Head of Planning

GWS Tool Group•Nashville, TN

1d•Remote

About The Position

As the planning Director for all GWS Products, you will be responsible for managing the complete life cycle of GWS Tool Group's product portfolio. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, marketing, sales, and Plant planners to ensure the successful development, launch, and management of standard products throughout their life cycle. Join GWS Tool Group as a Product Life Cycle Manager for Standard Products and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions to our customers. Apply your expertise to shape the life cycle of our standard product line and drive the success of our business. GWS Tool Group is a North American company that specializes in making custom, standard, and modified standard cutting tools. While we have the resources and capabilities of large companies in our industry, we maintain a small and service-focused approach. Our "Custom Comes Standard" philosophy reflects how we provide value to the market. We're known for being a one-stop shop for customized tooling needs, designing and manufacturing these tools in our various factories. What sets us apart is our ability to tailor our capacity to meet the unique requirements of our customers and their preferred partners. We encourage everyone to think creatively because with GWS, the possibilities are virtually limitless. GWS Tool Group is part of the Sandvik Group – A high-tech and global engineering company offering products and services that enhance customer productivity, profitability and sustainability. In 2023, the Sandvik Group had approximately 41000 employees and revenues of about 127 billion SEK.

Requirements

Degree in Business Administration, or a related field.
4 years+ experience.
Proven experience in product management, preferably in the manufacturing or cutting tool industry.
Strong understanding of product life cycle management principles and practices.
Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Analytical mindset with a focus on data-driven decision making.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
Results-oriented mindset with a focus on achieving targets and driving continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute product strategies aligned with the company's goals and market trends.
Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and customer feedback analysis to identify opportunities for product enhancement and expansion.
Collaborate with the engineering and manufacturing teams to define product requirements and specifications.
Lead the product development process, from concept to launch, ensuring timely execution and adherence to quality standards.
Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure efficient product development, including design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing.
Monitor and analyze the performance of standard products throughout their life cycle, including sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
Develop and implement product improvement initiatives, such as cost reduction, quality enhancement, and feature upgrades.
Identify and address product-related issues and customer feedback through collaboration with relevant teams.
Conduct pricing analysis, considering market dynamics, cost structures, and competitive positioning.
Collaborate with the marketing and sales teams to develop pricing strategies that maximize profitability and market share.
Monitor market trends and competitor activities to identify potential threats or opportunities.
Provide sales teams with product knowledge, training, and collateral to effectively promote and sell standard products.
Collaborate with the marketing team to develop product marketing materials, including product catalogs, brochures, and online content.
Support sales efforts by participating in customer meetings, trade shows, and industry events.