Product Manager I

Our Mission Our mission is to be a trusted workplace for team members to be their whole selves at work. A company that people love and positively impacts the lives of all whom we touch. Be your best self at Interstate Batteries, you have the chance to be excellent at work and excellent at life. We know that professional success depends on personal wellbeing. That's why we want to enrich your life with the tools and services you need to succeed in every area of your life. Job Summary Under limited supervision, the Product Manager serves as the quarterback for assigned product categories, setting the vision and strategy for the portfolio while partnering closely with cross‑functional teams to execute portfolio decisions and bring category strategies to market. The position balances strong data‑driven execution with strategic category leadership, with increasing emphasis on long‑term vision and portfolio strategy. Responsibilities Deliver profitable growth for assigned product lines through disciplined portfolio management, lifecycle planning, and data‑driven decision‑making. Set and execute the category vision and strategic roadmap, translating market dynamics, competitive insights, and financial performance into clear assortment strategies. Serve as the subject‑matter expert for assigned categories, providing leadership with clear recommendations grounded in data and market understanding. Lead annual and ad hoc line reviews, owning analysis, storytelling, and executive‑ready recommendations for SKU adds, removals, and shifts. Conduct ongoing competitive assessments, evaluating assortment gaps, pricing position, and feature/benefit parity to inform portfolio actions. Quarterback product launches by aligning Supply Chain, Pricing, Brand Activation, Sales, and other partners to ensure readiness and effective market execution. Utilize SAP and related systems to manage and validate product, inventory, and item‑level data that supports assortment decisions and lifecycle actions. Leverage advanced Excel skills as a primary working tool to build, maintain, and analyze line‑review models, competitive assessments, and SKU rationalization scenarios. Own product data accuracy across systems, including master data setup, and feature and benefit claims. Partner with internal teams to develop sales tools, presentations, and materials that communicate a compelling and clear product story. Monitor market trends to develop a point of view on implications to category strategy, portfolio decisions, and execution. Lead go‑to‑market execution within a B2B, distributor‑based model. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Marketing or a related field required. Minimum 5 years of experience in product management – automotive aftermarket preferred. Proficiency in Excel, familiarity with SAP and PowerBI preferred. Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with proven ability to manage complex projects. Track record of excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills. Ability to translate data into a clear, compelling category and product portfolio story. Ability to clearly define and execute a category and portfolio strategy that aligns products, pricing, and positioning. Competence in creating a disciplined, optimized SKU portfolio that supports growth while reducing unnecessary complexity. Skilled at confident, data‑backed storytelling that enables leadership and Sales to champion the category and product portfolio. Strong project management skills to manage ongoing execution of projects with a strategic lens to drive category leadership. Scope Accountable for portfolio stewardship of assigned categories, including SKU lifecycle recommendations, assortment optimization, and data‑driven performance analysis. Serves as the primary owner of product data accuracy and validation across systems (e.g., item setup, specifications, and feature/benefit claims). Leads cross‑functional coordination with Supply Chain, Pricing, Sales, Brand Activation, and Operations to execute launches, line reviews, and category initiatives. Reviews and approves category‑related analyses, master data inputs, and product collateral to ensure alignment with strategy and accuracy standards. Acts as the subject matter expert for assigned categories, delivering insights and recommendations that influence strategic, pricing, and positioning decisions. Work Environment Ability to use a computer for prolonged periods of time. Regular physical activity includes manual handling, verbal communication, and auditory tasks. Specific vision requirements include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to travel up to 25% to support customer meetings and industry tradeshows as needed. EEO Statement Interstate Batteries provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Interstate Batteries complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Interstate Batteries expressly prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental and physical), marital status, military status, veteran status, citizenship or any other characteristic protected under applicable local, state or federal law. Benefits Comprehensive health care benefits, company‑supported wellness program, and onsite fitness center. Wide range of professional development opportunities, training, resources, and tools. Competitive pay and bonus structure, savings and investment options that help you reach your financial goals and plan for your future. #J-18808-Ljbffr Interstate All Battery Center