Global Licensing Category Manager, KitchenAid Small Appliances

Whirlpool•Benton Harbor, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Currently, KitchenAid Small Appliances is seeking a qualified candidate to fill a critical Global Licensing Category Manager position located at our Global Headquarters in Benton Harbor, MI. The Global Licensing Category Manager for KitchenAid Small Appliances will help to drive the business’s growth strategy by supporting the initiative to assess new product categories and licensing partners. They will also be the main day-to-day point of contact with licensees and internal process partners. They will be responsible for the development of the product road map from idea generation to commercialization and launch across the categories in which those partners are licensed. The position will work collaboratively with our external licensees and internal cross-functional teams. This role is a 5-day in-office position. For Chicago-based candidates, we are open to offering a split work arrangement between our World of Whirlpool location in downtown Chicago and our Global Headquarters in Benton Harbor, Michigan, with weekly attendance in Michigan required (2 days per week). A comprehensive relocation package to Benton Harbor, Michigan, is available for eligible candidates. #LI-DD1

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree
5+ years of product marketing or brand/category marketing experience
3+ years of project management experience

Nice To Haves

Degree in Marketing or Engineering
Prior global business experience
Proven strategy development experience
Strong consumer focus - specific consumer-driven product development experience
Firm grasp of product development processes and ability to launch successful new products
Proven success working and leading in a fast-paced environment
Proven organizational skills and ability to manage a team without direct authority
Exceptional communicator with impeccable interpersonal skills
Excellent presentation skills
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Embody Whirlpool’s values of inclusion and diversity

Responsibilities

Lead all communication and day-to-day business relationships with external licensing partners. This includes facilitating regular meetings, in-person visits, joint design reviews/signoffs and approvals, and ensuring compliance with our licensing contracts.
Develop long-term product strategy for the categories and licensed partners you lead, including driving growth from both new and existing products.
Utilize the Licensed Product Development Process & Whirlpool Product Development (WPD) process to drive projects from idea to commercialization.
Leverage consumer insights to drive fact-based, consumer-centric decisions that support our premium brand positioning and brand strategy
Develop, review, and approve marketing assets (ex: messaging/copy, photography, videos, packaging, etc) across the products of responsibility, ensuring they are aligned with KitchenAid brand strategy and guidelines.
Accomplish results through strong and collaborative cross-functional relationships with internal and external process partners, including: licensees, regional marketing teams, brand and category marketing, design, engineering, procurement, sales, finance, legal, etc.
Support the larger licensing team in identifying new potential products and categories to explore for licensing as a way to drive continued growth in the overall licensing business.
10-15% travel, including internationally

Benefits

Generous benefits package
Whirlpool employee discount
fitness & educational reimbursement programs
kitchenettes
Beautiful, recently renovated office space
barista bar
biking/walking trails
access to The Eddy - Early Childhood Center (depending upon availability - additional costs required).
Always On Flexibility - You will have the autonomy to manage personal, family, and outside-of-work commitments as needed.
Two-Week Work from Anywhere - Minimum of one-week increments for a total of two weeks per year.
Sabbatical - Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service.