Product Marketing Manager Africa

Komatsu is the 2nd largest worldwide manufacturer of construction, mining and utility equipment, and also delivers forest machines and logistics.

Currently there are almost 300 people working at the Komatsu Europe Headquarters and Parts distribution center in Vilvoorde (Belgium): technical experts, sales profiles, logistic and administrative staff, etc. These people come from wide-ranging backgrounds and jobs, and share common characteristics such as perseverance, commitment, analytical skills, efficiency and trustworthiness: the very image of Komatsu machines.

Product Marketing Manager Africa

Key responsibilities

Market Analysis and Visualization of the African Market (Marketing)

Responsible regions include East, West, North, and Central Africa
Analyze statistics, fleet operation data, specifications, pricing, machine utilization data, and quality issue information to identify challenges and opportunities for sales expansion
Understand market trends and identify customer needs through dialogue with Business
Development (BD), customer visits, and on-site visits
Evaluate Komatsu and competitor product through machine-touch

Product Planning

Understand the features and available options/accessories (OPT/ATT) of existing products (both Japan-made and overseas-manufactured), as well as products under development
From a mid-term perspective of 3 to 5 years, prioritize machine ranges that require sales expansion in the African market
Based on research findings, develop new product concepts, covering performance and functions, pricing, profitability, sales volume, specifications, and target customers
Work together with Komatsu’s product planning and development departments to discuss product concepts and achievement measures, and build the foundation for new products
Propose machine names, determine market introduction timing, prepare new product launch notifications, conduct product training, and develop sales and service materials

Product Management

Identify products at risk of discontinuation, consider alternatives, or request continuation as necessary
Expand attachments and optional equipment (ATT/OPT) for markets that use machines in specific fields and special applications
Handle product-related complaints (quality-related issues are handled by the Service Department)
Respond to product-related inquiries from sales negotiations and distributors (DBs)
Review and organize product specifications according to market conditions, while maintaining Africa Standard Specifications (Africa STD Spec)

Your Focus

Minimal formal degree: Bachelor or Master (degree in a technical field is an advantage).
Experience: 5 – 10 years.
Key aspects:

Technical product knowledge of mining and/or constructions machines
English language skills
A strong desire to expand Komatsu’s business by understanding the environments and cultures of emerging markets, including Africa
A person who attentively listens to customer input and has a solid understanding of on-site construction processes
The capability to persevere and identify breakthrough

Your Benefits

Fixed contract with an attractive salary package and performance bonus
Work / life balance: flexible hours & working from home (3days/week) including allowance
Legal holidays + 12 compensation days
Many training opportunities and possibilities to grow within our company

Are you the professional we are looking for?
If so, please send your CV and cover letter to jobs.be@komatsu.eu to the attention of the HR Talent Advisor.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Komatsu we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.