Jobs at Ups in South Africa

Role Overview

The Product Manager plays a critical role in managing the pathology and histology product lines, representing both the distributors and associated agency brands to clients. This position combines sales, marketing, technical and application support, supplier management, and strategic planning responsibilities. The ideal candidate is driven, customer-focused, and possesses a solid scientific background with excellent business acumen. The Product Manager is accountable for developing the market, acquiring new customers, retaining and growing the existing client base, and serving as the primary liaison between internal teams, clients, and suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

1. Sales, Business Development & Territory Management
   • Research new and existing market sectors, customer needs, usage patterns, competitors, and trends.
   • Identify potential customers through digital platforms, referrals, and fieldwork.
   • Generate leads and follow through to sales conversion.
   • Set up meetings with prospects and clients.
   • Collaborate with sales specialists to support their sales targets and initiatives.
   • Prepare quotations for new and existing clients; assist with complex enquiries and proposals.
   • Secure new business and grow existing accounts through relationship building and strategic engagement.
   • Promote cross-selling opportunities and upsell new products to existing clients.
   • Maintain up-to-date CRM records for all client interactions.
   • Submit quotations within 24 hours for existing customers and within 72 hours for new leads.
   • Conduct customer follow-ups to ensure product satisfaction and identify new opportunities.
2. Product & Application Support
   • Serve as the technical and application lead for pathology-related products, particularly histology, IHC, and ISH lines.
   • Troubleshoot customer issues and manage technical and application queries efficiently.
   • Coordinate with sales, application specialists, and technical teams to provide product knowledge and support.
   • Train internal and external stakeholders on product use, applications, and competitive advantages.
   • Offer customer-specific guidance, including workflow optimization and instrument recommendations.
   • Assist in customer complaint resolution, ensuring acknowledgment within 24 hours and aiming for resolution within 48 hours.
   • Monitor and suggest upgrades or add-on services tailored to client needs.
   • Maintain in-depth knowledge of product offerings from all suppliers.
   • Liaise with suppliers for training, agency agreements, product updates, and technical documentation.
   • Negotiate supplier terms to ensure the best pricing, delivery timelines, and support agreements.
   • Provide quarterly forecasts to suppliers and monthly performance updates.
   • Track and strive to achieve supplier quotas, company sales goals, and financial targets.
   • Ensure timely availability of stock and manage loan equipment logistics.
   • Suggest product line expansions based on market feedback and company direction.
   • Attend product training sessions and webinars; remain current with industry innovations.
3. Marketing, Branding & Product Launches
   • Collaborate with the marketing team to gather technical data and promotional content.
   • Coordinate product promotions through ePushes, LinkedIn campaigns, webinars, and events.
   • Organize product presentations to decision-making units at client organizations.
   • Manage new product launches with accurate scientific and marketing materials.
   • Conduct competitor product comparisons to identify differentiators and refine positioning.
   • Ensure that all marketing material is approved, up-to-date, compliant, and effectively distributed.
4. Strategic Planning, Forecasting & Reporting
   • Set sales targets per product line in collaboration with the sales manager.
   • Analyze market feedback to adjust sales and product strategies.
   • Submit monthly and quarterly reports on sales, forecasts, and market developments.
   • Contribute to internal contract reviews and ensure adherence to agreed terms.
   • Provide data and support to performance review processes (KPI reporting).
   • Use trip sheets, CRM logs, and expense reports to track activity and performance.
5. Administration & Internal Processes
   • Maintain accurate records for customer visits, quotations, complaints, and follow-ups.
   • Submit monthly kilometers travelled and weekly trip summaries to management.
   • Submit accurate and timely expense claims.
   • Ensure CRM updates and quote documentation are completed within company timelines.
   • Respond to inquiries from internal departments and contribute to interdepartmental alignment.
   • Work collaboratively with internal teams across sales, marketing, support, and admin.
   • Share relevant market intelligence and feedback with colleagues.
   • Participate in monthly review meetings both individual and group sessions.
   • Provide quotations and product guidance to support team members.
   • Keep the team informed on discontinued, upgraded, or newly launched products.
   • Assist in refining internal processes to improve division performance and customer satisfaction.

Skills & Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Histology, Science, Biomedical Technology, or related field (strongly preferred).
• 3-5 years of experience in scientific / laboratory or pathology-related sales.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Sound planning, organizational, and time management capabilities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Familiarity with CRM systems and digital marketing platforms.
• Valid driver's license and own reliable vehicle.
• Self-driven, target-oriented, and adaptable in a dynamic sales environment.

Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Achievement of monthly and quarterly sales and forecast targets.
• Number and quality of client meetings conducted.
• Conversion rate of leads to successful sales.
• Timeliness and accuracy of quotations and complaint resolutions.
• Quality of CRM records and reporting compliance.
• Training sessions delivered and internal support provided.
• Customer satisfaction scores and repeat business levels.