JOB TITLE: Localization and Product Manager

DEPARTMENT: Aftersales

BRANCH: Stellantis South Africa

REPORTS TO: GM - Aftermarket

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Localization and Product Manager role is a permanent role responsible for defining and implementing the sourcing strategy in localization by analysing historical buying/selling patterns, understanding the Automotive OE & Aftermarket Market dynamics, building strong relationships and making informed decisions that align with the business goals.

The role reports directly to the GM - Aftermarket and requires strong cross functional working capabilities whilst working across both Aftermarket and OE environments focusing on the development of parts and accessories.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Relevant Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Senior manager with experience in product development and product sourcing.
• Experience & knowledge in the full Aftermarket Value chain is a plus.
• Strong cross-functional leadership to coordinate different functions.
• Proficiency in MS Office with a high aptitude in Excel.

CORECOMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to liaise with different departments and stakeholders.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement effective product and sourcing strategies to maximize our go-to-market plans.
• Negotiation: Strong negotiation skills in the context of suppliers, partners, customers and internal stakeholders.
• Analytical Skills: Strong capability to assess current and future market dynamics, competitor behaviour and trends, industry benchmarks, and customer and sales data to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and enhance overall business performance.
• Problem Solving: Ability to address and resolve issues that could affect the progress of the Aftermarket & Accessories business.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep familiarity with Automotive OEM/Aftermarket parts specifications, OEM/aftermarket technologies & digital cataloguing platforms enabling accurate product selection, validation, and strategic portfolio decisions.
• Financial Acumen: Skilled in evaluating market pricing dynamics, margin performance, competitor strategies, and product cost drivers to deliver data‑backed pricing recommendations that optimise profitability and market competitiveness
• Parts Product Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of OE and aftermarket brand structures, cross‑referencing practices, and part‑numbering conventions, enabling precise product validation, accurate substitutions, and effective assortment planning.
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
• Parts Cross‑Referencing & Positioning: Strong ability to interpret and validate automotive OE numbers, aftermarket part numbers, and brand‑specific coding to establish precise cross‑references, enabling accurate product mapping, competitive positioning, and effective range development.
• Product Positioning: Skilled in analysing how alternative automotive parts are positioned across the aftermarket value chain—considering pricing, brand perception, technical equivalence, and distribution dynamics—to craft informed and competitive positioning strategies for Stellantis‑approved products.

EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of 5 years' senior experience in a role within the Automotive Parts market.
• Extensive experience in the automotive industry, ideally within the Aftermarket sector.
• Experience in local and international parts sourcing, with international experience being a clear advantage.
• Above average Market and Competitive information gathering and analysis.
• Experience with the technical aspects of automotive products.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

General

• Coordinating the sourcing strategy and execution thereof, securing agreed product coverage, competitiveness, and quality.
• The identification of new sourcing bases & opportunities in the market with a deep screening of key players.
• Take the lead on the product offer/ catalogue based on market opportunity by commodity and markets context/ regulation.
• Commercial benefit evaluation of product and accessory go-to-market plans.

Aftermarket & Accessories Localization Responsibilities

• Support the Aftermarket & Accessories regional product team in defining the parts offer to compete in the South African and SSA market given the resources and capabilities within the business -
• Define the local sourcing strategy to secure the required product coverage, competitiveness, and quality.
• Source products locally and internationally and negotiate with suppliers whilst following the prescribed processes for indirect procurement.
• Identification of new sourcing bases & opportunities both locally and internationally, and screening of key players with local and regional support teams.

Aftermarket & Accessories Product Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the GM of Aftermarket and develop and implement product strategies and roadmaps aligned with the business objectives.
• Develop competitive pricing strategies and product policies through proper market research and competitor analysis.
• Participate in MEA meetings and provide support on product and accessories development feedback.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including dealer sales, marketing, and supply chain teams.
• Collaborate with the GM of Aftermarket in the creation and implementation of product marketing plans, launches, and campaigns.
• Develop KPI’s to monitor the success of existing and new product performances and collaborate with key stakeholders to improve the performance.

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