Product Manager - Ceramics

Manpower Group SA Ltd; City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality; On-site; ZAR 60 000 - 100 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Product Manager specializing in ceramics to drive product growth and development. This role involves strategic collaboration with senior management to define product positioning and pricing, while also engaging in market analysis and technical support. The ideal candidate will have a postgraduate degree in engineering and over 10 years of management experience in the construction sector. Join a team that values integrity and communication, and play a pivotal role in launching innovative products and enhancing market presence.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in management within the construction industry.
• Strong influence and excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct market studies and inform management of market changes.
• Launch new products and manage sales performance.
• Provide technical training and support to sales teams.

Skills

Market Analysis

Product Positioning

Technical Support

Sales Performance Management

Training and Development

Collaboration with R&D

CRM Management

Education

Postgraduate degree in Civil Engineering

Postgraduate degree in Chemical Engineering

Postgraduate degree in Structural Engineering

Job description

Our client based in Germiston is seeking a Product Manager - Ceramics to join their team. The ideal candidate will collaborate with the General Manager and Head of Sales and Business Development to set the strategy for the growth and development of the product line, including defining product positioning, offer, and pricing in line with market expectations.

Responsibilities include:

1. Preparing and updating market studies, researching market intelligence through surveys, and informing management of market changes affecting performance.
2. Analyzing market potential and cooperating with sales to estimate potential sales and activate distribution channels.
3. Providing technical support to sales, participating in customer visits, promoting products, and conducting training on their application.
4. Reviewing sales results periodically to meet sales targets.
5. Managing product sales performance and margins in collaboration with the Distribution Manager.
6. Launching new products with effective strategies, testing products with R&D, and developing technical literature with Marketing.
7. Collaborating with R&D for new product development and testing.
8. Working with Operational Marketing, Quality, HSE, and Technical Assistance to update technical datasheets, packaging, and catalogues.
9. Managing technical trainings related to the product line in coordination with Technical Assistance.
10. Supporting the creation of technical texts and illustrating solutions and applications.
11. Building a network of sector specialists such as opinion leaders and academics.
12. Handling claims following established procedures, visiting sites, and informing relevant departments.
13. Reporting regularly to headquarters and working closely with the Corporate Product Management Department.
14. Supporting specifications and sales with technical inputs and generating technical texts.
15. Providing monthly progress reports during management meetings.
16. Maintaining CRM data accurately and timely.
17. Providing CPD training to architects, engineers, and stakeholders, and conducting product demonstrations at expos and seminars.
18. Participating in marketing events and traveling to regional sites for product support.

Requirements:

• Postgraduate degree in Civil, Chemical, or Structural Engineering.
• Minimum of 10 years' management experience in the construction industry.

Personal qualities:

• Strong influence, integrity, and honesty.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of operating at senior management level.
• High integrity, confidentiality, discipline, and authority.
• Excellent speaking skills.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.