Product Manager – Aruba & Juniper - #637-08

Tarsus Technology Group; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in South Africa is looking for a Product Manager to manage and grow the Aruba and Juniper brands. This role requires strong sales and vendor management skills, along with the ability to influence business direction and develop strategic partnerships. Candidates should have at least 10 years of experience in a similar role and excellent verbal and written skills. This office-based position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with some flexibility required.

Qualifications

• 10 years' experience in a similar role or 1 year within Tarsus.
• Brand specific knowledge of products and processes.
• Technology certified with all vendor certifications.

Responsibilities

• Establish relationships with various stakeholders within allocated vendors.
• Compile a forecasting plan; accurately determine 'sell-out' for the month.
• Manage stock days and aged inventory within allocated budget.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written skills

Planning and organizing skills

Building effective internal and external relationships

Understanding of the ICT industry

Ability to manage stress

Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel

Education

Grade 12

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Product Manager - Aruba & Juniper - #

August 15,

Purpose of the Role

As the Product (PM) Manager, you will be responsible for managing and growing the Aruba and Juniper Brands.

This role offers a unique opportunity to influence the direction of the BU, develop strategic partnerships, and contribute to a team of professionals.

With your strong sales, customer and vendor management, and business acumen, you will ensure the success of the BU both internally and externally.

If you are ready for a challenge, please apply.

Job Objectives

Key Responsibilities

• Establish sound relationships with various stakeholders within the allocated Vendor / s.
• Demonstrate an understanding of Vendor processes and strategy in order to inform product management decisions and planning.
• Calculate rebates, using relevant information to inform calculation before presenting to Business Unit Manager for confirmation.
• Deal with product issues, making decisions which serve the company's best interests whilst maintaining a positive relationship with the Vendor, referring major problems to the Product Management and Business Unit Manager for resolution.

Demand Planning

• Effectively influence and analyse total stock position in a specific category across multiple brands in conjunction with Product Managers.
• Compile a forecasting plan weekly, monthly and quarterly; accurately determining the "sell-out" for the month and reflecting an understanding of why additional stock is required in terms of key market factors.
• Place purchase orders on backlogs with due consideration to relevant factors, obtaining sign off from Business Unit Manager before placing order.
• Place purchase orders within limits of authority, using standard procedures and guidelines.
• Plan "back-to-back" orders required, managing lead times and pricing in order to achieve profit margins.
• Factor specific logistical considerations, relating to product, into purchase orders placed.
• Track delivery of orders; managing problems experienced by formulating contingency plans so that shipment dates are achieved.
• Manage stock days and aged inventory as per allocated budget.
• Meeting vendor inventory requirements, thereby maximising potential vendor rebates.
• Ensure minimum levels of aged stock and maintain stock within 90 days.

Implement action plans for ageing inventory

Resolve stock issues experienced, by facilitating solutions which do not negatively impact profit margins.

Provide supporting documentation and tools relating to the product which are easily accessible for use by the sales team.

Manage Self-Development

Agree individual development plan annually with the Department Head / Manager, focusing on skills gaps identified in performance discussions.

Attend training scheduled per the development plan, demonstrating skills and knowledge acquired.

Ensure that functional knowledge is relevant and continually updated.

Use initiative to research relevant information to keep abreast with changes and new developments in the field.

Exhibit a commitment to learning from others within the team.

Ensure that functional knowledge is relevant and continually updated by attending weekly training sessions when offered.

Education and Experience

Grade 12.

10 year's experience in the same or similar role, or 1 year experience within Tarsus.

Technical Skills and Knowledge

• Brand specific knowledge of product and processes.
• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• Good understanding of the ICT industry and the ability to keep up with Technology and Industry Developments.
• Proficient in MS office suite, specifically advanced skills in Excel.
• Strong planning and organising skills.
• Technology certified – carry all vendor certifications.

Behavioural Skills

• Ability to build effective internal and external relationships.
• Ability to cope with stress.
• Ability to manage and deal with conflict.
• Ability to take own initiative.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Enthusiastically productive.
• Polite and professional conduct.
• Process and rule driven.
• Strong customer orientation.
• Recognise opportunities for change.
• Team Player.

Working Conditions

Office-based with standard business hours (some flexibility may be required).

May be required to work overtime occasionally depending on business needs.

Additional

Reliable transport.

This is an office-based position in the Woodmead branch.