Associate Product Manager

Associate Product Manager

SUMMARY

The Associate Product Manager (APM) will support all Proprietary Sourced categories (Filtration, Tools, Wipers, Lighting, Belts, Suspension & Equipment) with a strong focus within the Installer channel, to assist in new product development, sourcing, manage product warranty claims, and work cross-functionally with Category Management, Sales, Marketing, and Inventory Planning/Forecasting to align with company goals and objectives.

This position will support the category team with research and analytics on existing brands, products, and all competitive trends. The APM will coordinate with vendors on new product launch processes, marketing, catalog strategies, and work with all internal logistics partners. The APM will develop an understanding of products, industry, systems, warranty, and processes to assume greater responsibilities for growth in the future.

DEPARTMENT: Category Management REPORTS TO: VP Category Management

TYPE OF POSITION: Full Time STATUS: Exempt

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function.

• Assist and Track Claim Process until final resolution (Filtration and other Proprietary Brands)
• Direct Activity in New Product Development- Assist with packaging creation, working with catalog, and marketing teams to bring new part numbers into assortments.
• Tracking New Product Data from Product Information MGR and research/purchase OE items for Vendors
• Research and support new vendors for new products to market (as suggested by sales team)
• Supporting vendor line reviews
• Vendor programs
  • Maintain master vendor program matrix for CATMAN and Finance visibility
  • Create vendor templates for new products when bringing new part numbers to market.
  • Update ERP vendor instructions (terms, discounts, prepaid minimums, etc.)
  • Update ERP Defective and Return Policy by vendor
  • Assist with Vendor Cost Changes and templates updates (new part numbers)
• Data warehouse maintenance responsibility
• Incorporate market analysis data to formulate and maintain business plans for product categories
• Develop and maintain proficiency in our BI tool (Qlik), ERP (A / Sage), and project mgmt. (Monday.com)
• Own the gathering of Ecom digital assets and other Ecom vendor related needs
• Communicating product information updates for sales team (SharePoint)
• Assist in fielding product related questions from Sales team
• Engage cross-functionally with Global Sourcing, Marketing, Sales, and Inventory Planning/Forecasting

This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Although not essential to the position, the individual may be asked to perform other duties as requested by management.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

An individual qualified for this job must be able to:

• Champion innovative ideas to influence the course of the business
• Quick to learn and adapt - anticipate & remove obstacles in advance to drive greatest impact
• Ability to take raw data and make category suggestions
• Ability to maintain a professional image and positively represent the company
• Ability to work independently and successfully manage time, multiple projects, and changing priorities
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong verbal/written communication, problem-solving and presentation skills

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND CERTITICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 2 - 5 years Product Management / Category Management / Buyer team experience
• Proficient in working with databases and possessing other computer skills such as MS Office (Excel/Word/ PowerPoint, etc.)
• Experience with enterprise systems (ERPs)
• Additional language a plus (Spanish, Hindi)