Product Manager - Category Merchandise (Truck-Jeep/Hot Rod Accessories/ Oil-Chemicals)

Product Manager (Truck-Jeep/Hot Rod Accessories/ Oil-Chemicals) Job Description

Hours: 1st Shift (Monday - Friday, 9am - 6pm)

Reports to: Director of Purchasing

Position Summary:

The Product Manager is responsible for curating and managing a comprehensive range of aftermarket parts for truck, jeep, hot rod accessories and oil and chemical lines. This role is responsible for driving sales and profitability within the assigned product category by owning the product assortment strategy, optimizing brand programs and pricing, and supporting internal SKU rationalization standards. This position works cross functionally with the entire organization to develop sales objectives, strategies, and advertising programs in a cost-effective manner.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Negotiate Terms & Conditions and cost for each vendor as well as the final product selection.
• Continue to build and maintain strong vendor relationships.
• Manage the product assortment and SKU mix within assigned brands, with a focus on category performance, profitability, and customer experience.
• Evaluate the return on investment of adding new SKUs, onboarding new vendors, and recommending stocking strategies. Consider the long-term profitability and resource efficiency of assortment decisions and vendor partnerships.
• Determine stocking levels for new and current SKUs and brands, using trend analysis, vendor input, and category insights to ensure the right products are available for customers.
• Provide input for retail and wholesale pricing.
• Analyze market data and recommend marketing objectives.
• Respond to product-related informational requests and serve as the primary contact for customer service issues pertaining to the product line
• Merchandise planning, concept development, and customer and market research within the assigned product line.
• Analyze marketing reports for the relevant product lines.
• Initiate and bring to market new products and innovations to existing products and product lines.
• Provide direction to the sales force regarding product-related needs, end-user input, and the general market environment.
• Participate in catalog creation.
• Participate in seminars and other training as required.
• Assist in the establishment and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures.
• May attend industry events (Company Events, Trade Shows, and Motorsports Events) as a strong brand representative.
• Promote and maintain a clean and safe work environment by complying with procedures, policies, training, and regulations.
• Ensure established policies and procedures are followed.
• Participate in continuous improvement project team activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience/Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related field, preferred.
• Will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• 5+ years of experience within the automotive aftermarket, required.
• Significant and detailed product knowledge of performance aftermarket automotive parts.

Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to develop and foster business relationships.
• Strategic Thinker with the ability to see the big picture and connect business goals with market trends
• Strong ability to translate data into actionable business insight.
• Excellent organization skills with superior attention to detail
• Excellent problem-solving skills and sound judgment.
• Ability to communicate effectively (clear and concise) through writing, speaking, active listening,and presentation.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to identify, develop, and implement process improvement ideas.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to work both independently, within a team, and cross-functionally with other departments/stakeholders.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and related software.
• Ability to adapt to frequent changes in the work environment.
• Willing to participate in Company designated training.
• Must have knowledge of and comply with the policies and procedures contained in the company handbook.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• Must be able to practice safe work habits.

Physical Demands:

This is an office type position and a general warehouse position that requires sitting, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, and use of hands continuously for eight hours. This position requires lifting/moving up to 50 pounds and occasionally with assistance lifting/moving up to 100 pounds. This position requires extended amounts of time walking and climbing stairs. This position requires frequent work time beyond an eight-hour shift/40-hour week including shift rotation and weekends. This position requires the operation of basic office equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

Each coworker is accountable for their actions and is required to exercise good judgment in everything they do on behalf of Lane Automotive. Part of that responsibility includes understanding and living up to company values, standards, and policies, specifically our code of ethics and business conduct. Additionally, every coworker has a responsibility to ask questions when they are unsure of what those values, standards and policies require, and to act if they believe someone else is not acting consistently with those values, standards, and policies.

The information in this job description is intended to convey information about the key responsibilities and requirements. It is not an exhaustive list of the skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the opportunity. Responsibilities are subject to change.

At Lane Automotive, we recognize our ultimate success depends on our talented and dedicated workforce. We value the contribution each Team Member makes to our Vision “To deliver the best customer experience in every market we serve.” We expect Team Members to practice values in all decisions and lead the values by action and example.

Lane Automotive Values:

Integrity : Be genuine, always do what's right even when no one is looking

Passion : A strong feeling of excitement

Innovation : Never satisfied with the status quo

Respect : Consideration for everyone, in everything we do

Accountability : Take ownership

Lane Automotive welcomes diversity. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.

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