Director​/Product Management

Basic Purpose

The basic purpose of the Director/Product Management, Wheels is to lead the activities related to wheel product offering. This position must have a thorough understanding of the dynamics of the marketplace, the competitive environment and how various distribution channels are used to maximise revenue from the customer base. The position will engage in activities to drive high-impact growth initiatives and will oversee the overall product management activities for both steel and aluminum wheels and any other related products.

1. Manage the overall product portfolio for steel and aluminum wheels throughout the product lifecycle using a cradle to grave approach from product conception, through product launch, to product retirement/succession.

2. Lead the efforts on new product planning and new product launches for the steel and aluminum wheel business units including market studies, business case justification, sales training and marketing support.

3. Identify and assess on an ongoing basis the market trends to maintain Accuride’s competitive position in all global markets.

4. Develop market studies and analysis to be used in Accuride’s strategic plans.

5. Promote brand awareness through the development of catalogs, brochures, product bulletins, press releases, web content, advertising, trade show coordination and other available means.

6. Maximise the cost effectiveness of sales and marketing support materials.

7. Participate in various review meetings for the Accuride Wheel North America BU

8. Lead initiatives to focus available resources on high-impact projects.

9. Develop strong customer relationships with OEMs, Distributors and Fleets.

• BS degree in Marketing, Finance, Business Administration or Engineering; a graduate-level degree in business or engineering is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with product development and new product launch.
• Experience dealing with international customers from a technical point of view.
• Ability to oversee projects and drive results.
• A solid understanding of manufacturing fundamentals, particularly as related to wheel manufacturing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with all levels of an organization, both internally and externally.
• Excellent analytical, planning and organisational skills.
• Highly self-motivated with the ability to solve complex problems.
• Proven proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to utilise advanced Microsoft Excel features (pivot tables, Vlookups, macros, etc.)
• Five or more years of management-level experience in sales, business development and/or product marketing.
• Five or more years’ experience in the commercial vehicle or automotive markets is strongly preferred.