Product Manager (Safety Equipment and Footwear)

Introduction

South Africa’s premier supplier of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Cleaning Chemicals, Paper Products, Industrial Consumable Supplies and Workwear is looking for a Product Manager (Safety Equipment & Footwear) to join their successful team.

Scope:

Responsible for all aspects of category/product management, including identification of product from supplier, sourcing, new product development and successfully bringing the product to market and ensuring product profitability and ROI.

The primary category would be Safety Equipment & Footwear.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Achieve and exceed targeted turnover/ Achieve forecast unit sales
• Work closely with Regional GM’s to align on relevant product market fit
• Successful launch of new products, increasing the ratio of sales of new products
• Achieve forecast unit sales
• Monitor the accuracy of Contract Price List and maintain margins in line with company policy
• Conduct supplier pricing negotiations
• Analyze markets to identify market threats and opportunities
• Regularly conduct profitability analysis and recommended product line/SKU addition, or rationalization. Actively manage the product portfolio to optimize total profitability
• Serve as spokesperson and ensure communication with all stakeholders
• Negotiate with and build relationships with suppliers. Design buying and planning strategies regarding supplier’s alliances.
• Ensure the efficient negotiation, establishment, and maintenance of excellent service levels by planning and buying managers. Deal with escalated supplier queries and problems
• Build relationship with top customers and adhere to call cycle
• Train on product related topics to customer, its sales force, etc.
• Drive awareness of products to customers and industry events and across all channels.
• Provide product related support for any new product launch campaigns.
• Create and update product manual for sales training
• Provide sales training on product related training, and during new product launches.
• Conduct on the job training by Co-travelling with sales team according to call cycle
• Mediate product availability issue, and works with supply chain to ensure that all logistics are resolved
• Meet all marketing promotions and advertising deadlines
• Devise pricing strategies to win new and retain existing customers
• Responsible for setting minimum pricing, pricing maintenance, and approving price exceptions or price discounts
• Calculate the product profitability and ROI and suggest corrective action as required

Desired Experience & Qualification

• • Grade 12
  • Tertiary qualification or relevant Marketing degree/diploma
  • 4 -5 years’ experience in the PPE Industry /in a similar position.
  • Must be willing to travel
  • Reasonable knowledge of all relevant products sold (Safety Equipment & Footwear)
  • Computer literacy a must on Excel, Word, Outlook

   

  Key Requirements

  • Experience in supplier pricing negotiations and contract management.
  • Proven sales (must know how to sell) and relationship management capabilities.
  • Knowledge of product verification, certification, and regulatory compliance processes.
  • Experience in product launches, market positioning, and go-to-market execution.
  • Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities.

   

  Attributes:

  • Leadership skills
  • Organized with attention to detail
  • Excellent teamwork skills
  • Be able to work under pressure and overall goal driven
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Should you not receive a response within 14 days of applying, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Package & Remuneration

R35K – R43K CTC + Fuel card + Quarterly commission