Associate Product Manager

Associate Product Manager

Location: Kohler, Wisconsin

Opportunity

KOHLER Engines, a division of KOHLER Co., has powered the toughest equipment in the commercial world since 1920. KOHLER Engines manufactures small engines for riding lawn mowers, garden tractors, walk-behind lawn mowers, concrete construction equipment, outdoor power equipment, welders, pressure washers and other products. For more information about KOHLER Engines, please visit www.kohlerpower.com.

The Associate Product Manager is responsible for developing and executing the product life cycle strategy for the Horizontal

• Product planning (e.g., recommending product growth, maintenance or exit strategies)

• Creating product specifications/charter to help provide guidance to Manufacturing and Engineering where products need to be in order to be competitive

• Promotion planning and execution

• Product pricing

Scope of responsibility is worldwide, with specific emphasis in Latin America.

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Develop strategies

Product: The Associate Product Manager must be an authority on respective products. The individual will:

• define, develop and execute global projects for new product platforms, product extensions, and enhancements over the product life cycle

• develop product strategies covering market trends, business cycles, segmentation, competitors, pricing, packaging, advertising, promotion, and distribution

• maintain products to meet changing customer requirements and regulations

Market: The Associate Product Manager must have an intimate knowledge of the global market. The individual will:

• collect and assess information to judge market reaction to product, price, promotion, and distribution

• track and predict market growth and share estimates for the global and regional horizontal shaft markets

• identify and track actions of key competitors

• develop and grow key relationships with OEMs, retailers, distributors and dealers

Price: The Associate Product Manager must consider pricing strategy. The individual will:

• recommend optimal pricing based upon competitive pricing, market information, customer requirements and in consideration of segment profitability

• identify areas for margin improvement through specification consolidation, costs savings initiatives, and price adjustments

• publish pricing for internal and external requirements

Promotion: The Associate Product Manager must initiate all tactical activities related to promotion of the horizontal

• provide marketing support to sales including communication of value proposition and publication of the product option catalog

• coordinate development of presentation materials, literature, POP and website information in multiple languages

• support trade show activities, PR efforts and other advertising initiatives to promote products.

2. Monitor Financial Results

The Associate Product Manager will have a robust understanding of the segment P&L. The individual will:

• understand the cost structure of the assigned product line and develop initiatives to reduce costs without sacrificing quality, performance or customer perception

• track and maximize profits on a customer spec basis

• measure success based on financial results

3. Coordinate Information and Activities

The Associate Product Manager must lead internal marketing activities for the horizontal

• ensure clear, continuous communication of product line strategies and issues to all internal stakeholders (e.g., Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing)

• direct all internal marketing activities related to new product development and current product improvement programs for vertical shaft walk/utility engines – specifically owning the product charters, program ACTs and product launch plans for the segment

• elevate major issues to business leaders when required

4. Plan

The Associate Product Manager will assist marketing leadership in the business planning processes. The individual will:

• support development of strategic plans, development plans, financial plans and capital plans for the segment

• own the 5 year product roadmap, customer action plan and product volume plan for the segment

• develop business cases for new products and significant product improvements

• develop action plans to grow market share in target regions

5. Work with staff to develop individual goals/objectives to support the department goals through the use of the Maximizing Performance Appraisal Process.

6. Personally demonstrate and drive the Kohler Core Competencies.

Skills/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Engineering or related field is required. Master’s degree in Business Administration is preferred.

• 3+ years experience in industrial product development, marketing, sales, channel management or finance with progressively increasing responsibility and a track record of results.

• Experience with small engines is preferred

• Global marketing experience with specific market knowledge in Latin America is required.

• Fluency in both English & Spanish languages is required.

• Ability to travel within LATAM, US and to China (40-60% overnight travel).

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

Why Work at Kohler Co.?

Kohler Co.'s mission is to contribute to a higher level of gracious living for those who are touched by our products and services. We understand that it takes investment in our associates’ development to make that happen. So, we offer ongoing investment in each individual’s personal development and the opportunity to collaborate with others across functions and roles at Kohler.

In addition to the investment in your development, Kohler offers a benefits package including a competitive salary, health, vision, dental, 401(k) with company matching, and more!

About Us

Beyond the competitive benefits and compensation, Kohler proudly offers a rich history, steeped in creativity and a commitment to our associates and communities. We invite you to learn more about our culture and company at www.kohlercompany.com.

It is Kohler’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified personnel in all job classifications without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or veteran status. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected]. Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.