Job Description

PRODUCT PLANNER

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

To ensure that marketing decisions are supported by the right product in the right quantity at the right cost and on time and to provide a comprehensive sales administration support Service.

DATE DESCRIBED:

FUNCTIONAL AREA:

Marine & Motor

REPORTS TO:

General Manager

DIRECT REPORTS:

Nil

INTERNAL (TEAM) INTERACTION (information, support, advice):

Across business unit: finance, credit control, shipping, IT: exchange of information, support, advice, persuasion.

EXTERNAL INTERACTION (information, support, advice, persuasion/ negotiation):

Customers, Suppliers (YMGF, BPL & other clearing agents), Service providers (NRCS, ICASA): Exchange of information, support, advice, persuasion.

1. Market Forecasting

Understand, monitor and anticipate market trends and activity. Review new product plan and anticipated competitor activity. Review Dealer performance and stock information Review and analyze financial data. Identify / validate trends. Develop forecast. Track market performance and prepare reports to management. Identify future risks. Correct stock levels and mix decisions are enabled.
2. Dealer Targeting

Establish optimum sales and stock levels per region and per dealer. Develop and maintain a Dealer performance model incorporating trends and competitor activity. Identify opportunities to optimize the distribution network. Propose dealer incentive programmes. Liaise and manage with Dealer Support Managers, Technical Sales Rep's accordingly. Distribution is optimised. Dealer interest is maintained. Market share is retained.
3. Budgets and Forecasts

Develop understanding of division budget parameters Review past performance of division by area. Prepare sales forecast by area/by model for approval. Review sales activity and stock levels Review contribution vs. budget regularly and propose corrective action. Provide continual feedback and input into product order processes. Growth in market share Increasing market penetration. On time and realistic forecasts Achieve results in line with or better than budget.
4. Product Opportunities

Remain aware of current product cycles and update/ replacement plans per derivative. Conduct research relevant for new product introduction - positioning vs competitor model segment, market competitiveness and pricing viability. Assist with planning for new product introduction dates. Compile competitor specification and comparison to own model lists. Remain aware of trends in territories outside of South Africa Stock redundancy minimized. Successful and well-tuned product launch enabled Price competitiveness decision supported. Introduction of new models supported.
5. Stock Planning

Capture orders on Syspro once invoice is received. Reconcile all sources of data relating to orders, shipping information and stock on hand. Process and inform relevant parties of stock arrivals and movements. Participate in the annual planning and budgeting process. Integrity of stock levels and arrivals enabled. Informed commercial / business decisions.
6. Inbound Logistics and compliance

Maintains awareness of product orders placed to suppliers. Liaises keep track of test reports, shipping schedules, container packing and delivery dates for all orders. Liaises with BPL on shipping arrangements and delivery dates. Completes import documentation with BPL. Develops understanding of legislation relevant to homologation and compliance of products. Liaises with external service provider, NRCS and ICASA to ensure homologation is in place for new and existing product lines. Investigates and resolves discrepancies. Captures data into Syspro for approval. Accurate, in full and on time Pricing decisions enabled Order tracking enabled. No delays in time to market
7. Promote Sales and process orders

Identify areas of lower activity Contact dealer directly to determine cause and to promote sales. Provide first point of contact service. Resolve queries and issues. Review dealer sales patterns and history - encourage purchasing. Receive orders. Check stock availability and credit limits. Generate order through system. Resolve order queries. Ensure credit notes up to date and customers aware of status. Maintain order records. Maintain dealer contact records. Achievement of sales budget Customer satisfaction Accurate and on time deliveries Minimum exposure to risk maximizes sales. Records current and accessible and on time.
Job Type: Full-time

Application Question(s):

How many years of experience do you have in the automotive industry
Work Location: In person