What are the responsibilities and job description for the Product Manager position at SUPERIOR DIESEL, INC?
The Product Manager is tasked with developing and implementing successful product and marketing strategies to profitably grow sales of a designated product line or application(s) to both existing and new customers throughout the territory.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Product Design & Selection
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of available products for potential customer applications and how they can best be utilized.
- Develop a comprehensive understanding (strengths, weaknesses) of competitive products offered within the territory.
- Assist salesman with engine- product selection or parts offerings.
- Gather market data (customer needs and competitive features) to drive competitive and differentiated engine package designs or parts kitting options.
- Develop and implement successful strategies to maintain and / or grow market share with customer engine tier changes.
- Coordinate prototype package development and promotion for assigned products.
- Train existing sales force to promote the features and benefits of assigned products.
Material Planning
- Lead material planning activity for assigned products. Work with sales to utilize existing tools and processes to forecast, plan, and procure material to assure competitive lead times for assigned products.
- Develop and implement alternative strategies to plan material to meet customer lead times and avoid excess or obsolete inventory.
- Develop and execute a phase out and/or transition strategy for discontinued products
Market Analysis and Development
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of available customer applications and uses for products within the territory.
- Utilize leads and market data to identify new customers and applications for assigned products.
Cost / Pricing Strategy
- Work with in-house engineering and purchasing groups to optimize packages for cost and customer value.
- Gather and organize competitive pricing feedback.
- Assist account managers with cost estimates and pricing strategies for new products.
- Review margin reports to evaluate cost / pricing effectiveness.
- Lead the annual pricing review process for assigned products.
Projections / Forecasts
- Assist with and provide short term and long-term sales forecasts for assigned products
Product Support
- Work with service group to identify and resolve customer product issues so as to assures repeat sales
Other
- Assist with special projects as needed including new product evaluation, acquisition due diligence, and other.
- Travel as needed for customer visits, site visits, application reviews, etc. (less than 10%)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
§ Must have strong telephone communication skills and etiquette.
§ Must be able to work well with others and assist the public cooperatively and courteously.
§ Must be able to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and request clarification when needed.
§ Must be able to work efficiently and accurately in an atmosphere of frequent interruption.
§ Must be able to identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
§ Must be able to work independently and carry out assignments to completion with minimum instruction and adhere to established routines and practices.
§ Must have an excellent work ethic and superior attendance.
Education and Experience Required
§ Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business, or Marketing is preferred
§ At least two years of experience in a similar manufacturing environment is required
Product Manager Expectations
As a Product Manager, you are expected to perform the responsibilities of this position in an efficient, accurate and courteous manner while dealing with frequent interruptions. Your attendance and willingness to take responsibility for your contributions are crucial to the company’s success.