Product /Account Manager (MSc Animal Science)

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

The Product Manager will be responsible for increasing the profitability of existing products and for identifying, assessing, and developing new products to enhance the current product portfolio. The Product Manager will partner with the sales team and their existing and new customers to analyse needs and develop “outside the box” products and strategies and will be responsible for sourcing and developing new product leads from either internal or external sources. The incumbent will work to develop, prospect and maintain the sales team’s customer relations with the company's' customers seeking to enhance their current offerings.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain professional working relationships with customers, suppliers and internal teams.
• Optimize new product launch execution and existing product growth execution based on continuous improvement.
• Introduce strategy changes based on performance objectives.
• Maintain excellent relationships with Key Opinion Leaders, meet regularly and work closely with them to “test” and to identify new product development opportunities.
• Build products from existing ideas and help to develop new ideas based on industry experience and contacts with customers and prospects.
• Manage the entire product line life cycle from strategic planning to tactical activities.
• Specify market requirements for current and future products by conducting market research supported by on-going visits to customers and non-customers.
• Analyse collected industry data to highlight trends and optimisation needs for customers.
• Support the overall Sales proposal preparation.
• Conduct thorough financial analysis on all new opportunities using the Return on Investment ("ROI") model.
• Develop and implement a company-wide go-to-market plan, working with all departments to execute.
• Ensure all administrative responsibilities relating to compliance are adhered too.
• Ensure required OHS and quality standards are prioritised and adhered to at all times.
• Accept responsibility for and manage additional roles and tasks that may be required of you through the normal course of business growth and expansion.
• Assist sales personnel with customer complaints and trouble shooting.
• Accompany sales personnel as and when required to gather information on required projects or to assist with trials.
• Attend status meetings and provide a monthly progress report by the last day of the month on the progress and status of each project.
• Identify key relevant local trade shows and attend annually.
• Attend one approved international trade show each year.

Qualifications and Experience:

• MSc (Animal Science)
• Evidenced knowledge of animal nutrition, health, and production of animal nutrition related products.
• At least 5 years of solid commercial or account management experience in animal health and monogastric nutrition with a solid understanding of application and product formulations.
• Understanding and experience in feed formulations involving probiotics and enzymes is an added advantage.
• Experience and understanding of consumer insights and consumer behaviours.
• Experience in building customer relationships across diverse cultures, countries and industries.
• Proven track record in successfully launching animal feed products and services will be advantageous.
• Unique blend of business and technical savvy.
• A big-picture vision and the drive to make that vision a reality.
• Enjoy spending time in the market to understand customer challenges, and find innovative solutions for the broader market.
• Ability to conduct thorough internet research and meta-analysis.
• Detail oriented with strong follow-through skills.
• Excellent presentation skills and good interpersonal skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Access)
• Be able to execute the DEDVIM process (define, explore, develop, validate, implement, measure)

Please consider your application unsuccessful should you not receive a response within two weeks of applying.