Business Solutions Specialist - SolarAfrica Energy

The role of the Solutions Specialist will be to refine our current product solutions offering and work with the team on new solutions ideas to take to market.  You will lead all product development projects, including market research, data management, forecasting, pricing, profit and loss, promotion materials, market preference evaluations, etc.

The successful candidate will need to have a history of understanding, identifying, and commercializing product solutions for an existing market. They must be technically minded and have the ability to work quickly and diligently to get the right product to our customer base using the existing infrastructures for support.

Position of the job in the organization:

The successful candidate will report directly to the Managing Director.

Principal responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain the product ranges for the business in a systematic manner

• Identify new product categories and communicate viability

• Define the target customer, key competitors, and strategic positioning for new product ideas

• Conduct pricing analysis through defining the range/applications/target pricing/target gross margin

• Get approval of all specifications, components, financing models, etc. from relevant teams and suppliers

• Develop statistical forecast models, sales trends, research demand drivers, and prepare forecast data

• Work with the Head of Sales to coordinate cross-functional research activities to reconcile significant variances and refine the forecast model to reflect updated sales and marketing assumptions

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• Work with the Head of Marketing to coordinate market research with Marketing & Sales department. Short, medium, and long-term market forecasting will be required for the renewables market in South Africa. Market forecasting based on economic and competitor analysis

• Analyze the positioning of Company products, pricing, and competitors to identify strategies for differentiation and increased sales and market share

• Interact with Sales, Marketing, and Customer Finance to understand demand forecast drivers

• Utilize a collaborative and consensus approach by working with the Teams to obtain and ensure that current and accurate information is used

• Ensure information exchange between Sales, Quality, Technical, Production, Finance, Procurement, and Distribution to deliver

• Ensure product support for existing products, e.g. training, catalog, promotional materials, presentations

• Ensure all products are legally compliant

• Analysis of product life cycles, demand, and more

• Benchmark product to maximize business value from the product

• Advise Sales team of demand by region

• Advise Management of opportunities that they might not have taken advantage of

• Any other job duties associated with this role.

PERSON DESCRIPTION

Experience:

4-6 year's experience in product development /product experience in a similar industry and position.

Specific attributes:

• A marketing background is essential

• Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and by a proven process

• Excellent presentation skills

• Technically minded

• IT literate with strong/advanced Excel skills

• Statistical background and ability to interpret data meaningfully

• Customer-orientated

• Proficient in report writing

• A strategic thinker who can understand product decisions that may impact the company's vision

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Desirable attributes:

• Electrical experience, studies, work experience, or aptitude.

• Renewable industry experience would be desirable but not essential.