Product Manager, 2W & PWC

Product Manager, 2W & PWC

Job Category: Corporate Planning

Requisition Number: PRODU002314

Description

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support CSP in the development of a "Macro" Long-Range 2-wheel and PWC Product Strategy for the US market based on the following:
• Alignment with Kawasaki's Global and US Brand Strategies and Product Vision
• "Customer-Centric" , "Trend-Correct" and "Well Differentiated" New Product Concepts
• Product Lifecycle Management and Transition Planning
• Model/Variation and Contenting Strategy
• Sketch Feedback, Annual C&G Planning, new model static reviews, naming studies
• Process Improvement for early inclusion of the voice of retail (Sales Department) in Product Dev't
• Collaborate with Mar-Com in developing Product Positioning and Messaging Strategy. Including subsequent reviews of languages and copies for brochures, Kawasaki.com, etc.
• Market Analytics
• Track, analyze, and report, in measurable terms, on product cycles (e.g., life cycle, sales cycle, etc.), prices, market trends, segmentation, color and graphics, advertising, promotion, distribution, demographics and other areas related to the success of the product line. This includes historical data analyses for all areas mentioned.
• Attend and assist in industry trade shows (e.g., IMS), media events and customer shows
• Analyze and integrate consumer and dealership data into product plans and provide impact analysis and recommendations
• Collaborate, assist, advise and attend internal and external (market, product, consumer) research studies
• Act as a market segment and product champion to internal and external entities
• Internal educator on all product related touch points (e.g., sales training, dealer training, features & benefits, competitive advantages)
• Collaborate with Dealer Development in developing new model curricula in Kawasaki Dealer University
• Assist in writing scripts and "starring" in Product Walkaround Videos in Kawasaki Dealer University
• Act as the Kawasaki and competitor product expert; including specifications, technical data, pricing, programs, sales and inventory – key Business Intelligence member for both internal and external products
• Work closely with CSP VP and assist in the development of annual business plans as needed
• Work with Executive Management staff to track, analyze, and advise on product mix and product control including addition, deletion, and attrition issues.
• Support AKM Parts & Accessories in the accessory development in conjunction with AKM Sales and Marketing
• Develop and implement local Marketing Strategy Meetings (MSM) for senior executives to identify key competitive advantages to support new product launches
• Post launch analysis – monitor new model performance & conduct research to gather "early market feedback" for development of rapid countermeasures

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) or equivalent from four-year college is required; MBA preferred; and minimum seven years related experience and/or training in a product management environment, preferably within the power sports industry; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Exhibits excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must have 2 wheels & PWC product knowledge and experience.
• Demonstrate the ability to successfully prioritize and organize multiple competing tasks.
• Must be extremely detailed and deadline oriented.
• Bring energy and enthusiasm to group or team efforts.
• Has cross-functional team leadership experience.
• Has experience with the New Product Development process.
• PDCA Kaizen experience (or LEAN Six Sigma).
• Must be highly proactive.
• Internal combustion engineering or powersports mechanical experience is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated success defining and launching powersports and/or automotive segment products is required.
• Strong inception and product development experience (e.g., Stage Gate, PDCA, Lean-Kaizen, VOC).
• Approximate percentage of travel required: 25%
• Has solid knowledge and experience working with Microsoft's Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access software.

Salary: $110,000 - $120,000

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.