Product Specialist – Medical Devices Company (Johannesburg) 25 views

The role of a Product Specialist in the Bioprocessing industry involves overseeing the development, launch, and management of the company’s products. This position requires a unique blend of technical knowledge, market understanding, and strategic thinking in the Bioprocess Market. The Product Specialist is responsible for product planning and product marketing, including gathering and prioritising of product and customer requirements and defining the product vision. The Product Specialist works closely with Business Unit Manager, sales, marketing and support to ensure revenue and customer satisfaction goals are met. As a Product Specialist, you will be responsible for the successful development, launch, and management of the Bioprocess products that meet market needs and regulatory requirements. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including research, marketing, sales, and regulatory affairs, to ensure the success of the product throughout its lifecycle. The Product Specialist needs to ensure that the product supports the company’s overall strategy and goals and investment constraints.

The Product Specialist will demonstrate a strong commitment to upholding the Vision, Mission, and Core Values of the company in all aspects of the role.

Job Description

Market Research and Analysis

• Collaborate with marketing to conduct thorough market research to understand customer needs, industry trends, and competitive landscape.
• Analyse market data to identify opportunities for new products or improvements to existing ones.
• Determine and communicate product strategy with the principals.
• Liaise with principals on all queries.
• Determine and communicate product strategy and marketing plans with Business Unit Manager.
• Communicate product strategy to Business Unit Manager and the sales force.
• Monitor the performance of the product by establishing a system of reports and communications and regular meetings with the Business Unit Manager and the Sales Team.
• Provide Business Unit Manager with regular feedback in terms of market activities, market potential and competitor activities.
• Stay in touch with research directions and new innovations that relate to products by keeping track of new publications.
• Participate in marketing events such as seminars and trade shows.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of tenders.
• Gather competitor activity information and formulate strategies to counteract such activities.

Product Development

• Collaborate with marketing and/or research and development teams of suppliers to define product requirements, specifications, and features.
• Work closely with engineers and scientists to ensure that the product meets technical and regulatory standards.
• Maintain and develop up-to-date level of product knowledge.

Product Launch

• Develop and execute comprehensive launch plans, including marketing strategies, sales training, and customer education.
• Coordinate with sales and marketing teams to ensure a successful product introduction and market penetration.
• Planning and execution of all new product and/or market introductions

Regulatory Compliance

• Work closely with regulatory affairs teams to ensure that all products comply with relevant regulations and standards.
• Prepare and submit regulatory documentation as needed for product approvals.

Forecasting

• Use of monthly sales analysis and data presentation of portfolio performance, competitor and market share data to plan strategic objectives
• Weekly forecasting

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including research and development, marketing, sales, and customer support, to align product strategies and goals.
• Prepare for and attend monthly product management meetings and Quarterly Review meetings
• Accompany representatives on local and export customer visits
• Quarterly branch/African territory visits
• Training of all sales staff on products and provide continuous feedback to sales representatives
• Develop and implement marketing plans for advertising campaigns and launches of new products within set budgets
• Interact with Finance and Operational teams (cross-functional involvement) to develop effective communication and problem solving
• Develop all necessary promotional tools and aids for portfolio
• Plan and organise sponsored events, congresses and lectures
• Attend trade meetings and industry conventions
• Review international market for local applications
• Determine and communicate product strategy with the principals.
• Liaise with principals on all queries.
• Determine and communicate product strategy and marketing plans with Business Unit Manager.
• Communicate product strategy to the product team and the sales force.
• Monitor the performance of the product by establishing a system of reports and communications and regular meetings with Business Unit Manager and the Sales Team.
• Sound and constructive relationships and management of Suppliers
• Attendance of international Distributor Meetings
• Facilitate effective communication and information flow between different departments.

Product Lifecycle Management

• Monitor the performance of products throughout their lifecycle.
• Identify opportunities for product improvements, updates, or expansions based on market feedback and technological advancements.
• Develop and implement product and pricing strategy through supplier negotiations
• Responsible for providing tender specifications and pricing to tender department
• Responsible for all product evaluations and validations
• Responsible for drawing up of customer contracts

Customer Engagement

• Engage with key opinion leaders and customers to gather feedback and insights.
• Address customer concerns and provide support to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Interact with KOLs, major buying groups and other professionals in the trade to forge strong interpersonal relationships
• Grow & Develop customer and KOL relationships through co-visiting with sales teams

Financial Management

• Develop and manage product budgets, including forecasting sales and monitoring expenses.
• Analyse financial data to make informed decisions about product pricing and profitability.
• Prepare and submit marketing and capex budgets
• Submit annual budget to CFO/CEO/Business Unit Manager and once confirmed, advise principals.
• Review performance against budget and review on a quarterly basis, communicating results to both principal and Business Unit Manager.
• Meet annual sales / GP goals and objectives assigned by Business Unit Manager.
• Manage product inventory to ensure optimum levels are maintained to satisfy market needs and minimize working.
• Submission of necessary monthly sales reports
• Manage the product pricing structuring and ensure availability to the sales channel. (Bluwave)

Quality Assurance

• Responsible for maintaining and continuously improving the quality system and achieving quality objectives through daily actions
• Responsible for maintaining and continuously improving the quality system and achieving quality objectives through daily actions

 General requirements

• Adhere to all company policies, procedures and business ethic codes.
• Review and sign-off on weekly re-order list.
• Assist with year-end stock take.
• Appoint new Suppliers and present to CEO/Business Unit Manager for approval.
• Evaluate/score Supplier/s on an annual basis.
• Assist and liaise with the Procurement team with regards to Supplier queries/information.

Minimum Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree/ diploma and/or equivalent experience in a relevant field (e.g., Chemistry, Biochemistry, Life Sciences), sales training.

Experience

• Have experience or knowledge in Bioprocessing Upstream and Downstream Technologies USP/DSP

• cGMP experience and/or knowledge will be advantageous

Requirements

• Computer literate in the Microsoft Office suite applications or similar
• Work on CRM systems and can populate data and update customer information.
• Have a willingness to be trained.
• Required to travel locally, Africa countries and internationally when necessary.
• Negotiation, contracting and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work within a cross-functional environment
• Existing relationships with KOLs within the Biotechnology and related markets across Africa.
• A valid South African identity book and passport
• Ability to travel when required.
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
• Able to collaborate and influence key funders.

Core Competencies Skills  

• Integrity:  Ability to reflect acceptable levels of moral values and business ethics.
• Customer focus:  willingness to respond to the needs of internal and external customers.
• Results driven:  Strive for excellence to ensure success and work well under pressure.
• Assertiveness: Getting team to perform their tasks without arousing hostility.
• Business Acumen: the ability to identify business opportunities and successful manage commercial risks.
• Financial interpretation: Analyse and understand financial data.
• Negotiation:  Ability to confer or bargain to reach an agreement.
• Accountability:  The obligation to account for one’s activities, accept responsibility for them, and to disclose results in a transparent manner