Product Specialist - Laboratory Equipment

SUMMARY:
Leading medical device / equipment supplier requires a Product Specialist to join their laboratory equipment division.  A minimum of 2-4 years clinical laboratory experience is preferred. IVD market experience will secure.

POSITION INFO:
Qualifications
A Grade 12 certificate as a minimum requirement
Tertiary qualification in related field is advantageous

Experience required
Fluent in English, verbal and written;
2-4 years clinical laboratory environment exp preferred
Proven track record in project implementation and large project rollouts within the IVD market
Previous experience in product management
Sound Regulatory knowledge
Clinical & product knowledge beneficial

Support product strategy & vision:
Support the development and execution of the product strategy for clinical pathology
Define and maintain a product roadmap in alignment with market needs and corporate objectives
Conduct market research to identify customer needs, industry trends, and competitive landscape

Compliance & regulatory requirements:
Ensure that the product meets relevant regulatory standards
Work closely with regulatory affairs teams to navigate product certifications, quality control processes, and compliance with medical device regulations
Maintain awareness of healthcare standards and guidelines to ensure the product adheres to safety, efficacy, and quality requirements

Customer & market focus:
Assist Sales Consultants to network & develop relationships with new customers and to manage existing customers
Build and maintain relationships with healthcare professionals, including pathologists and clinical leaders, to understand their needs and gather feedback on product performance
Attend all applicable National & International Congresses

Cross-functional collaboration:
Partner with sales, marketing, and service teams to ensure that product messaging, training, and support are aligned with customer expectations and product capabilities
Support Admin staff to ensure stock rotation
Assisting the Tenders & Quotes department with all queries on specifications.

Product lifecycle management:
Oversee the product lifecycle from start to finish and post-launch updates, ensuring the product stays competitive and addresses emerging technological and customer needs
Control stock levels

Product performance monitoring:
Use performance feedback and analytics to drive product iterations and updates, ensuring continued product relevance and improvement
Address any post-launch issues related to product quality or usability, coordinating with customer support teams for resolution

Strategic project implementation:
Serve as the relational bridge between customer and the division’s internal departments
Support the competitive win strategy through successful execution of large-scale projects

Financial & business outcomes:
Oversee the product’s financial performance, ensuring it meets profitability targets while maintaining competitive pricing within the healthcare market
Assisting Sales team in achieving budgets by driving sales

Launch strategy:
Collaborate with the marketing and sales teams to develop product launch strategies, including go-to-market campaigns, product training, and customer support
Support sales efforts with product knowledge and materials, ensuring sales teams are equipped to sell the product effectively

Risk management & issue resolution:
Proactively address challenges related to customer adoption, ensuring smooth transitions during product implementation and training
Ensure product upgrades and improvements are well-managed and communicated to existing customers

Training & support:
Ensure that the Sales Consultants receive adequate training and support for the correct use of the products as well as in the latest products and product differentiators