Product Manager at Media24 (Pty) Ltd

Main Purpose of the Role

To forecast supply based on sales history, 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. A broad understanding of the geographic areas in South Africa is essential.

Key Outputs

Demand Planning/Sales Management

• Conduct detailed demand forecasting by publication down to the lowest level, ensuring accurate supply planning based on historical sales data.
• Analyze sales trends and adjust demand forecasts as necessary to ensure alignment with market conditions.
• 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.
• 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 provide the best possible service and to minimize costs.
• Report on sales opportunities and achievements as required (daily/weekly/monthly).

Client Management

• Prepare and present sales proposals and presentations to existing clients.
• Closely monitor competitors and maintain the client database.
• Report on sales opportunities and achievements as required (daily/weekly/monthly).
• Maintain a high level of relevant industry knowledge.
• 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.

Account Growth and Development

• 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.
• Create tailored solutions that meet the client’s short and long-term needs.
• Identify and generate new business opportunities for customers on an ongoing basis in order to achieve predetermined sales targets, revenue, and circulation.
• Formulate the best possible supply strategies for each publication within each retail group.
• Closely monitor competitors and maintain the client database.
• Maintain a high level of relevant industry knowledge.

Administrative and Operational Efficiency

• Keep all administrative work updated.
• Highly proficient in relevant software packages and applications, especially Excel and PowerPoint.
• Effective time-management skills (good at planning, organizing, and meeting deadlines).
• Strong focus on and attention to detail.
• Ability to deliver to tight deadlines.

Logistical and Technical Management

• Utilize software tools to finalize publication requirements and validate specifications during development/testing and the launch of new publications.
• Handle all logistical aspects regarding the publication.
• Collaborate closely with the Retail department to formulate the best possible supply strategies 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 a structured fashion in an ever-changing environment.
• Building customer relationships.

Additional Skills and Competencies

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