Product Manager - Generator/Engine Kohler

Seeking a candidate with a Bachelor’s/Master’s degree and 4+ years of experience in marketing/product engineering with customer interaction and commercial experience – preferably with a  technical product line. This role is responsible for product specifications and planning, competitive analysis, sales forecasting, strategic pricing, P&L, product lifecycle management, and cross-functional leadership. Kohler also has an opening for a Gaseous Product Manager. Message me for more info!

Job Description:

 

The Product Manager is responsible for development, profitability, growth and maintenance of the assigned residential and light commercial product lines. This includes strategic market and financial planning, competitive analyses, product development plans, product specifications, pricing strategy, cross functional project management, cost reductions, sales forecasting and aftermarket product support. This position works closely with Design Engineering and Channel Management to improve competitive position and increase market share.

 

This position is located in Saukville, WI approximately 30 minutes north of Milwaukee.

 

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

• Analyze, identify and aggressively target growth opportunities in worldwide residential and light commercial generator market. (Products to include gensets, and corresponding accessories)
• Conduct market research to identify key accelerators and inhibitors to market growth and end use consumers’ demand for this product.
• Develop complete product line that competitively positions Kohler in all required product nodes; while creating merchandisable differences between competitive products.
• Coordinate new product launch kits with Marketing, Communications, Technical Publications, Service, Training, etc.
• Responsible for product costing and lead cost reduction team to aggressively position Kohler as cost competitive; help maintain product leadership position in the market.
• Target key competition within the market; leverage our competitive resources/advantages to exploit competitor weaknesses and gain market share.
• Support strategic and financial planning for residential/light commercial product line.
• Develop and implement product forecasts and new product introduction strategies/tactics.
• Lead in a matrix team (cross functional) environment; supervise on-going product related teams consisting of Marketing, Engineering, Sales, Advertising, Service, Operations, and Corporate staff personnel.
• Support after market opportunities in regards to service parts, quality, and reliability.
• Provide Program Review to top management monthly.

RELATIONSHIPS AND CONTACTS

 

Supervisory Relationships:

• Reports to the Director-Marketing, Residential Light Commercial Business

Organization Relationships:

• Coordinate with Marketing Department personnel; i.e., Sales, Channel Management, Market Planning, Administration, Service, etc.
• Coordinate with Kohler Power Systems departments; e.g., Engineering, Sales, Manufacturing, HR, Marketing, Materials, Reliability and Accounting.
• Coordinate with Group and Corporate departments; e.g., Accounting, HR, Credit, Legal, Communications, etc.

External Business Relationships:

• Contact with end-users, customers and all current / potential channels of distribution.
• Attend trade shows, exhibits, seminars, and conferences.
• Contact with federal agencies, industry associations, customers, and consumer groups to obtain market information.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - WHAT YOU NEED TO QUALIFY

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or Marketing.
• 4+ years of product marketing/management and/or product engineering experience with strong project management skills and a background in strategic planning, consumer product marketing, and product line P&L.
• Strong engineering aptitude and a keen analytical mind, be strong on planning, detail and accuracy.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of management and with outside contacts.

SKILL PREFERENCES – HOW YOU CAN STAND OUT

• MBA preferred
• Generator, engine or power distribution experience preferred.

For application instruction, please contact me at kimberly.hughes@adp.com