Product Manager 4W – UTV/SxS/ATV

Overview

Salary Range: $115K - $120K / Annual

This position is responsible for 1.) Supporting the creation of nameplate-level products and accessories strategies, 2.) Liaising with AKM-R&D to ensure inclusion of “Voice of the US Customers” during model development and 3.) Leading the collaborative effort amongst relevant AKM departments to optimize product launch, marketing and retail sales activities.

LOCATION IN  TEXAS
 $115,000 – $120,000

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Deep knowledge of SxS industry, participating OEMs, and customers
• Strong ‘hands on’ experience in SxS products both personally and professionally
• Product planning or engineering backgrounds strongly preferred
• Supports AKM R&D in the development of a “macro” long-range 4-wheel 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
  • Pricing analysis and segment price positioning
  • 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 development
• Collaborates with Marketing in developing product positioning and messaging strategy; includes subsequent reviews of languages and copies for brochures, Kawasaki.com, etc.
  • Conducts Market Analytics:
  • Tracks, analyzes, and reports, 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.
• Attends and assists in industry trade shows (e.g., AIME), media events and customer shows.
• Analyzes and integrates consumer and dealership data into product plans and provides impact analysis and recommendations.
• Collaborates, assists, advises and attends internal and external (market, product, consumer) research studies.
• Acts as a market segment and product champion to internal and external entities.
• Acts as the internal educator on all product related touch points (e.g., sales training, dealer training, features & benefits, competitive advantages).
• Collaborates with Dealer Development in developing new model curricula in Kawasaki Dealer University.
• Assists in writing scripts and “starring” in product walk-around videos in Kawasaki Dealer University.
• Acts as the Kawasaki and competitor product expert; including specifications, technical data, pricing, programs, sales and inventory; acts as the key business Intelligence member for both internal and external products.
• Works closely with the CSP Business Planning section and assists in the development of annual business plans as needed.
• Works with Executive Management team to track, analyze, and provide advice on product mix and product control including addition, deletion, and attrition issues.
• Support KMC Parts and Accessories in third party accessories development
• Participate in local Marketing Strategy Meetings (MSM) for senior KMC executives to identify key competitive advantages to support new product launches.
• Provides post launch analysis; monitors new model performance & conducts research to gather “early market feedback” for development of rapid countermeasures.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) or equivalent from a four-year college is required; MBA is 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:

To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Exhibits excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must have SxS product and industry knowledge and experience.
• Demonstrates the ability to successfully prioritize and organize multiple, competing tasks.
• Is extremely detailed and deadline oriented.
• Brings energy and enthusiasm to group or team efforts.
• Has cross-functional team leadership experience.
• Has experience with the New Product Development process.
• 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).
• Must have solid knowledge and experience working with Microsoft’s Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Tableau software.
• Approximate percentage of travel required:  25%