Product Manager

Position Summary:

The Product Manager plays a crucial role in overseeing the management of the designated product portfolio, collaborating closely with pre-sales and support teams. Your role will encompass enhancing the profitability of existing products and spearheading the development of new products. As a Product Manager, you will transform concepts into market-ready products, contribute to generating new ideas through industry expertise, sales channel engagement, and market analysis. Effective channel enablement, training, and vendor management will be key to aligning products and services with the companys overarching business strategy.

Qualifications:

• Matriculation
• Relevant business diploma or degree with a strong emphasis on accounting
• Min 5-8 years of experience in Product Management
• Profound understanding of enterprise content solutions and Software Development Life Cycles (SDLCs)
• Demonstrated success in solution sales, channel management, and building commercial relationships
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, particularly with C-level executives
• Strong commercial focus in product management
• Proficiency in project management
• Excellent organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to perform well under pressure
• Self-motivated and driven with a collaborative approach
• Willingness to travel extensively

Responsibilities:

Planning:

• Gain insights into the market and competitive landscape.
• Develop a multi-year product roadmap in partnership with the Product Portfolio Manager, focusing on criteria and prioritization.
• Support the creation of the annual product strategy and roadmap.
• Execute assigned tasks related to the product strategy and roadmap.
• Aid the sales team in formulating compelling market value propositions.
• Implement local product strategies based on market segmentation.
• Prepare accurate product forecasts.
• Assist in crafting pricing models based on ROI analysis.

Marketing:

• Design and conduct market research to understand customer perceptions of existing and new products, utilizing competitor analysis tools.
• Create product collateral for both internal stakeholders and customers.
• Stay informed about industry trends and competitor product developments.
• Support ongoing product development through regular communication with customers and partners.
• Provide comprehensive market, industry, and competitive analysis.
• Develop pricing and packaging strategies.
• Coordinate with the senior product manager to plan and execute trade shows, roadshows, and product launches.
• Represent the company at conferences and training events as needed.
• Contribute to newsletters, forums, and other events in collaboration with the senior product manager.

Product Management and Support:

• Oversee all stages of the product lifecycle: conception, planning, development, qualification, launch, delivery, and withdrawal.
• Ensure product development aligns with company strategy.
• Create solutions tailored to various vertical markets.
• Manage product information in ERP and CRM systems, including pricing updates.
• Collaborate with the logistics team to maintain accurate stock levels and product forecasts.
• Serve as the primary contact for product-related inquiries.
• Ensure product collateral and training materials are updated and accessible in the CRM system.
• Provide timely information for new products to the Marketing and Events administrator for website updates.

Vendor Management:

• Build and sustain relationships with vendors at national and international levels.
• Ensure consistent pricing and adherence to partner agreements.
• Align vendor strategies with the companys business goals.
• Facilitate training programs by vendors for sales, marketing, and professional service teams.

Reporting:

• Assist in compiling market share analyses from independent research sources like InfoSource and IDC.
• Monitor sales by product segment and group.
• Track sales performance against budget and strive to exceed targets.
• Report on average selling prices and contribute to monthly business performance reviews.

Training and Equipping:

• Collaborate with marketing, sales, development, and customer service leaders to create effective content and tools for product sales and implementation.
• Work closely with internal and channel sales teams to develop and deliver sales tools and training.
• Ensure thorough product knowledge within the sales team through planned training and events.
• Lead the product launch process for internal and external teams.
• Coach sales consultants on market planning and execution, including customer references, beta programs, sales training, and materials.
• Partner with the team to develop innovative marketing strategies and event campaigns.
• Provide the sales team with necessary product knowledge, promotional materials, and documentation.
• Work with market-facing sales and solutions consultants to align product features with client and end-user needs.

Additional Duties:

• Assist with strategic planning and initiatives as required.
• Support the Project Management Office on specific tasks and projects as needed.
• Undertake any additional assignments as directed by the Head of Product ICT and Energy Solutions or other C-level executives.