Job Description

PORTFOLIO PRODUCT MANAGER: PRINT SOLUTIONS

A vacancy exists at our client for a Portfolio Product Manager: Print Solutions, based in Woodmead onsite, reporting to the Head of Product.

PURPOSE

The Portfolio Product Manager is responsible for managing and mentoring multiple Product Managers, ensuring alignment across products and coordinating efforts to support the company's strategic goals.

This role supports the Head of Product in defining and executing strategies across the product portfolio. The incumbent will build, strengthen, and maintain vendor relationships while driving mutually beneficial strategies between organisations.

In addition, the role requires identifying market opportunities, leveraging customer and channel insights, and ensuring the timely delivery of products and projects.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Matric
• Diploma or degree in Business Management, Marketing, Communications, or a related commercial field
• 5–10 years' experience in the Office Automation / ICT industry
• 2–3 years' experience working with franchises
• Proven experience in budget management, product management, and team leadership
• Advanced MS Excel (advantageous)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Competitive Positioning and Market Development

• Analyse the competitive landscape, identifying competitor offerings, strengths, and weaknesses
• Gather customer and channel insights in collaboration with Sales and Marketing
• Use insights and sales data to inform product development, selection, and roadmap planning
• Provide up-to-date competitor analysis
• Define product strategies with Product Managers, including:
• Target market
• Product offering
• Commercial approach
• Unique value proposition
• Collaborate with the Product Marketing Manager to develop internal and customer-facing product collateral

2. Budget Management

• Track budget performance at both company and franchise levels
• Report on overall revenue and margins
• Develop and agree on budgets with suppliers in line with company strategy
• Monitor supplier performance against budgets
• Recommend and oversee interventions to improve sales performance
• Contribute to pricing strategies
• Monitor price support systems
• Compile quarterly market share reports

3. Vendor Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships
• Manage daily and monthly vendor interactions
• Negotiate pricing, rebates, and support agreements
• Track and report on rebate performance monthly
• Align vendor strategies with company objectives
• Identify and onboard new vendors where necessary
• Ensure pricing lists are accurate, updated, and distributed

4. Product Strategy

• Align product goals with overall business objectives
• Translate strategic priorities into actionable plans
• Ensure products contribute to broader company goals
• Collaborate with internal teams (Sales, Marketing, Service, L&D)
• Drive innovation based on market trends and emerging technologies
• Ensure Sales teams are equipped with product knowledge and pricing
• Support Marketing with accurate messaging and materials
• Review after-sales performance with Service teams
• Partner with Marketing to develop solutions for targeted industry verticals

5. People Management

• Mentor and guide Product Managers
• Ensure effective collaboration and timely delivery of outputs
• Review and improve processes where needed
• Support Product Managers in resolving product-related challenges
• Advocate for product portfolios at leadership level
• Drive cross-functional collaboration
• Lead planning for trade shows, roadshows, and product launches
• Oversee product training initiatives
• Track and report on team KPIs

6. Product Launches

• Develop and execute product launch strategies
• Lead product launches and enhancements from initiation to completion
• Collaborate with Marketing, Sales, and Training teams
• Support marketing campaigns with the Product Marketing Manager

COMPETENCIES

Business / Functional / Technical

• Analytical thinking
• Entrepreneurial and commercial mindset
• Strong writing and reporting skills
• Strategic planning and conceptual thinking
• Planning and organising
• Technical proficiency
• Innovation and creativity
• Effective presentation and communication

Behavioural / Personal

• Relationship building and networking
• Leadership and supervision
• Results-driven with strong customer focus
• Resilience under pressure
• Integrity and adherence to values
• Decisiveness and initiative
• Adaptability and responsiveness to change

OTHER ASSIGNMENTS

The successful candidate may be required to perform additional duties as requested by the Head of Product: Print or other executive leadership.