Product Manager

Fully competent professional able to carry out a full range of professional duties. Responsible for achieving work results that have impact on both short term and long term business results. Works independently with minimal amount of direction on more complex issues. Recommends and implements changes in processes and procedures as needed. Resolves issues that are differing but related requiring sophisticated analytical or problem solving techniques to identify cause. Anticipates future issues. Devises solutions based on limited information and relies on past experience or precedent to identify solutions or to adapt existing approaches to resolve issues. Requires in depth knowledge and experience in professional discipline. May be accountable for leading projects. Typically 5-8 years of similar experience is required. No formal management or leadership required. May act as an advisor or mentor to junior professionals. Under limited direction, implements a marketing and sales strategy for one or more of the organization's products/product lines to meet established sales or market share targets. Monitors, analyzes, and evaluates market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor activity to identify market opportunities for the products/ product lines. Monitors, analyzes, and evaluates product performance and customer feedback to generate new product ideas and identify product features that need to be changed to meet customer needs. Coaches less experienced team members and helps them resolve problems. Essential Duties and Responsibilities * Manages assigned products/product line(s), including preparing and coordinating product introductions and updates. Establishes product launch project schedules and ensure timely attainment of targets. Advises sales team of any product delays or concerns. * Analyzes brand performance, competitiveness and product trends in the marketplace and, based upon this research and analysis, develops short and mid-term strategies for assigned products. * Collaborates with the sales and marketing groups to develop strategies to grow sales and market share, coordinate communication objectives, and develop marketing materials such as printed catalogs, price sheets, packaging, etc. * Meets regularly with both customers and suppliers to improve sales growth, profitability, market share and program quality. Answers product knowledge and technical questions posed by customers. Coordinates and works to resolve channel conflicts. * Develops annual written sales plans for assigned products/product line(s). Regularly monitors the status of sales against plan. Negotiates the terms and conditions of supply agreements. * Develops and delivers presentations to management regarding product program status and results. * Completes special projects as directed by department management. * Coaches less experienced team members and helps them resolve problems. * Performs other duties as assigned.   Minimum Level of Knowledge and Skills Required * Requires a Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or related field * 5-8 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Previous automotive aftermarket experience is preferred. * Excellent project management skills including the ability to define program, project or process objectives, identify customers/stakeholders and their interests, plan steps, and to coordinate resources to accomplish goals and objectives in an effective and timely manner * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Must be a skillful presenter that can interpret information based on a general knowledge of the organization, its products and procedures, and provide an independent explanation and discussion based on the technical or complex nature of the materials being discussed * Excellent customer service skills with an ability to approach every business relationship partnership * Excellent analytical skills with an ability to independently evaluate and develop innovative solutions to complex situations, applying knowledge of specialty area and use of sound judgement * Excellent negotiation skills. Ability to resolve difficult or complicated situations that are often sensitive in nature. Recognizes and applies subtle cues in anticipating customers’ needs and potential next steps. Takes strong stand without indicating disrespect and seeks positive outcomes * Demonstrated competency in working with computer software and mainframe applications to manipulate, analyze and reconcile data   Benefits Summary:  * Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug plans   * 401K with 4% Company Match  * Vacation/PTO and 13 Paid Holidays   * Bonus Program   * FSA/HSA and Dependent Care Programs  * Company provided Life, Disability, ADD and Business Travel Insurance  * Various No Cost Wellness & Chronic Condition Management Programs  * Various Optional Insurance programs such as legal, identity theft, critical illness, etc.  * Tuition Reimbursement   * Career Development and Ongoing Training   * Employee Assistance Program   * Employee Spotlight and Recognition Program   * Volunteer Opportunities   * Onsite Fitness Center (vary by location)  * Cafeteria and food markets (vary by location)   * Onsite Health Clinic and Pharmacy (vary by location)      Candidates residing 50+ miles from the work location are eligible for relocation assistance.   Annual Salary: $122,000 - $153,000