TAPPI Industry Career Center: Zenith Cutter Seeks Product Manager
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Zenith Cutter Seeks Product Manager
The Product Manager will oversee, support and work to grow the Zenith Cutter Corrugated Segment.
This position is part of the Sales Team and is focused on deep market analysis and sales growth. While technical competencies are important, the ideal candidate will have stronger sales dynamics and marketing know-how.
PURPOSE/FUNCTION/SUMMARY
The Product Manager is responsible for managing the entire product life cycle of the assigned product portfolio, which typically includes multiple product categories and lines. Leads, facilitates, or otherwise participates in day-to-day activities of their product portfolio, including but not limited to product improvements, customer visits, technical support, proposals/costing/pricing, project managing specific orders and backlog, forecasting / inventory management, training, and sourcing decisions. Monitors profit margins and works with responsible parties to initiate and execute corrective actions as necessary. If applicable, leads the development of a new product plan, partners with Engineering, Manufacturing, third parties, and Sales in the development and launch of new products and improvements to existing products. When assigned direct reports, is responsible for providing direction, coaching, performance counseling, works with their team to achieve assigned goals and ensures the organizations 80/20 strategy is effectively deployed.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
·For the entire product portfolio family, thoroughly understand and maintain knowledge of market trends, technologies, competitors (market share, product portfolios and pricing), customer base, market size, channels of distribution and industry trade association. Proactively utilizes this knowledge to grow the product portfolio in order to meet or exceed assigned sales/bookings/orders goals.
·Leads, develops and executes the strategic plan for their assigned product portfolio which drives meeting or exceeding targets. Cascades the strategic plan to direct reports and works with them to develop appropriate goals which drive meeting or exceeding assigned sales/booking/order goals for the broader product portfolio.
·Establish, monitor and recommend market price of assigned products to ensure a competitive and profitable pricing structure is maintained. Understand profitability and margin analysis of product portfolio, works with finance, VP Sales or others to respond to special pricing requests from sales.
·Supports sales team by providing technical product training and support, resolving customer problems/concerns, traveling to customer sites to explain technical competencies and supporting product trials as well as helping to close sales deals.
·Proactively partners with sales and operations to prepare the forecast for assigned product portfolio.
·Maintain timely and thorough communication channels with direct reports and other cross-functional internal staff that positively effects the company ability to meet customer expectations.
·Develops and maintains strong customer rapport and positive business relationships (via face-to-face and written communications) which build customer loyalty and trust.
·When applicable, provide direction and oversight to direct reports;
·Selects, trains, mentors and coaches staff
·Conducts periodic performance assessments and addresses performance issues in a timely manner
·Ensures direct reports adhere to policies, programs and understand company’s core values
·Attends sales meetings as well as participates in trade shows and trade association conventions.
·Completes special project requests and other duties as assigned to support Zenith’s bookings, sales and profit objectives.
·Complies with Zenith Cutter’s Quality and Safety policies.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
·Ability to travel as required (at times up to 75%) to meet face-to-face with customers via automobile, airplane, bus, etc. (Domestic and internationally)
·Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license to transport self and others to a customer’s location or business meeting.
·Strong leadership competencies including; Employee Development, Business Acumen, Decision Making, Managerial Courage, and Drive for Results.
·Ability to learn and explain technical product capabilities
·Possess a positive attitude and strong communication skills which promote robust customer and team dynamics.
·Possess advance knowledge of MS Office Suite (Powerpoint, Excel and Word). Able to develop and present professional Powerpoint presentations.
·Exhibits and sets the example for professionalism, respect, integrity and creative thinking when interacting with customers, internal staff and direct reports.
·Ability to successfully coordinate and lead projects of significance across multiple departments.
·Ability to handle highly complex and varied tasks which regularly require the exercise of independent judgement and sound decision making.
·Ability to effectively deal with change and the unknown; adaptable and flexible.
·EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
·Minimum 5-7 years of sales and/or product management with demonstrated achievements in selling industrial products is required.
·Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Engineering or related field is required.
·Prior leadership experience is strongly desired.
·Knowledge of the corrugated, recycling, and / or plastic industry is desired.
PHYSICAL/VISUAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
·Requires occasional lifting of products weighing up to 50 lbs. This position often requires physical stamina and ability to drive and/ or travel in various weather or road conditions. Due to the nature of this position, is frequently exposed to various industrial and at times unpredictable environments while off-site at customer locations. This can include hot, dirty or where other PPE is required than required while on site at Zenith Cutter. The environmental characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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