Manager Home Appliances

Overview

Under the supervision of the Director of Product Marketing, the Manager of Product Home Appliances is responsible for the complete lifecycle product planning, sourcing and marketing of assigned products. This includes product line definition, sourcing, factory communication, product launch, and daily marketing execution of the semi-annual business plan, all while ensuring that sales and profit budgets and KPI’s are achieved. This position carries P&L responsibility.

• Guide the factory in the development of a comprehensive product road map across multiple sub-categories that is consistent with Sharp’s goals and corporate initiatives. Influence feature specifications, industrial design and user interface. Negotiate FOB pricing.
• Develop products to address specific channels and sales potential that has not been otherwise identified.
• As appropriate, assist in specifying features, testing and maintaining connected IoT application.
• Manage product development schedule that ensure timely product refresh given available new technology and industry norms.
• Identify marketplace trends and analyze 3rd party forecast, sell-in and sell-through data. Incorporate findings into development of go-forward strategy as well as the assessment of past performance.
• Conduct ongoing competitive analysis, identifying threats and opportunities. Communicate competitive analysis to the sales team and product factories on a regular basis. Utilize competitive data as well as price trends to specify retail price and margin requirements for all products in a marketing plan.
• Own the product out-of-box experience, recommending improvements.

• Set the overall marketing direction through the development of a detailed category marketing plan (the 4 P’s of marketing: products, price points, promotions and placement strategy) with the goal of achieving sales and profit objectives and improving brand image.
• As appropriate, convene a New Product Introduction (NPI) team including members of Brand Marketing, Sales, Service and Operations.
• Be the product category evangelist in working with the sales team and visiting retail accounts to communicate product roadmap, perform new product demonstrations and secure placement. Gather market information to support product-planning process.
• Set the category marketing objectives, including product messaging, which through all marketing efforts follow the guidelines of the brand promise.
• Work with the brand marketing team in proposing advertising (where applicable), collateral materials, training, web initiatives, 3rd party partnerships and promotions for the specific product category.
• Initiate, plan, and execute promotional activities to promote sell-through at retail.
• Oversee all price sheet updates and dissemination to the Sales organization.
• Create and modify Product Marketing bulletins as required for each fiscal period.
• Prepare turn‑key product presentations for sales organization and dealer meetings on an on‑going basis. Prepare and issue regular product update communications to the Sales organization.
• Oversee weekly & monthly Purchase/Sales/Inventory (PSI) process. Monitor channel inventory and weeks of supply. Recommend and take appropriate actions on a timely basis to address deviations from plan.
• Represent and present product line at dealer previews, line reviews, national meetings and trade events.
• Review and report on competitive products, pricing, and promotional strategies.
• Support internal and external product training needs as required.
• Work with the Services & Solutions Group (SSG) to minimize product returns and determine appropriate refurbishment strategy.
• Present to senior management as appropriate to outline and update plans and strategies, answer questions and otherwise respond to their requests.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. MBA a plus.
• 5+ years CE or home appliance experience, preferably with a manufacturer.
• Passion and desire to learn the home appliance industry.
• Ability to accomplish projects in a matrixed organization.
• Self-starter with superior time management, detail orientation and organization skills.
• Excellent written and verbal…