Product Manager - Specialised Molecular at Roche

Roche Diagnostics is seeking a Product Manager to be based either in Johannesburg, Nairobi or Lagos. The role is for the Molecular Solutions portfolio, specifically focusing on molecular HIV testing and automated molecular systems (with a specific focus on the Global Access Program). The role involves managing the assigned products for the Roche Diagnostics Management Centre in relation to executing all activities and interventions that fall within the approved promotional and marketing plans, as well as carrying out the timeous inventory demand forecasting for the assigned products and the required communication of changes related to the products.

Key Responsibilities
Among other duties the role will entail:

• Provide inputs into the local marketing strategy and execution plans for the assigned products as well as into market research/analysis in accordance with the processes prescribed by the Marketing Manager, so as to influence marketing, sales and pricing strategies. Generate and implement, in collaboration with relevant internal stakeholders, new product management and marketing concepts aimed at supporting and growing specific product sales.
• Develop, together with the Marketing Manager for the assigned portfolio, marketing, product promotion and brand awareness plans and supporting activities or interventions for each product within the specified portfolio in order to achieve the targeted product positioning, product life cycle, pricing, promotional and profitability strategies in line with set targets.
• Complete and review on a monthly basis, with the inventory manager, product/inventory demand forecasting timeously and accurately in line with product marketing strategy, sales budgets and order management levels and as per SOPs in order to minimize stock write-offs.
• Provide sales, Application Specialists and technical services team members with regular relevant product information and related sales skills education and coaching to build and support their product knowledge and general marketing competencies.
• Ensure that all product specific information (new products, product change notices, scientific data, etc.) is in place, is relevant and accurate, is in line with quality and regulatory requirements and is communicated and distributed timeously to relevant internal and external stakeholders in order to support the various business processes.
• Maintain and manage costs associated with the assigned product within the allocated budget and report expenses in accordance with the defined procurement/financial SOPs and review sales performance of assigned products specific to region, client, account manager and provide recommendations to drive improved sales performance.
• Develop and maintain, through regular presence, strong internal, Key Account, KOL and government related bodies’ relationships, in partnership with sales, Business Development and Market Access, in order to drive allocated product strategies in line with the relevant marketing strategy for that key account/customer group.
• Conduct regular customer feedback evaluations on product applications to inform relevant global structures and implement appropriate changes or provide relevant feedback to customers as required.
• Address any marketing / promotional / pricing related issues for each assigned product timeously through relevant global, regional and local structures and in accordance with relevant SOPs.
• Serve as Quality Officer for assigned product discipline, in conjunction with Quality Department and QMS requirements, in maintaining updated departmental SOPs and ensuring team members are trained on and adhere to the SOPs and serving on the ISO audit, internal audit and global Roche audit teams.

A full job description will be provided to candidates invited to an interview.
You, as an ideal candidate, will have the following skills, experience and education:

• Required Qualification: NQF 7/8 Degree in a relevant field (including molecular/realtime-PCR techniques) or a qualified Medical Technologist (preferably in molecular diagnostics and HIV testing).
• Required Experience: At least 4-6 years’ experience in a Sales or Marketing role in Pharmaceuticals or Medical Diagnostics. Candidates with experience in the Molecular Diagnostics and especially HIV sales or marketing space have a distinct advantage.
• Required Knowledge: Molecular Diagnostics, Marketing, Product Strategy and Sales.