Job Description

PURPOSE:

• Lead the team in identifying and resolving product challenges. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate effectively with partners.
• To support category management by providing strong technical expertise on various product ranges (Current & Future)
• Act as the main point of contact for any technical queries and product enhancements
• Maintaining up to date knowledge on the companys products in order to provide technical inputs towards the companys future strategy.

MAJOR TASKS:

Product & Technical

• Manage the generation & and preservation of the companys technical intellectual property
• Supply of the relevant product information to customers and staff
• Map current product offerings to the vehicle car parc to be able to identify opportunities and advise management of product potential
• Manage product technical changes with the production and demand planning staff
• Product recommendation and technical advice/support to customers and staff including website queries
• Assist the sales team with cross-referencing and price comparisons
• Offer product training to customers and staff
• Benchmark studies for the existing and new product ranges
• Carrying out the necessary communication and correspondence with participating departments and customers (Technical and Product Bulletins etc.)
• Communication, Analysis and Management of claims
• Assist Product Managers with business cases in all product-specific matters
• Develop testing procedures for new and existing products
• Technical assessment of potential localised manufacturing through a clear understanding of manufacturing processes and practices

Management & Creation of technical data and databases

• Input and maintenance of the product database (new product, linkage to vehicle, competitor & OE Cross-referencing)
• Analyze electronic catalogues & related databases to provide recommendation & optimize the efficiency of the catalogues
• Manage methods and techniques for technical data collection quality to ensure adequacy, accuracy, and legitimacy of data
• Lead Marketing for accurate catalogue data
• Creation of technical material (Training, leaflets, Bulletins)

Customer Service & Technical

• Respond to technical queries from customers in the form of telephone calls and emails
• Compile monthly reports on customer complaints
• Identify product training needs for customers and staff
• Compile product training material
• Train customers and staff on product claims

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Matric
• University Degree or Certification in a Technical Field of study would be advantageous
• Literate in English
• Experience in product management or knowledge of automotive spare parts.
• Technical background in mechanical, electrical, or similar automotive knowledge
• Advanced computer literacy in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and database management
• Presentation skills
• Ability to analyze & interpret complex data
• Communication skills at all levels

ATTRIBUTES

• Strategic thinker
• Ability to take initiative and work without supervision
• Dynamic & self-driven
• Analytical mindset with problem-solving skills
• Customer focus: curiosity and passion to discover and fulfil the needs of customers
• Ability to work with highly ambiguous problems, sometimes with incomplete information, and create solid action plans.

• Ability to build strong relationships with different stakeholders
• Effective communication, problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Humble, collaborative, team player, willing to step up and support colleagues.

AUTHORITY

• To reject & report any process that does not conform to requirements
• Improvement & changes to technical databases & electronic catalogs

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