Product Manager - Refrigeration & HVAC

About the role

An established supplier of refrigeration, HVAC and air-conditioning products is looking for a technically strong Product Manager to take ownership of its product portfolio. The role sits in Selby, Johannesburg, and combines hands-on technical knowledge with commercial decision-making. Candidates do not need to have held the title of Product Manager before; extensive industry experience and the ability to make sound technical and commercial decisions are enough.

Key responsibilities

• Manage, evaluate and continuously improve the refrigeration, HVAC and air-conditioning product portfolio.
• Identify opportunities to introduce new products, improve existing ranges and assess emerging technologies.
• Evaluate suppliers and equipment on technical performance, quality, suitability and commercial viability.
• Analyse product costs, selling prices, margins and market competitiveness.
• Spot gaps, overlapping products and obsolete equipment in the range.
• Give technical product advice and support to the national branch network.
• Work with Procurement on product lifecycles, stock suitability and alternatives, and with Engineering on product testing and performance.
• Build product knowledge across the business through training and guidance, and help colleagues interpret technical specifications.

Required profile

• Matric and a formal technical qualification in Refrigeration, HVAC or Mechanical Engineering.
• Extensive practical experience with refrigeration, HVAC and air-conditioning equipment and applications.
• Strong understanding of compressors, condensing units, evaporators, refrigerants, controls and related systems.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications, performance data and product selection requirements.
• Understanding of product costing, pricing, profit margins and commercial viability.
• Knowledge of inventory management and product lifecycles.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, good communication, and the ability to work independently and collaborate across departments.

Advantageous

• Previous product management, technical management or supplier evaluation experience.
• Experience evaluating and developing technical product ranges.
• International sourcing and supplier relationship exposure.
• SAP Business One or similar ERP experience.

Applicants apply with their updated CV; salary is highly negotiable depending on experience.