Product Specialist- Diagnostic Laboratory Equipment

This position reports directly to the Managing Director.

Areas of Responsibility:
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.

Requirements

Qualifications

• A Grade 12 certificate as a minimum requirement.
• Tertiary qualification in related field advantageous.

Experience required

• Fluent in English, verbal and written;
• 3-5 years experience in a clinical laboratory environment preferred;
• Proven track record in project implementation and large project rollouts within the IVD market;
• Previous management experience advantageous;
• Sound Regulatory knowledge;
• Clinical & product knowledge beneficial.

Capabilities

• Strong understanding of IVD technologies;
• Strategic planning & decision making;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Project implementation;
• Results orientated;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Deadline driven;
• Proficient in MS Office;
• Own reliable vehicle required as well as a valid driver's license;
• Must be available to travel both nationally & internationally as and when required

Benefits

Basic and Travel allowance

50% medical aid and provident fund contributions

Cell and data allowance

Fuel Card