planning initiatives.

Distribution Channel Development:

• Identify, evaluate, and initiate contact with distribution partners, including wholesalers and retailers, to expand TIER’s footprint in key markets and territories.
• Develop and execute strategic distribution plans in collaboration with branches and sales teams to maximize market penetration and revenue generation.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to the sales team, assisting with product knowledge, sales strategies, and marketing initiatives to drive sell-through and market share.

Sales Team Enablement and Training:

• Collaborate with internal sales teams to provide product training, sales resources, and marketing materials tailored to specific customer segments and market verticals.
• Conduct regular training sessions, workshops, and product demonstrations to equip sales teams with the knowledge and skills required to effectively promote TIER flooring solutions.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on TIER products, industry trends, and competitive landscape, offering insights and guidance to support sales efforts and customer interactions.

Support and Coordination:

• Act as a central point of contact for TIER category, facilitating communication, coordination, and collaboration between all channel partners and stakeholders.
• Monitor branch stock levels, procurement, safety stock levels, inbound shipping, and quality assurance to optimize inventory management.

Customer Engagement and Relationship Management:

• Conduct regular business reviews, gather feedback, and identify opportunities for improvement to enhance customer experiences and drive long-term loyalty and retention.
• Proactively engage with branches to address concerns, resolve issues, and deal with warranty claim disputes and resolutions.

COMPETENCIES:

• In-depth knowledge of the internal flooring industry, as well as familiarity with installation techniques and best practices.
• Represent Eva-Last at industry body meetings and feedback recommendations, changes etc.
• Proven track record of success in product management, with a focus on consultative selling and building long-term relationships with all stake holders.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information in a clear and compelling manner.
• Strong customer service orientation and a genuine desire to exceed customer expectations, ensuring satisfaction and loyalty.
• Results-driven mindset with a demonstrated ability to meet and exceed targets in a competitive market environment.
• Comprehensive understanding of product management principles, including product lifecycle management, pricing strategies, and market analysis.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product innovation, prioritize features, and align product roadmap with customer needs.
• Proficiency in market research methodologies and data analysis techniques to inform product decisions and enhancements.
• Experience in developing and executing product launch plans, promotions, and go-to-market strategies to drive product adoption and revenue growth.
• Demonstrated ability to manage product portfolios, including SKU-level management, inventory optimization, and supply chain coordination.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate product performance metrics, identify opportunities for improvement, and drive continuous product enhancements.
• Proactive approach to identifying market trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences to inform strategic product decisions and drive market expansion initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing or business related field is preferred.
• 5 years experience in product management – indoor flooring or related building products would be preferential.
• Professional Industry affiliations will be a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

CERTIFICATIONS / LICENCES / REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid South African driver license and own reliable vehicle essential.

SKILLS:

• Team player – Understands the individual role in the greater team and can work closely and with collaboration to achieve the desired outcome.
• Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Numerical skills – Must have strong numeracy and mathematical ability.
• Presentation skills – Possess the ability and confidence to present to large professional audiences.
• Subject matter expert – Demonstrating high levels of technical ability and product knowledge.
• Punctuality -Time management and deadline driven.