Director of Sourced Home Appliance Products

Sharp Electronics Corporation • Montvale, NJ

28d

About The Position

Reporting to the Vice President of Product & Brand Marketing , the Director of Sourced Home Appliance Products is responsible for leading Sharp’s Home Appliance sourcing initiatives, managing the complete lifecycle product planning, procurement and pre-launch marketing of these products. They also will manage a third-party supplier representative relationship. This position includes responsibility for product line definition, competitive benchmarking and new product launch.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, MBA is a plus
• 15+ years product marketing experience in Appliances or consumer electronics
• Procurement-related experience including contract negotiation and competitive process management
• Strong project management and process skills
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Strong interpersonal / communication skills
• Demonstrated business / financial acumen
• Ability to get things done in a matrixed organization
• Self-starter with superior time management, detail orientation and organization skills
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Mastery of Microsoft Office especially Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint
• TRAVEL: 15%-20% travel, international and domestic

Responsibilities

• Sourcing Management Identify, develop and manage Home Appliance sourcing relationships world-wide with particular focus on Asia and Europe.
• Negotiate commercial terms and execute supplier contracts.
• As appropriate, employ strategic sourcing techniques to optimize procurement cost through formal competitive processes (e.g., RFP, RFQ, etc.).
• Coordinate with Sharp HQ the certification of sourcing suppliers to ensure Sharp quality standards for factory facilities and product are met.
• Working in close coordination with SSG, evaluate pre-production samples for cosmetic and performance issues. Work with suppliers to resolve.
• Take the lead in preparing / reviewing product user’s manuals.
• Monitor / measure supplier service levels and resolve any delivery issues.
• Work and communicate with suppliers to help reduce costs and add value.
• Manage third party supplier representative relationship.
• Product Planning Define Sharp’s sourced home appliance product strategy through a deep understanding of emerging HA trends as well as strong knowledge of competitors’ strategic direction.
• Lead the sourcing manufacturer(s) in the development of a comprehensive product road map across multiple sub-categories that are consistent with Sharp’s goals and corporate initiatives.
• Define feature specifications, industrial design and user interface (both product and mobile application, if applicable).
• Develop products to address specific channels and sales potential that has not been otherwise identified.
• Manage product development schedule for timely product launches.
• Identify unique Sharp technologies and product strengths that can be utilized to drive new products that target satisfying unfulfilled consumer needs.
• Identify marketplace trends and analyze 3 rd party forecast, sell-in and sell-through data. Incorporate findings into development of go-forward strategy.
• Conduct ongoing competitive analysis, identifying threats and opportunities. Communicate competitive analysis to the sales team and sourcing factories on a regular basis. Utilize competitive data as well as price trends to specify retail price and margin requirements for all products in a marketing plan.
• Own the out-of-box experience, recommending improvements.
• Pre-Launch Marketing Set the overall marketing direction for sourced products through the development of a detailed category marketing plan (the 4 P’s of marketing: products, price points, promotions and placement strategy) with the goal of achieving sales and profit objectives and improving brand image.
• Provide input to the New Product Introduction (NPI) team including members of Product Marketing, Brand Marketing, Sales, Service and Operations (SSG).
• Be the product category evangelist in working with the sales team and visiting retail accounts to communicate product roadmap, perform new product demonstrations and secure placement.
• Gather market information to support product-planning process.
• Help define the category marketing objectives, including product messaging, which through all marketing efforts follow the guidelines of the brand promise.
• Prepare turnkey product presentations for sales organization and dealer meetings on an on-going basis.
• Prepare and issue regular product update communications to the Sales organization.
• Represent and present product line at dealer previews, line reviews, national meetings and trade events.
• Support internal and external product training needs as required.
• Prepare the initial OEM purchase plan and forecast in accordance with contractual terms.
• Present to senior management as appropriate to outline and update plans and strategies, answer questions and otherwise respond to their requests.

Benefits

• Comprehensive, family-friendly healthcare plans (medical, dental, vision).
• 401k retirement plan with a competitive match and plenty of financial support tools.
• Employee Assistance Plan to care for you and your family's mental and behavioral health, balance, and support.
• Financial protection for you and your family (life insurance and disability insurance)
• Rewarding and holistic wellness program.
• Training, professional development, and mentorship
• Full suite of voluntary insurance benefits for financial planning (auto, home, ID protection and legal)
• Dynamic culture eager to innovate, enhance diversity, and work smarter.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director