Product Manager - Tools

Job Summary:The Product Manager is responsible for developing and executing product strategy plans that deliver new innovative solutions, achieve sales objectives, and strategically position Makita USA in a leadership role. This position requires a thorough understanding of the market, competition, trades, end user's needs, applications, business trends, channels of distribution, and product price positioning for their respective category. This individual will be a product leader working cross-functionally to deliver their category vision and strategy for Makita USA.Salary: $95,000 - $120,000 per yearApplicants must be local to La Mirada CAEssential Job Duties:Manage product development portfolio strategies to include new product development roadmaps and existing product portfolios to align with the company's vision and objectives.Understand product life cycles to create planning processes and timelines to develop new products.Manage the overall product development process from ideation to processing the necessary steps and approvals to the implementation and product launch.Thoroughly understands primary applications for all related products and accessories while understanding the current competitor's product's strengths, weaknesses assortments, and marketing strategies.Have complete knowledge and assessment of the market, both targeting users and dealer requirements including current trends, size of the user segments, building code requirements, market opportunities, and geographical strengths to develop strategies to position and develop products that lead the market.Establish and employ product innovation positioning with attribute planning that articulates the value proposition to our targeted users.Drive market and competitive analysis to define clear product differentiation and positioning.Lead/support cross-functional (research) development teams that may include engineering, sales, marketing, logistics, purchasing, outside research firms, and others to develop further new/refreshing products and promotional tactics.Responsible for increasing category revenue and profit by developing new products, enhancing products/solutions, implementing promotional activity, and developing/creating sales aids to further build user awareness and brand energy.Timely execution of marketing plans and effectively communicating critical information throughout all facets of the organization.Develop promotional strategies along with the marketing team for new and sustaining products that reinforce the Brand and value to both targeted users and dealers.Build and maintain category competitor and user database to aid in gaining knowledge and customer preferences.Responsible for continually driving suggestions, contributions, plans, and solutions.Deliver product presentations to key customers, trade press, and attend required tradeshows.Determine annual forecasts and sales budgets for related product categories.Strong time management, project management, and strategic planning skills while having a clear vision of the "big picture".Support the quality improvement process by working closely with the QC team by assisting at the field, service, and user levels.Develop product knowledge programs to help educate the sales team, customer service department, service centers, and dealer's sales employees.Continue to be challenged and motivated to always be the best in the industry and always look for ways to deliver winning results.Constantly implement creative, consistent vehicles that fully support the company's prime objectives regarding professional users, products, and focus.Responsible for monthly reports that contain progress on related projects, sales analysis, and any relevant information concerning market trends and developments.Other Duties:Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Skills Required:Analytical - Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.Design - Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Demonstrates attention to detail.Problem-Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem-solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Develops realistic action plans.Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work promptly; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.Adaptability - Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.Initiative - Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities.Innovation - Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.Marketing experience, including advertising, copy development, working with graphic designers, etc.Product management experience, including launching products, ideally in a related industry, such as construction or building products.Strong familiarity with power tools, perhaps as a contractor or trades professional, or at a manufacturer or retailer of power tools.Supervisory Responsibility:This position does have supervisory responsibilities.Travel:40% travel may be required for this position, which includes overnight stays in some cities where events are being held.Education and/or Experience Desired:Bachelor's Degree from a college or university, or equivalent professional institution.Master's degree in marketing, Business, or related discipline preferred.We also will consider non-degreed candidates with significant and highly relevant experience.5+ years in product management or similar industry experience.Previous experience with both retail and distribution channels is preferred.Physical Demands:Required to regularly use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.Required to regularly stand; walk; and stoop, bend, or reach above head.Required to frequently sit.May be required to occasionally lift, push, or pull up to 75 pounds.Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.Able to ascend and descend stairs.Continuously reach out to sort miscellaneous items.Physically & mentally able to work in an environment that may be subjected to strict deadlines and multiple projects.May be subjected to working extended and/or irregular hours.Disclaimer:This description is based on management's assessment of the requirements and functions of the job as of the date this description was prepared. It is a general guideline for managers and employees, but it does not intend to be an exhaustive list of all of the elements of the job. Management reserves the right to modify the description at any time, or to vary the duties and responsibilities of the job on a temporary or indefinite basis to meet production, scheduling, or staffing needs.Equal Opportunity Statement:The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit. Company policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, religion, marital status, age, gender, national origin, ancestry, physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, veteran status, military service, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, genetic information, medical (including genetic characteristics or cancer diagnosis), actual or perceived sexual orientation, or any consideration protected by federal, state or local laws. All such discrimination is prohibited. Additionally, the Company will provide registered domestic partners with all rights and benefits as required by Law. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) prohibits employers from requesting or requiring genetic information of an individual or family member of the individual. The Company is committed to complying with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportun

Created: 2025-01-31