The Candidate will lead the development and growth of the Professional Print business across the CCNA (Canon Central & North Africa) markets by fulfilling the role of product champion for all business development, marketing and sales activities in cooperation with DRBG, Sales Team, Marcoms & Partners.

What we give

With Canon, you'll get the support and encouragement you need to grow, from people who share your ambition. We'll invest in your professional development to help you learn and progress in your role with us. You'll find leaders who give you the freedom to explore new things and a team where knowledge is shared openly.

At Canon we have a clear vision: to be committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable culture where employees are valued and can thrive personally and professionally.

Canon also has a strong commitment to sustainability, encompassed by our Kyosei philosophy of living and working together for the common good, focused on reducing our environmental impact and creating opportunities to make positive social contribution.

The Candidate will be responsible for promoting Canon Products & Solutions awareness and profile across the regions via events, PR, Marcoms activities, internal promotion, and partner collaboration. The Candidate will also be responsible for designing action plans for country support and regional marketing/ sales activity to stimulate market awareness and sales achievement.

The candidate will also be responsible for: 

• Market Analysis and Strategy

Together with sales managers, local partners and external market research companies (when appropriate), analyze market situations per country on issues such as Market Size, Competition Activities, Market Pricing and general market developments and dynamics

Use this analysis as the basis for discussions with sales managers, to formulate local sales strategies and design clear business plans.

Draw up action plans for country support and regional marketing/sales activity, in line with budget guidelines agreed with Marketing Manager, to stimulate awareness and sales achievement.

Monitor Canon MaSh (Market Share in the individual Countries and prepare Market Intelligence & Competitor Analysis on a periodic basis

• Pricing / Product positioning

Decide product pricing and positioning based on competitive landscape.

Conduct support negotiation with DRBG to achieve required pricing

Support the Sales team for Tender pricing, Key accounts & Special deals. Also, responsible for Tender Pipeline management in co-ordination with Area sales.

• Product Launch & Promotion

Co-ordinate the planning and schedule of new product launches together with internal staff in order to support the timely and successful launch of new products into African markets.

Manage the Product Life Cycle for the products from Launch to End of Life through required strategy, promotions & schemes

Drive Strategic Product / Targets in line with the management direction

• Product Training & Development

Attend to training courses on nominated products and create/carry out the local training courses for internal teams & Canon distributors at suitable location in Africa.

Evaluate knowledge levels of trainee, maintain and update training records.

• Sales & Marketing Budget preparation & Implementation

Fix the Sales budget with Area Sales, discuss and agree annual targets and termly sales plans, together with the requisite marketing plan/budget (products/pricing/promotion etc).

Discuss and advise Sales Team about proper product strategy in order to realize stronger business structures and market coverage.

Monitor and review monthly sales performance for assigned product group to ensure smooth sales movements in line with the agreed sales plan, and take appropriate remedial action

• GP (Gross Profit) Management

Monitor and control of GP through tracking of special promotion pricing and tender deals at the point of:

1) agreeing special pricing with the sales group

2) follow up at actual delivery period  for tracking of incoming (from Europe) and outgoing (to customer) support.

• Marketing/Business Development Activities

Plan, manage and co-ordinate the execution of various market development activities within company guidelines and to meet the agreed quality standards, time planning and budgets.

• Co-ordination with Regional HQ

Ensure smooth & continuous communication with Developing Regions Business Group for all activities related to Budget preparation, Support discussions, Product launches, Monthly performance management, other reports & submissions in line with requirements.

What we ask

• Relevant recognized formal qualifications (university level)
• 8-10 years of experience in a similar role
• Good career track record in Professional Print Industry

Interpersonal Requirements

• Excellent analytical skills and a logical mind.
• Motivation and aptitude to continue learning as new technology is introduced
• Able to communicate, at times involving complex technical information, to technicians, service and marketing personnel in all Canon Locations, and distributors.

Previous Experience/ Education

• High level of relevant knowledge and experience coupled with the ability to relate technical information to non- technical people at all levels.
• Previous experience of formal classroom training desirable, but proven coaching techniques may be an acceptable alternative
• High level of written and spoken communication is required
• Familiarity with MS Office Applications, i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

Other Requirements

• Fluent in English
• Fluent in French or Arabic is an advantage

You will need

• Result Driven
• Customer Obsession
• Business Acumen
• Effective Communication 
• Plannning & Prioritisation
• Coaching

Canon is an equal opportunity employer. Canon recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status or other protected status as required by law.