Product Specialist

Job Purpose

Product Specialist for Lenovo ISG is responsible for supporting the sales team with technical pre-sales assistance, solution design, quoting, deal registration, and administrative coordination. This role bridges the gap between sales, vendors, and customers to ensure accurate, timely, and competitive infrastructure solutions. The position requires a strong understanding of data centre technologies (servers, storage, networking), Lenovo ISG portfolio, and internal operational processes within an IT distribution or reseller environment.

Responsibilities

Pre-Sales Support

• Assist account managers in designing Lenovo ISG solutions (ThinkSystem servers, storage, networking, hyperconverged infrastructure).
• Interpret customer requirements and translate them into bill of materials (BOMs).
• Provide technical guidance on configurations, compatibility, and sizing.
• Engage with Lenovo vendor teams for solution validation and special bids.
• Support proof-of-concepts (POCs) and solution positioning where required.

Quoting & Pricing

• Prepare accurate and competitive quotes using Lenovo tools (e.g., Lenovo Data Center Solution Configurator – DCSC).
• Manage deal registrations, special pricing requests (SPR), and bid proposals.
• Ensure pricing aligns with vendor programmes, rebates, and promotions.
• Track and follow up on quotes to closure.

Administrative & Sales Support

• Maintain CRM system accuracy (opportunities, pricing, customer details).
• Assist in order processing, stock checks, and lead times.
• Liaise with procurement and logistics for availability and delivery timelines.
• Handle documentation such as proposals, tenders, and compliance requirements.

Vendor & Partner Engagement

• Build working relationships with Lenovo ISG teams and internal stakeholders.
• Stay updated on Lenovo product updates, promotions, and certifications.
• Assist in coordinating marketing campaigns, webinars, and partner enablement initiatives.
• Attend meetings / engagements with clients / partners when required.
• Attend functions when required

Pipeline & Reporting

• Support pipeline tracking and reporting for ISG opportunities.
• Provide insights on deal progression, risks, and opportunities.
• Assist sales leadership with weekly/monthly reporting.

Qualifications and Experience

• Matric
• Valid code 8 driver’s license and own transport
• 2–5 years in IT pre-sales, internal sales, or technical admin role
• Preferably within IT distribution or OEM environment
• Relevant certifications (advantageous):
• Lenovo ISG accreditations
• VMware / Microsoft / Nutanix fundamentals
• Diploma or Degree in IT, Engineering, or Business (preferred)

A successful candidate will be:

• Detail-oriented and process-driven
• Technically curious with a willingness to learn Lenovo ISG solutions
• Commercially aware and deadline-focused
• A strong team player supporting sales growth

Knowledge and Skills

• Basic Technical product offering knowledge
• Internal reporting structures and procedures
• Quality, health and safety standards/systems
• Excellent customer service knowledge

Technical Skills

Understanding of:

• Servers (rack, tower, edge), Storage (SAN, NAS, HCI), Networking fundamentals, Virtualisation platforms (VMware, Hyper-V, Nutanix) Ability to interpret technical specifications and create configurations
• Familiarity with Lenovo ISG portfolio (advantageous

Business & Operational Skills

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in quoting
• Commercial awareness (pricing, margins, deal structuring)
• Ability to manage multiple quotes and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong administrative discipline

Communication Skills

• Ability to communicate technical concepts in a clear, business-friendly manner
• Strong internal collaboration with sales, procurement, and vendors
• Professional engagement with customers and partners