Lead Category Manager, Braking Systems - North America Aftermarket
- Vernon Hills, IL
- Permanent
- Full-time
The Lead Category Management team drives product strategy and growth across multiple business lines, partnering closely with sales, marketing, and engineering to deliver innovative solutions that meet customer and market needs. With expertise in product development and market analysis, the team ensures ZF's offerings remain competitive and future-focused.What you can look forward to as a Lead Category Manager:
- In conjunction with the Sales Team, conduct market studies and create business plans for project/future programs and products to meet customer and market requirements.
- Develop and propose product line service readiness projects with proposed and designated budgets.
- Maintain, revise, and expand current product offerings and consistently introduce new, related products or product lines, with preparation of service readiness for new product introduction into the marketplace.
- Lead project managers and sales teams in developing sales and marketing strategies and appraise the results of each sales program against objectives.
- Regulate the sales force of new products, applications, and updates by creating marketing material to introduce those into the marketplace. Within budget limitations, ensure the development and availability of bulletins, flyers, promotions, catalogs, price sheets, etc., in order to increase the program's overall performance and profitability.
- Annual product line review development illustrating current position in market, strategy by product line, and a clear roadmap for the future.
- Ensure effective control and achievement of the Product Management budget and ensure corrective actions are enacted when necessary.
- Coordinate and ensure the tracking, recording, and implementation of all product-related revisions in cooperation with the affected departments and vendors.
- Propose and agree on sales rates, decisions, and actions, measuring performance set goals and metrics.
- Lead and develop a team of direct reports.
- BS in Marketing or similar major (MBA preferred).
- 8-10 years' experience managing multiple product lines and people.
- Computer proficiency: MS Office required; SAP with expertise in MS Excel.
- Experience with braking and braking systems is a huge plus.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and work within tight deadlines.
- A supportive collaborative team environment
- Annual Incentive Plan
- Paid Vacation
- 401k Plan
- Health Care Benefits
- Paid Holidays
- A Hybrid Work Schedule (2 days remote/3 days onsite)
- A strong diversity culture
- Supportive Employee Groups and community outreach activities
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are more than just words for us. They are at the core of the ZF Way that propels our team members towards their utmost success. We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a natural reflex. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that every member of ZF can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape next generation mobility, safety, sustainability and social justice.With four generations across 118 nationalities in 41 countries, ZF combines a unique variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas. Together, we solve problems, drive innovation and shape next generation mobility.Our company is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with us and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please contact us. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. ZF is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/Disability/VeteranWhat does DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) mean for ZF as a company?At ZF, we continuously strive to build and maintain a culture where inclusiveness is lived and diversity is valued. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that all our employees can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this vision in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape the future of mobility.Find out how we work at ZF: