Category Manager - Braking Systems

ZF Group•Vernon Hills, IL

3d•$103,800 - $129,800•Hybrid

About The Position

The Category Manager is responsible for the strategic management and overall business performance of the Passenger car braking product portfolio within the Independent Aftermarket (IAM) category. This hybrid role drives profitable growth through category strategy development, portfolio management, market analysis, new product introduction, pricing optimization, and cross-functional execution. The Category Manager serves as the commercial owner of the category, partnering with Sales, Marketing, Product Development, Purchasing, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Finance to identify market opportunities, improve customer penetration, optimize profitability, and ensure product availability.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, Automotive Technology, or a related field.
At least 5 years of progressive experience in category management, product management, product marketing, business development, or automotive aftermarket leadership roles.
Strong knowledge of the Independent Aftermarket (IAM), including category management, portfolio strategy, product lifecycle management, pricing, distribution channels, and competitive market dynamics.
Automotive aftermarket experience.
Demonstrated success developing and executing category growth strategies that drive revenue, profitability, market share, and customer penetration.
Strong business, financial, and analytical acumen, including experience using market intelligence, customer insights, competitive analysis, pricing studies, and performance metrics for decision-making.
Ability to lead complex cross-functional projects, product launches, engineering changes, and business initiatives from concept through implementation.
Ability to operate independently, establish priorities, manage multiple initiatives, and drive results with minimal supervision.
Strong communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to influence decisions at all organizational levels.
Experience working in a matrixed organization and leading through influence rather than direct authority.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and business intelligence, reporting, or data analysis tools.
Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.
Must be able to travel up to 20%.

Nice To Haves

MBA preferred.
Braking systems experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute category strategies to drive revenue growth, profitability, market share expansion, customer penetration, and long-term business success.
Create and maintain category roadmaps aligned with business objectives, customer requirements, market trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging technologies.
Analyze customer insights, vehicle parc data, competitive activity, market trends, pricing, and financial performance to identify opportunities and support data-driven decisions.
Lead product portfolio management, including new product introductions, product line expansion, coverage enhancement, portfolio optimization, product lifecycle management, and go-to-market execution.
Develop business cases, strategic recommendations, and prioritization plans supporting category growth, profitability, and investment objectives.
Manage category performance using KPIs including sales growth, market share, profitability, inventory performance, product availability, coverage, and return on investment.
Provide strategic direction to Purchasing, Supply Chain, and Operations on sourcing priorities, supplier performance, inventory strategies, product availability, and business continuity.
Develop and communicate category value propositions, competitive positioning, product strategies, and key messaging to internal and external stakeholders.
Lead cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives from concept through implementation, driving alignment, execution, accountability, and measurable results.
Set priorities, make recommendations, manage multiple initiatives, and achieve business objectives with a high degree of autonomy.