Product Manager

DRiV•Skokie, IL

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

Day-to-day responsibility for managing product line. Manage and own New Product Introduction (NPI) and New Product Line Introductions (NPLI) including creating, progressing, and completing projects in a timely and high-quality way. Determining the product line coverage, specifications, pricing strategy and time-integrated plans for product introductions.

Requirements

Degree level education in Business Management, Engineering, Automotive Technical, Supply Chain Management, Marketing or similar field
Experience in product management or a similar product related environment, automotive and/or replacement parts background
Database knowledge essential, PBI skills useful
Excellent computer and analytical skills with thorough knowledge of MS Office.
Ability to respond to and meet critical deadlines
Excellent communication skills both oral and written
Must be able to work under pressure with a methodical approach
Well organized with a keen eye for detail
Quick to learn and execute desired goal
Collaborative and a self-starter
The attitude and will to want to make a difference
Problem solver and innovative thinker
Willingness to travel

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of automotive products and repairs is preferred.
Personal interest in the automotive industry and a good level of vehicle/engine knowledge preferred (although not essential)
SAP experience preferred but not required

Responsibilities

Perform detailed research of the OE and aftermarket competitors’ catalogues, interchanges, pricing, and component information to support gap analysis and new part additions.
P&L ownership and responsibility for growth and profitability of desired product line.
Support Program Management with launching of new product extension and product introductions
Understanding of desired product line, trends and support needed to support the team
Maintain competitor interchange files.
Liaise with the Purchasing / Engineering Dept as appropriate for new product introduction (NPI).
Create files for individual customer load templates.
Analyze global sales data to determine areas of focus and margin improvement.
Assist with and respond to product and coverage inquiries submitted by the global sales team and customers.
Support quality and warranty teams to manage and resolve customer complaints.
Create and maintain SAP part data including NPI load templates, life-cycle management, country of origin, BOMs, material determinations.
Support the New Item Investigation (NII) process in FileMaker Pro.
Preparation of new product and product support material including bulletins.
Aid in the management of products throughout all stages of product life cycle, from opportunity identification, development, and release of New Part Introduction (NPI) to post-release activities including stock category changes and deletions.
Assist purchasing with resourcing activities as appropriate to ensure a competitive cost base.
Support supply chain team to manage and resolve supply chain issues (MOQs)
Assist catalog team to with application loads, image creation, and other attributes needed to improve on-line presence and grow sales.