Product Specialist at Bosch Holdings (Pty) Ltd

Job Description

Bosch is looking for a top calibre and experienced Product Specialist in the Automotive Aftermarket Division. The successful candidate must be experienced in product strategy, product range development, price positioning of the product, making products accessible in different markets and product marketing.

Duties would include but are not limited to the following: 

• The regional Product Specialist is responsible for turnover and gross margin (in country margin and regional business unit (Business Unit) gross margin) in agreement with the business unit.

• Responsibility for product positioning / image in the region in agreement with the Business Unit

•  General responsibility for the relevant Automotive Aftermarket  business unit in their region (except regions with regional Business Unit) support.

• Coming up with the product strategy based on the appropriate market research

• To track progress, that the necessary resources (especially sales representatives, data manager, technical service, internal sales and customer logistics) within the Automotive Aftermarket regional organisation are developed.

• Demand Planning (monthly sales planning) as input to Business Analyst

• Product introduction and end of life planning as input to the Business Unit

• Supporting quality sales planning (KPI stock quantity ) with support of regional Division Manager

• Transfer of inputs for midterm product planning to the Business Unit 

Market Intelligence

• Deep understanding of the relevant market, customers and end-users for the Automotive Aftermarket/Business Unit  in the region

• Implementation of the regional marketing plan and success tracking of all planned measures

Product

• Develop product specific business, tracking of product specific KPI's and necessary regional resources

• Develop and execute regional launch concepts for new product / product program (e.g. midterm turnover plan, launch activities, sales concept, stock proposals

• Monitoring of competitive product activities

Pricing / costs

• Define regional product positioning / tactical pricing (invoice and list price) by distribution channel in line with European price harmonization and Automotive Aftermarket/Business Unit guidelines.

•  Development and continuous update of a price database which includes competition

• Consideration of turnover and gross margin targets (incl. part number reduction) in conjunction with the BU"

Distribution / Customers

• Development of channel-specific marketing and input to sales strategies in agreement with the Business Unit and Sales Organisation

• Visit relevant A-customers and fairs regularly; visit 1st buyers and last sellers at least 2 days/month

Drive customer acquisition projects follow-up

• Communication / Promotion (services provided by Communication and Customer Solutions)

• Coordination of Business Unit specific Marketing-Budget

• Responsibility of advertising material (order and usage) 

• Support fairs and customer events

After Sales Service

• Product Specialist for Workshop Technical Equipment is marketing the Technical Product incl. the offer of After Sales Service and Support (e.g. extended warranty)

Requirements 

• 3-5 years job experience in the automotive industry, preferably automotive aftermarket 

• Above average presentation skills

• Experienced in MS Office and SAP

• Exposure in Automotive industry would be an advantage 

• Knowledge of Market and Brand strategy

• Experienced with Product management

•  A valid Driver’s license and own car 

Personality Characteristics 

• Willingness to travel in Africa

• Entrepreneurial thinking

• Strong personal initiative

• Engage in improving our business processes by contributing ideas

• Communicate proactively and effectively at all levels, both externally and internally.

• High ability to work under pressure.

• Ability to work in a team

• Analytic Mind

Qualifications

• Completed Matric (Grade 12)

• Bachelor or a Diploma – with major in Marketing, Business Management or Economics 

Additional Information

By choice, we are committed to a diverse workforce - EOE/Protected Veteran/Disabled.