Product Manager, Consumer Products Division (CPD)- Woodmead (FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITIES ONLY)

Introduction

We are seeking a dynamic and commercially astute Product Manager to act as a Strategic

Brand Lead within our Consumer Products Division in South Africa. This pivotal role is responsible for driving the overall brand strategy, ensuring its successful implementation and market growth.

The Product Manager will be the central point of collaboration, working closely with Digital Activation, E-commerce, Commercial (Sales), Supply Chain, and Finance teams to impart the brand vision and execute strategies that deliver market leadership and consumer loyalty. This role requires a blend of strategic thinking, hands-on execution, and exceptional cross-functional leadership in a fast-paced environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Brand Leadership & Development

 Define, develop, and own the overall brand strategy for assigned product categories or brands,

aligning with global guidelines and adapting for the unique nuances of the South African market.

 Conduct in-depth market analysis, consumer insights research, and competitive intelligence to identify

opportunities and challenges.

 Establish clear brand positioning, target audience, key messaging, and pricing strategies.

 Manage the full product lifecycle from ideation, launch planning, and execution to portfolio

rationalization.

2. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Execution

 Digital Activation: Lead the development and execution of robust digital marketing plans, including

social media, content creation, influencer partnerships, and performance marketing, in collaboration

with the Digital Activation team.

 E-commerce: Partner closely with the E-commerce team to drive online sales performance, optimize

product listings, manage promotional calendars, and enhance the online consumer journey for the

brand.

 Commercial (Sales): Work hand-in-hand with the Sales team to develop compelling sales strategies,

trade marketing initiatives, promotional plans, and forecasting to achieve commercial objectives

across all retail channels.

 Supply Chain: Collaborate with Supply Chain to ensure optimal stock levels, manage demand

forecasting, minimize out-of-stock situations, and support new product introductions and

discontinuations efficiently.

 Finance: Manage the brand's P&L, develop financial forecasts, track budget expenditure, analyze ROI

of marketing activities, and ensure all brand initiatives are financially sound and contribute to

profitability.

3. New Product Development & Launch

 Lead the local adaptation and launch of new products, working closely with R&I, global marketing,

and local teams.

2 C1 - Internal use

 Develop comprehensive launch plans, including marketing campaigns, sales tools, and

communication strategies.

4. Marketing & Communication

 Develop and implement integrated marketing communication plans (ATL, BTL, digital) that resonate

with the target audience and achieve brand objectives.

 Manage agency relationships (creative, media, PR) to ensure effective campaign development and

execution within budget.

5. Performance Monitoring &; Analysis

 Track and analyze brand performance against key KPIs (market share, sales volume/value,

profitability, brand equity, digital engagement).

 Identify insights from data to recommend corrective actions and optimize future strategies.

6. Budget Management

 Responsible for managing the brand's marketing budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources

and adherence to financial guidelines.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Qualifications & Experience

 Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field. An MBA is an advantage.

 5-7 years of proven experience in Product Management or Brand Management, preferably within the

FMCG, Beauty, or Retail sectors.

 Demonstrated experience as a strategic brand lead, with a strong understanding of the full marketing

mix.

 Solid experience collaborating with Digital, E-commerce, Commercial/Sales, Supply Chain, and

Finance teams.

 Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data and consumer insights to drive strategy.

 Proven track record of successful new product launches and market growth.

 Knowledge of the South African consumer landscape and retail environment is essential.

Skills & Competencies

 Strategic Visionary: Ability to translate market insights into compelling brand strategies and long-term

plans.

 Exceptional Collaborator & Influencer: Skilled at building strong relationships and influencing diverse

stakeholders across different functions to achieve shared goals.

 Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of business financials, P&L management, and driving

profitable growth.

 Project Management Expertise: Ability to manage complex projects from conception to execution,

coordinating multiple moving parts and deadlines.

 Consumer-Centric Mindset: Passion for understanding consumer needs and translating them into

winning products and marketing campaigns.

 Digital Fluency: Strong grasp of digital marketing principles and e-commerce dynamics.

 Analytical & Problem-Solver: Adept at data analysis, identifying trends, and proposing effective

solutions.

 Results-Oriented: Driven to achieve measurable business outcomes and improve brand performance.

 Adaptability & Learning Agility: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving market, quickly learn new

concepts, and adapt strategies as needed.

Interested?

If this role interest you please apply here on Pnet or visit follow our Linkedin Page for similar roles https://www.linkedin.com/company/kl-recruitment/?viewAsMember=true

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