Product Specialist

The Product Specialist is responsible for managing the product portfolio, conducting market analysis, and developing competitive product strategies to support business growth. The role works closely with sales, marketing, OEMs, and after sales teams to identify customer needs, coordinate product launches, optimise pricing and inventory, and provide technical product support. The position ensures product performance, market competitiveness, and customer satisfaction while driving revenue and market share growth.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Product Strategy & Planning:

• Define and implement the product roadmap for heavy trucks, tractors based on market trends, competition, and customer needs, by aligning product portfolio with OEM`s with regional and global strategic goals.
• Develop business cases for new products, configurations, and technical upgrades.
• Play a key role in ordering and inventory planning in the markets.
• Cooperation with the OEM(s) and the markets to ensure all the legal importation requirements (certification, homologation, etc.) are met with the specs.

2. Market & Competitor Analysis:

• Conduct market research, segmentation, and competitor benchmarking.
• Identify customer needs across fleet operators, logistics companies, mining & construction companies and other specialized industries.
• Translate customer and market requirements into clear product specifications to OEMs.
• Monitor regulatory developments affecting emissions, safety, and vehicle design.

3. Product Launch & Lifecycle Management:

• Coordinate with marketing, sales, and dealer networks for product launch plans.
• Oversee pricing strategies, positioning, and value propositions.
• Manage lifecycle updates, product revisions, and phase-out decisions.

4. Cross-functional Leadership:

• Act as the product champion between sales, marketing, after sales, and supply chain.
• Train sales teams and customers in markets, on product features and benefits.
• Support after sales in developing service packages and technical training.

5. Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.
• 5–8 years’ experience in product management, product planning, or technical sales within the heavy truck industry.
• Experience in multi-market environments (export/import) preferred.

Required Competencies & Skills:

Technical & Industry Knowledge;

• Deep understanding of Heavy Commercial Vehicle Technology;

1. Power trains (diesel, alternative fuels, hybrid, electric).
2. Chassis configurations, payload optimisation, for maximizing the productivity and utilization of vehicles in different segments.
3. Telematics, ADAS, and fleet management systems.

• Knowledge of homologation, emissions standards, and transport regulations.
• Familiarity with fleet economics and TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) models.

Business & Strategic Skills;

• Strong market analysis and commercial acumen.
• Ability to build and defend business cases.
• Proven track record in portfolio management.

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills;

• Excellent communication across technical and commercial teams.
• Negotiation skills with suppliers, partners, and stakeholders.
• Cross-cultural collaboration in multinational environments.

Tools & Software;

• MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) – Advanced Level.
• CRM and ERP systems (Salesforce, SAP, etc.).
• Basic CAD understanding is a plus.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Product profitability & contribution margin.
• Market share growth within target segments.
• On-time, on-budget product launches.
• Customer satisfaction scores (product-related).
• Portfolio alignment with regulatory and sustainability goals.