NPI (New Product Introduction) Merchandising Manager

Whirlpool • Benton Harbor, MI

1d

About The Position

The NPI (New Product Introduction) Merchandising Manager plays a critical role in de-risking and maximizing the commercial and financial success of KitchenAid Small Appliances product launches by establishing a systematic, data-driven framework for pre- and post-launch execution. Reporting directly to the Commercial Strategy & Analytics Senior Manager, this role collaborates with Category Merchandising Managers to rigorously vet baseline commercial assumptions and execute flawless go-to-market strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least 3 years of data analysis experience.

Nice To Haves

• Master of Business Administration (MBA).
• At least 5 years of experience in Merchandising Strategy, Retail Analytics, Category Management, or Product Commercialization / NPI within CPG or Consumer Durables.
• Proven ability to establish governance, stage-gate tollgates, and cross-functional management systems under tight timelines and high organizational visibility.
• Strong knowledge of retail channel dynamics, line review cadences, promotional mechanics, and retail exclusivity strategies.
• Demonstrated executive presentation and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Strong strategic mindset and high proficiency in turning complex commercial data into actionable go-to-market strategies.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead a standardized, repeatable management system to govern and track all pre- and post-launch activities across the NPI lifecycle.
• Map timeline milestones, line review schedules, and asset requirements—including digital, point-of-sale, and marketing content—across cross-functional partners.
• Identify early-warning variances against launch milestones and proactively develop and execute gap-closure action plans.
• Serve as the primary Merchandising lead for MLR launch tollgate reviews, enforcing stage-gate governance and cross-functional readiness criteria.
• Embed rigorous commercial modeling into the pre-launch pipeline to validate business case assumptions prior to G2 investment approval.
• Partner with Category Merchandising Managers and Sales to define launch positioning, pricing, promotional depth, trade spend allocations, and high-margin retailer exclusivity agreements.
• Establish post-launch reporting to monitor sell-through metrics, market share capture, and margin realization against baseline targets.
• Conduct post-launch performance reviews to capture learnings, optimize ongoing promotional cadence, and refine assumptions for future NPI pipelines.

Benefits

• Generous benefits package.
• Whirlpool employee discount.
• Fitness and educational reimbursement programs.
• Kitchenettes.
• At Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor locations: recently renovated office space, free coffee, biking and walking trails, and access to The Eddy Early Childhood Center depending on availability and for an additional cost.
• Always On Flexibility to manage personal, family, and outside-of-work commitments.
• Two weeks of work from anywhere per year, in minimum one-week increments.
• Four weeks of paid sabbatical leave after every five years of service.

What This Job Offers

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