Global Product Director and Industrial Category Leader

It’s a great time to join Velcro Companies!

Position Summary :

Responsible for leading and growing the global Industrial portfolio with clear category and segment strategies, new product innovation, product portfolio management, B2B marketing, and new business development.

Leads strategic, cross-functional workstreams for multiple markets and product segments. Will also lead the expansion of the Industrial category at the Velcro Companies on a global basis with a focus on North America as the lead market.

Essential Job Functions :

• Develop and execute the Industrial (including Construction and Packaging) category strategic plan, focusing on all the selected market segments and supporting regional teams including key specialty product launches or re-launches to accelerate growth and define comprehensive distribution strategy that rationalizes direct sales channels and indirect / distribution channels.
• Develop a strategic Product Development roadmap for the Industrial and adjacent markets. Lead new product initiatives with cross-functional team to deliver growth from innovation, including line extensions and new applications utilizing existing and new technologies.
• Position Velcro Companies as a thought leader and proactive component supplier in the Industrial / Construction categories with a portfolio of product solutions.
• Lead B2B marketing efforts to drive new business from targeting strategy, lead generation, to customer engagement to supporting Sales in closing.
• Drive market insights and developing the Industrial category value proposition. Leads end-to-end development of new products and value propositions for end users and the value chain.
• Understand competitive landscape and study how new markets can be tackled with our value proposition.
• Oversee business development opportunities and working with global and regional sponsors to plan appropriate support for short-term and long-term objectives including capacity requirements, sales and marketing needs, technical support and all other related functions in Industrial / Construction.
• Build a solid sales and product innovation funnel of opportunities for the Industrial category.
• Define requirements to meet needs of existing and emerging markets and ensuring consistency with category and Corporate strategy.
• Collaborate with the Global Marketing Team to provide specific category requirements and identifying opportunities for adjacent or supporting markets.
• Produce forecast and budget and oversee execution with the Sales Teams.
• Responsible for category controllable aspects of the P&L including costs, rebates, returns, freight, sales, advertising, and marketing spend, etc.
• Report on category status to Regional Management regularly and oversee pricing strategy.
• Work closely with other functions (Operations, R&D, HR, Finance, IT, Customer Relations etc.) to ensure support and alignment to the Business Unit strategy.

Job Qualifications :

Position requires a Bachelors’ degree (or an equivalent foreign degree) in Business Administration or Marketing or Engineering and 10+ years of experience as a Product Manager in a global, multinational, matrix organization or an MBA (or an equivalent foreign degree).

10+ years of experience as a Product Manager for a global, multinational, matrixed organization, and experience in R&D leading projects through execution.

Must also have at least 10 years of experience (which can have been gained concurrently with the primary experience requirement above) with the following :

• Bilingual in Spanish, preferred but not required;
• Professional Project Management Certification and / or Education, a plus;
• Driving product and innovation cross-functional teams;
• Developing marketing plans and go-to-market strategies;
• Proven track record of project management abilities and collaboration experiences across technical and commercial teams.
• Ability to roll up sleeves and work within teams with a hands-on approach.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with commercial customers by managing the delivery of products, providing ongoing customer service and maintaining expert knowledge of products and inventory;
• Setting up and managing distributors including developing incentive programs, training, and pricing strategies;
• Oversight of business development opportunities to support short term and long- term objectives including capacity requirements, sales and marketing requirements, technical support, and other related functions; and
• Category P&L oversight and driving improvements of the portfolio and process to reduce cost and increase profitability.

This position requires approximately 20% domestic and international travel.

PERKS OF BEING PART OF OUR TEAM :

At Velcro USA Inc., we truly value our employees. We strive to support each and every employee by providing a safe and healthy work environment, challenging and rewarding careers, and opportunities for professional and personal growth.

Velcro USA Inc. offers competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package, and generous time-off designed to meet the needs of our workforce.

Advancement and growth opportunities are offered and encouraged to all employees.

Health and Welfare Benefits :

Medical and Prescription Coverage (HSA and HRA Options)

Dental Coverage

Vision Coverage

Flexible Spending Accounts

Wellness and Incentive Program

Life Insurance

Short- and Long-Term Disability

Business Travel Accident Insurance

Voluntary Accident & Critical Illness Insurance

EAP (Employee Assistance Program)

Retirement Savings Plan

401(k) Saving Plan

Time-Off Benefits

Paid Vacation Time

Paid Sick Time

Paid Parental Leave

13 Paid Company Holidays

Other Benefits and Programs

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Financial Wellness Benefit Smart Dollar®

Employee Recognition Programs

Employee Resource Groups

Charitable or Educational Matching Gift Program

Employee Referral Bonus Program

Velcro Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.