Product Manager - Jacobs at AECI Limited

Job Description    

• Manage a portfolio of Specialty and Base oils for personal care, agriculture, and the lubricant sector.
• Possess sound knowledge of the base oils and lubricant additives industry.
• Manage key accounts.
• Strategic oil blending expertise.
• Strategic sourcing to reduce costs and increase margins.
• Develop and execute a 3-5 year business strategy to achieve objectives.
• Oversee working capital management through strategic sourcing and lean inventory management
• Assist the sales team with technical briefs and monitor industry price movements.
• Negotiate prices at senior levels.
• Conduct joint calls with the sales team.
• Travel regularly, both nationally and globally, to visit suppliers and attend conferences.
• Develop new business opportunities.
• Communicate product and pricing trends with the sales team and key accounts.
• Provide regular summaries and analyses of product and market trends, stock movements, profit trends, threats, opportunities, and competitor activities.
• Strategically add new raw materials to the existing product portfolio.
• Forecast, plan demand, and purchase raw materials monthly.
• Actively seek opportunities outside the current portfolio for potential acquisitions.

Qualifications & Experience    

• Matric / Grade 12.
• Tertiary qualification in Chemistry or related fields, and Business Management.
• 3-5 years of Product Management experience.
• 3-5 years of Sales Management experience in the chemical manufacturing industry.
• 3-5 years of Technical experience in the chemical manufacturing industry.
• Experience in purchasing base oils and additives.
• Strong price negotiation skills.
• Thorough understanding of pricing structures.
• Energetic with great attention to detail.

Enthusiastic team player with a culture of empowerment and knowledge sharing.
Ability to manage multiple projects.
Proficient in SAP and MS Office tools.