Specialist – Product Management

Defy; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consumer appliance company is seeking a Specialist in Product Management to drive product innovation across 13 Sub-Saharan African markets (excluding South Africa & SACU). The ideal candidate will manage product development processes, collaborate with various internal teams, and conduct consumer trend analysis. Applicants should possess a marketing degree and at least 2 years of experience in product management or marketing, alongside strong analytical and communication skills. This role offers the chance to influence product lifecycles and market positioning.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years in Marketing or Product Management required.
• Strong analytical and communication skills necessary.
• Understanding of sales principles is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Create product range plans with Global category Product Managers.
• Manage company’s product development process.
• Provide effective communication to internal customers.
• Manage stock keeping unit count and commercial performance.
• Support marketing team to ensure alignment of plans.
• Conduct consumer trend identification sessions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Financial acumen

Passion for consumer behavior

Education

Marketing or related degree

Tools

Advanced Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Defy is calling all ambitious, creative, and driven individuals to join us as a Specialist – Product Management!

This is your chance to make an impact across 13 Sub-Saharan African markets (excluding South Africa & SACU). You’ll be at the heart of product innovation—planning, developing, and managing the lifecycle of products that define how people live and work.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create long-term and short-term product range plans with Global category Product Managers
• To manage and lead company’s product development process in alignment with Global Product Manager teams and to maintain the key product development files & systems.
• To manage multiple brands across the region and have a sound understanding of brand mapping and price positioning.
• To monitor, manage and communicate internally all relevant legislations affecting all products across Sub Saharan Markets
• To work closely with the cooling, cooking, laundry, dishwasher & aircon production plants providing product briefs and to guide them on market size, product design, innovation, technology trends and to keep them up to date on market related cost and performance issues.
• To provide effective and timely communication and support to internal customers such as Sales, Customer Support, Supply Chain, Finance and Service teams on all product related issues including performance, market positioning, technical and commercial issues to ensure internal customers are up to date with all products related issues.
• To manage and provide reports on the stock keeping unit count and commercial performance of category product ranges. Take necessary actions to improve performance or discontinue models to maintain a competitive range that is appealing to our customers.
• To drive and contribute to marketing communication plans regarding product technologies, innovations and design stories that will strategically support brand equity targets in the short and long term.
• To run idea generation sessions regularly with consumers in country and to identify current and future trends, needs and integrate them into the long-term roadmap.
• Basic understanding of sales principles
• Creating business presentations on a regular basis to update internal stakeholders about product performance in the market and evaluating the continuity or improvement of products. Including the monitoring of sell in and sell out through effective reporting.
• To run on an ad hoc basis product training content and sessions for Instore Salesmen and/or brand ambassadors in Sub Saharan Africa
• Support the marketing team at a global, regional, and country level to ensure alignment of Marketing Plans and that product launches are aligned.
• Managing the phase in and phase out of products across the region.

What You’ll Need:

• A Marketing or related degree
• 2+ years in Marketing or Product Management
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Advanced Excel, PowerPoint, and financial acumen
• Passion for consumer behaviour and innovation