Michelle Mativandlela
Product Marketing Specialist
Johannesburg
Summary
Accomplished Product Marketing Specialist with a proven track record in the automotive industry, adept in strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration. Excelled in launching products, enhancing market penetration, and executing competitive analysis. Skilled in product lifecycle management and pricing strategy, with a flair for fostering strong industry relationships and driving sales through innovative product lifecycle measures.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Product Marketing Specialist
Volkswagen Group South Africa
07.2019 - Current
- Streamlined internal processes between departments to improve efficiencies in product development cycles and time-to-market capabilities.
- Launched new products successfully by coordinating with sales, engineering, and design teams for seamless execution.
- Increased product awareness by developing and implementing strategic marketing campaigns.
- Analyzed competitor offerings and developed strategies to differentiate our products in the marketplace effectively.
- Coordinate comprehensive go-to-market plans that addressed product, pricing, marketing strategy, sales roll-out plan, and competitive analysis elements for successful product launches.
- Supported sales team members through regular training on product updates, messaging, and value propositions to increase their effectiveness in selling our solutions.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure clear communication of product features and benefits.
- Assembled product reports and presentations to share insights and recommendations with stakeholders.
- Proficient in crafting clear, timely, and transparent communications for internal teams, media, and stakeholders during crisis situations.
Product and Pricing Analyst
Jaguar Land Rover South Africa
08.2015 - 06.2019
- Monitored promotional campaigns'' effectiveness to assess their impact on overall sales performance and recommend adjustments when necessary.
- Conducted regular price reviews, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and competitor activities.
- Developed effective pricing models, resulting in more competitive product offerings.
- Price negotiations with the overseas global team.
- Communicate pricing to external parties including dealer network.
- Analyse data and customer research to inform Product Marketing strategies, offering insights into customer purchase behaviors aimed at boosting future sales.
- Deliver product presentations at media launches and served as the presenter for local product launch reveals.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and other media contacts.
- Review of press releases and communication materials.
- Updates of the Jaguar Land Rover website, social media platforms as well as engage the public and respond to customer enquiries.
- Strategic planning and execution for product initiatives and activations.
- Cultivate relationships with retailers, customers, and third-party entities.
- Provided supervision, mentorship, and training to new graduates within the product department.
- Assist the product managers during product forums.
Marketing Graduate
Jaguar Land Rover South Africa
07.2013 - 07.2015
- Provide daily support to the brand managers and PR manager with their tasks and responsibilities for South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Optimise effectiveness of the Land Rover and Jaguar experience as marketing, prospecting, and loyalty tool
- Overseeing projects related to the Land Rover and Jaguar experience.
- Create product and marketing materials aligned with the point-of-sale strategy.
- Support the product team in organising product launches and activations.
- Track and provide monthly updates on changes related to competitor products and pricing.
- Align vehicle specifications and pricing with customer needs and market trends to support product decisions.
- Drive retailer marketing strategy.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
Education
No Degree - Finance For Non-Finance Managers
Nelson Mandela University
Gqeberha, Eastern Cape 04.2001 -
No Degree - Principles of Project Management
University of Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, South Africa 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Marketing Management
University of Pretoria
Pretoria, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Target market identification
Product marketing
Pricing strategy
Product launch activation
Product lifecycle management
Competitive analysis
Product positioning
Go-to-market strategy development
Strategic planning
Project management
Customer research
Cross-functional collaboration
Timeline
Product Marketing Specialist
Volkswagen Group South Africa
07.2019 - Current
Product and Pricing Analyst
Jaguar Land Rover South Africa
08.2015 - 06.2019
Marketing Graduate
Jaguar Land Rover South Africa
07.2013 - 07.2015
No Degree - Finance For Non-Finance Managers
Nelson Mandela University
04.2001 -
No Degree - Principles of Project Management
University of Witwatersrand
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Marketing Management
University of Pretoria
04.2001 -
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