Product Manager

Job Title: Product Manager - Print

Department: Product Management

Reports To: Portfolio Product Manager - Print Solutions

Purpose of the Role

The Product Manager - Print is responsible for managing and growing the assigned print product portfolio to ensure strong market performance and profitability. This role spans the full product lifecycle, including enhancement of existing offerings and introduction of new solutions.

The incumbent will identify market opportunities, develop innovative product strategies, and align offerings with broader business objectives. Close collaboration with sales, service, marketing, and vendor partners is essential to ensure a competitive, solutions-driven portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

1. Planning

• Develop a deep understanding of market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape

• Build and maintain market segmentation models

• Implement local product strategies aligned to segmentation insights

• Prepare forecasts and annual product plans

• Support OEM positioning strategies for the print portfolio

2. Product Marketing

• Support market research and competitor analysis initiatives

• Collaborate on development of product collateral (internal and customer-facing)

• Monitor industry trends and competitor developments

• Contribute to product positioning and go-to-market strategies

• Assist with trade shows, product launches, and events

• Participate in conferences, training, and industry forums

• Contribute to thought leadership content (e.g., newsletters, forums)

3. Product Management & Support

• Manage the full product lifecycle (concept to end-of-life)

• Develop and maintain multi-year product roadmaps

• Ensure alignment with overall business strategy

• Develop tailored solutions for specific industries/verticals

• Maintain product data in ERP and CRM systems, including pricing

• Collaborate with logistics on stock planning and forecasting

• Act as the primary contact for product-related queries (non-administrative)

• Ensure all product documentation and training materials are up to date

• Brief marketing teams on product updates and requirements

4. Vendor Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local and international vendors

• Ensure compliance with vendor agreements and pricing structures

• Align vendor strategies with business objectives

• Drive vendor-led promotions to support sales growth

5. Reporting

• Analyse market share data and industry reports

• Monitor sales performance by product category

• Track performance against budgets (monthly, quarterly, annually)

• Monitor pricing trends and average selling prices

• Contribute to management and performance reporting

6. Training & Enablement

• Partner with sales, marketing, and service teams to develop training materials

• Coordinate training sessions with vendors and service partners

• Support internal and channel teams with product knowledge and tools

• Assist with go-to-market execution, demos, and customer engagement

• Provide sales enablement materials and ongoing support

7. Additional Responsibilities

• Support strategic initiatives and business planning

• Assist project management teams where required

• Perform ad hoc duties as assigned by management

Decision-Making Authority

• Pricing updates and discounts within approved delegation of authority

Planning Horizon

• Continuous: Portfolio management, pricing, query resolution, compliance

• Monthly: Performance reporting, partner engagement, pricing updates

• Quarterly/Annually: Business reviews, portfolio strategy, competitor analysis

Work Pressure & Complexity

• Managing time-sensitive channel queries and tickets

• Balancing partner needs with business strategy

• Delivering on project timelines and product rollouts

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Matric (Grade 12)

• Relevant diploma or degree

• experience in Office Automation or ICT industry

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license and own vehicle

Competencies

Technical / Functional

• Product and OEM training certification

• Market analysis and product lifecycle management

• Data analysis and reporting

Behavioural

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Planning and organisational ability

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving

• Decision-making and initiative

• Leadership and collaboration

• Attention to detail and reporting accuracy