Product Manager - Passenger & Light Truck Tires

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Responsible for the management of our Passenger & Light Truck tire product lineup. The Product Manager role will work closely with Purchasing, Marketing, Pricing and externally with suppliers to ensure stores have a complete and profitable product line for our core tire segments.

The Product Manager position will be responsible for the complete retail product screen for our individual markets based on sales and industry data down to the store level. This role will uncover segment opportunities and assist the Manager of Product Strategy in development of business cases to optimize our sales for these opportunities in both Owned Brand and National Brand tires.  Management of the product screen includes applications and value steps for each tire size. This includes development of the product segment lifecycle, roadmap planning, and transition planning for each product line. Working with the Pricing team, the Product Manager will maintain the competitive retail product landscape to support strategic retail price direction. As a member of the Purchasing Organization the Product Manager will work closely with the Buyers by guiding the segment needs and recommended brands/products for each opportunity. Responsible for the creation and management of Product launch plans and projects to ensure product launches are successful with proper stock from the Buyers, training from Communications, Marketing support and warranty setup in Adjustments. Operating as a product expert this role will be the primary contact for Marketing in terms of Product Launches and Promotions on Passenger and Light Truck tires. Analyze and monitor market indicators from sources such as VIO, NHTSA while tracking national legislative initiatives (infrastructure projects, etc) for our business. This role is expected to be self starting and self serving for data analysis utilizing raw data from various Les Schwab systems to develop the market analysis and brand positions.

 Key deliverables for this position will be:

• Product Screen Development & Evolution

• Set and Maintain the Ideal Competitive Retailer Tire Lineup

• Product Sales Performance Dashboards

• Company wide and Area driven sales

• VIO Data Management

• Industry trend reports

• Product Launch Planning and Execution

 PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

35% - Tire Lineup, Application Management, Lifecycle & Transition Planning

20% - Setting and Maintaining the Competitive Retail Tire Lineup

15% - Tire Market and Vehicle Trend Analysis

10% - Product Line Performance Reporting

10% - Product Launch Management

5% - Tire Line Promotion Recommendations

5% - Other Tasks as Defined by the VP & Manager of Product Strategy to support

MINIMUM EDUCATION & SKILLS REQUIRED

Educational/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, engineering or comparable experience.

• 5-12  years of progressively more responsibility in product management, branding or marketing intelligence.

Required Technical Skills/Knowledge: 

• Expert knowledge in use of Microsoft Excel

• Intermediate working experience in Microsoft Powerpoint / Google Slides

• Working knowledge of productivity applications (Google G Suite, MS Office, etc.)

• Business Intelligence tool exposure and experience

• Working knowledge of product management applications

• Product marketing & purchasing experience in a retail tire environment

General Knowledge and Abilities: 

• Expert in Tire and Vehicle products and applications

• Experience in identifying target opportunities

• Proven ability to develop business cases supporting product introductions

• Understanding of product lifecycle management and supply chain process

• Proven successful project management skills

• Strong analytical skills paired with a roll-up-your-sleeves attitude

BENEFITS:

• Annual profit-sharing bonus

• FREE medical healthcare option for employees

• Company-funded retirement plan - no cost to employee

• Paid holidays

• Paid time off

• Hybrid arrangements available (3-4 days in office 1-2 days from home)

• Tuition Assistance

• Employee discount

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions/primary responsibilities. This job description is not all inclusive and is subject to change. Additional duties, responsibilities, and tasks may be assigned, as necessary. Employment remains “AT WILL” at all times.