Junior Product Manager (Durban)

Job description

Our dynamic product sourcing and marketing department is looking for a talented Junior Product Manager responsible for supporting management and growth of the company's product portfolio by co-ordinating product-related activities across suppliers, sales, marketing, procurement, logistics, and customer service functions. The role ensures that product information, pricing, catalogues, inventory requirements, and product launches are accurately managed and executed to support commercial objectives.
The individual will assist with product lifecycle management, supplier engagement, competitor analysis, product performance monitoring, and the successful introduction of new products into the market. The role serves as a key link between operational execution and strategic product management, ensuring products are effectively positioned, accurately represented, and commercially successful.

Product portfolio management

• Maintain and administer the product portfolio across all brands and categories.
• Ensure product information, specifications, dimensions, features, certifications, images, and documentation are accurate and current.
• Assist with product range reviews and portfolio optimisation initiatives.
• Maintain product master data across all business systems.
• Coordinate product additions, updates, and discontinuations.

Pricing and commercial management

• Maintain and update product price lists across all channels and territories.
• Implement supplier price increases and pricing amendments.
• Conduct pricing comparisons and competitor benchmarking.
• Assist with margin analysis and profitability reviews.
• Support promotional and campaign pricing initiatives.

New product development and product launches

• Assist with the planning and execution of new product launches.
• Coordinate launch activities across internal departments.
• Ensure product information, pricing, inventory, and marketing collateral are prepared prior to launch.
• Track launch progress and provide post-launch reporting.
• Support the development of go-to-market plans.

Supplier and brand management

• Liaise with local and international suppliers regarding product specifications, pricing, stock availability, and product updates.
• Obtain and maintain product certifications, manuals, compliance documentation, and technical information.
• Coordinate supplier communications and product-related meetings.
• Support the management of supplier relationships and performance.

Product content and catalogue management

• Coordinate updates to product catalogues, brochures, and product information sheets.
• Ensure product information is accurately represented across all platforms.
• Work closely with marketing teams to maintain product content and imagery.
• Assist with the creation and maintenance of product training materials.

E-commerce and marketplace support

• Ensure product information is accurately maintained across e-commerce and marketplace platforms.
• Monitor online product listings and identify content improvement opportunities.
• Coordinate product content updates, images, specifications, and promotional messaging.
• Support the optimisation of online product presentation and customer experience.

Sales support and product training

• Provide product-related support to sales teams and internal stakeholders.
• Respond to product queries and information requests.
• Assist in preparing product presentations and sales tools.
• Support product training initiatives for sales and customer service teams.
• Communicate product updates, changes, and launch information.

Inventory and supply chain coordination

• Work closely with procurement and logistics teams to monitor product availability.
• Assist with forecasting and stock planning activities.
• Monitor product supply risks and communicate potential issues.
• Support the resolution of product-related operational challenges.

Market research and competitor analysis

• Monitor competitor activity, product launches, pricing, and market trends.
• Conduct market research to identify opportunities for portfolio growth.
• Gather and analyse customer feedback and product reviews.
• Compile reports and recommendations for management review.

Reporting and analysis

• Compile product performance reports.
• Analyse sales trends, product performance, and commercial data.
• Track key product metrics and provide insights to management.
• Support decision-making through data analysis and reporting.

Education: Formal qualifications:

• Matric
• Diploma or degree in marketing, business management, commerce, product management, supply chain management, or a related field

Skills and experience:

• 2–4 years' experience in a product management, product coordinator, category administrator, commercial administrator, Procurement, sales support, or related role.
• Experience working with suppliers, pricing structures, catalogues, and product information management.

• Experience within a consumer product, appliances, electronics, retail, or FMCG environment.
• Exposure to product launches and portfolio management processes.

Values and attributes

• Accountability: Takes ownership of tasks and follows through to completion
• Attention to detail: Ensures high levels of accuracy in all work outputs
• Responsiveness: Provides timely and effective support to others in the organization
• Collaboration: Works effectively with others in the organization
• Execution focus: Demonstrates a strong ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Customer-centricity: Develops and supports positive relationships with all stakeholders

Posted on 07 Jul 14:44, Closing date 5 Sep