Product Manager Independent Automotive Aftermarket Business - Gauteng

SUMMARY:
Based:  Johannesburg, Gauteng
Remuneration: Highly Competitive  
 
About the Role
Join a leading player in the Independent Automotive Aftermarket as a Product Manager / Demand Planner, where you’ll take charge of key product categories and make a real impact. This is a dynamic, commercially focused role that blends product management, procurement, and supplier performance with demand planning and range optimisation. You’ll be driving profitability, ensuring stock availability, and shaping competitive market positioning, all while aligning ERP systems and planning tools with the company’s growth strategy.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities:
Demand Planning & Purchasing

• Oversee integration between the Demand Planning Tool and ERP system
• Review and validate suggested orders based on demand forecasts and inventory parameters
• Process and manage Purchase Orders, ensuring timely follow-up on overdue deliveries
• Analyse lost sales and forecasting exceptions to improve replenishment strategies
• Continuously review supply chain efficiency and recommend planning model adjustments

• Optimise product range according to market demand and customer expectations
• Identify new product and category opportunities and present business cases
• Monitor competitor activity and industry trends to maintain market relevance
• Ensure compliance with specifications and Consumer Protection Act requirements

• Monitor stock levels, product performance and inventory health
• Manage excess and obsolete stock through corrective strategies
• Analyse sales, margins, market share and trading density to drive profitability
• Ensure pricing remains competitive and aligned to cost and margin requirements

• Develop and maintain strategic supplier partnerships
• Negotiate pricing, rebates, payment terms and trading agreements
• Monitor supplier performance against SLAs and quality standards
• Collaborate with sales, marketing and branch teams to support product success

• Contribute to product marketing strategies and launch plans
• Measure marketing ROI and drive initiatives to improve sales performance
• Provide product knowledge, sales tools and market intelligence to support revenue growth

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Supply Chain, Procurement, Commerce or related field
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Product Management, Demand Planning or Procurement
• Strong ERP and advanced Excel capability
• Proven financial and analytical skills
• Experience negotiating and managing supplier agreements
• Automotive Aftermarket experience highly advantageous