PRODUCT SPECIALIST (AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY) IN SOUTH AFRICA

Up To R Per Month CTC Incl BenefitsPermanent senior level position in the Manufacturing, Production & Trades (Automotive) industry.Benefits: Commission = fleet card for petrol & toll for business use; credit card, iPad/laptop with 3G.JOB OBJECTIVE(S):To support the relevant product portfolio from a technical standpointAssist in the sales and support of the portfolios products using specialized knowledge of the relevant products and to train customers and staff on the use, application and composition of these product rangesTo obtain market intelligence from the field and provide feedback to the Marketing ManagerTo be the primary link between the Marketing Manager and/or Marketing Executive and the technical and engineering departmentsTo assist the Sales and Marketing teams in problem resolution and technical solutionsSupport the portfolio through the creation and provision of sales tools, catalogue development, training, and facilitation and attendance of specialized sales callsTo be the primary point of contact for all consumers related technical and related problems FORMAL QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE:Technical Diploma or equivalent qualification with at least 5-8 years’ experience within Brake friction productsExtensive technical experienceRelevant technical product range knowledge MAIN TASKS / RESPONSIBILITIES:SALES & MARKETING SUPPORTProvide technical support to the sales and marketing team.Conduct specialized customer visits with the sales team.Assist in preparing and compiling sales tools, catalogues and other sales and marketing material.Assist in compiling media awareness literature, technical documents, and Industry specific papers.Attend and participate in all relevant trade shows and events. PRODUCT MANAGEMENTUnderstand and provide input on all technical aspects of the strategic product plan.Assist in compiling a plan to reduce obsolescence and excess stock.Assist in product range development and technical support thereof.Collaborate with the product management and forecasting teams to provide accurate input into product forecasting and product life cycle plans.Participate in relevant project teams as and when they are established.Collaborate with the various teams to commercialize product solutions. PRODUCT TRAININGCompile a detailed product training plan for both staff and customers.Assist in preparing and compiling formal training material.Provide formal training both internally and to customers. CUSTOMER SUPPORT/SERVICE PLANProvide on time customer feedback and customer responses to technical queries.Take detailed notes when attending customer meetings and transfer information back into a CRM system.Log consumer problems and resolve consumer queries. PRODUCT MANAGEMENT INTERFACEProvide effective market intelligence information to the Marketing Manager or Marketing Executive.Communicate all relevant information from the market into the product management team.Collaborate effectively with the Marketing Manager and any other person in the relevant product team.