Product Manager - Kohler and Sterling Stainless Steel Sinks - Kohler, Wisconsin

Seeking a candidate with a Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of experience in product management ideally with consumer goods, marketing, supervisory experience, and Profit & Loss ownership or responsibility. Relocation assistance is available.

As a Product Manager - Kohler and Sterling Stainless Steel Sinks, this is your unique opportunity to set your mark and live on the leading edge. Responsible for complete management of the stainless steel kitchen sink businesses from creation of new products through their complete product lifecycle. He/She will have influence on product and channel strategies for both the Kohler and Sterling stainless steel product lines in North America.

The Stainless Steel Product Manager will be responsible for planning and directing the company’s short and long-range marketing programs, and will operate as the recognized central authority on all marketing matters related to the stainless steel kitchen sink category. Coordinate and work closely with all headquarters departments, including Sales, Advertising, Materials, Forecasting, Operations, Engineering, Accounting, Legal and Supply Chain. Responsible for development and implementation of product line objectives, and develop strategies necessary to achieve objectives over both long and short-term time spans.


HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE
1. Develop long-term marketing plans for stainless steel kitchen sinks. Incorporate sales, advertising, research and promotional efforts required to meet current and projected market objectives.
2. Prepare annual marketing plans for assigned products, including market strategy, incentive promotions, sales forecast, projected market penetration and budget estimates.
3. Develop short-term product marketing programs to obtain business in line with product sales forecasts and profit objectives.
4. Manage product prices, terms of sale and discounts recognizing our objectives and our competition.
5. Conduct consumer and market research to guide channel and product strategy
6. Provide presentations/training to guide promotional activities of branch sales personnel.
7. Develop and present sales training programs for company sales representatives and distributor personnel seminars.
8. Develop expertise on competitive stainless steel kitchen sinks including products, pricing, distribution, manufacturing, promotions, etc.
9. Provide market demand projections to guide the preparation of forecasts. Work with Operations to ensure needed product supply at the lowest possible product cost while maintaining quality standards.
10. Develop “Authorized Corporate Transaction” reports for new product introduction.

RELATIONSHIPS AND CONTACTS

Supervisory Relationships:
1. Reports to Marketing Manager, Kitchen Products

Organization Relationships:
1. Frequent contact with Product Engineering and Industrial Design regarding the development of new products or changes in existing products.
2. Frequent contact with Advertising and Promotional Services to obtain advertising and promotional support consistent with the marketing plan.
3. Frequent contact with Branch Managers and sales executives regarding market penetration, new product justification, changes in existing products, promotional programs, etc.
4. Moderately frequent contact with the PA Controller regarding the development of budget and capital expenditure schedules and the performance of the department.
5. Moderately frequent contact with the Legal Department.

External Business Relationships:
1. Attend trade shows, exhibits, seminars and marketing conferences.
2. Discuss new products, materials and purchased products with sales and technical representatives from outside Kohler Co.
3. Contact with inventors to review and evaluate their ideas and products.
4. Contact customers to obtain market information on product sales and market trends. Includes distributors, builders, consumers, architects, engineers, plumbing contractors, O.E.M. users and retail outlets.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - WHAT YOU NEED TO QUALIFY
• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing or Business is required. MBA/MS preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Product Management, Marketing, Channel Management, and/or Product Development with progressively more responsibility and a track record of results. Ideal candidates will have strong brand experience.
• Strong analytical skills, strong spreadsheet knowledge, strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Previous supervisory or coaching experience preferred.

Apply online here: Product Manager - Kohler and Sterling Stainless Steel Sinks
Contact: Kimberly.hughes@rightthinginc.com