Regional Lead of Category Management - Braking Systems

ZF Group•Vernon Hills, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a strategic leadership role responsible for defining and executing the North America braking category strategy for ZF Aftermarket while leading a team of professionals. The Category Management team drives portfolio strategy, pricing, growth, profitability, and lifecycle management across multiple product lines, partnering closely with sales, marketing, engineering, and supply chain to deliver solutions that meet customer and market needs. You will own category P&L levers (assortment, pricing, cost, channel strategy) and lead a team to achieve ambitious growth and margin targets. This position can be based in Vernon Hills, IL, Farmington Hills, MI, or Auburn Hills, MI.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, engineering, or related field (MBA preferred).
8–10 years in Category Management, including portfolio strategy, pricing, and key P&L levers (margin, mix, cost).
Proven team leadership: hiring, coaching, and performance management.
Strong analytical and commercial skills; ability to use data to optimize pricing, mix, sales, and margin.
Automotive aftermarket experience strongly preferred; braking systems experience a plus.
Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
Intercultural competence: able to collaborate effectively with global teams across regions.

Nice To Haves

MBA preferred.
Automotive aftermarket experience strongly preferred; braking systems experience a plus.

Responsibilities

Shape and execute the North America braking category strategy to drive growth and profitability, including portfolio mix, pricing, positioning, and lifecycle management, aligned with global leadership.
Lead market studies and develop business plans to capture growth opportunities and anticipate customer needs and market trends.
Own category P&L levers — set and monitor targets for sales, margin, share, and coverage; drive actions to achieve KPI objectives. Ensure budget control and corrective actions for category initiatives.
Optimize product portfolio through SKU rationalization and vehicle parc coverage to maximize competitiveness and profitability.
Partner with Purchasing, Supply Chain, and Operations to influence sourcing decisions, cost structures, and supplier performance to support growth and margin improvement.
Lead and develop a team of direct reports (Regional Category and Product Managers); build talent and succession plans.
Drive go-to-market readiness for new products and updates, ensuring effective communication and differentiation in the marketplace.
Deliver regular category reviews outlining current market position, strategic roadmap, and growth initiatives.
Monitor and report on KPI health: sales growth, net margin, mix, pricing realization, time-to-market, availability, coverage, and competitive position.