If you prefer a career that offers different opportunities daily while working with a variety of people, Kimball International would like to talk to you. We are a family-friendly company that values the differences that make each associate unique.
Job Description
The ideal candidate will be located near Jasper, IN and work primarily from our headquarters (1600 Royal Street, Jasper, IN 47546).
Role Description:
The Category Team Manager will be responsible for owning an identified product category(ies) with responsibility for new product development and overall category management including the leadership of a Category Manager team.
Responsibilities:
Manage, Coach and mentor Category Manager(s) and/or Product Specialists
Resource Allocation of Category Managers to support the Product Team Projects
Partner with Director of Product Strategy on product roadmap and commercialization activities for new and existing products
Provide inputs to the development and management of the multi brand three-year product roadmap
Create strategy for identified product category(s) that align with organizational strategies
Partner with brand marketing to ensure commercialization activities are identified and activated on new product launches and ongoing activities to increase sales
Responsible for overall category marginal profit
Partner and collaborate with internal and/or outside design firms for new product development projects
Participates in and observes consumer research that links research findings into product innovation within projects
Lead cross functional team to execution of identified projects utilizing the product development process
Partner with engineering, sourcing, operations and insights and design team on product development projects.
Own and provide competitive intelligence to internal/external sales team on identified product categories
Establishes recommended pricing and sales projections forecast on identified product category development projects
Ensure product development projects meet margin expectations of organization
Must adhere to the guidelines set by the Regulatory, Safety & Compliance Committee.
Ensure the Dfe is followed within the product development process
Partner with Training Manager and Brand Marketing to identify and develop training materials for field sales/internal and customer on product development projects.
Participate and deliver new product training
Responsible for ensuring product accuracy on marketing materials
Collaborate with Existing Category Manager on lifecycle management of identified category ownership
Participates and supports PMO office in value engineering projects within identified category responsibility
Participate in product presentations to customer, designers and internal teams.
Identify and manage within project budget forecast
As needed, travel to support new product development initiatives
Skills to Perform This Role:
Interpersonal Skills:
Self-motivated
Exceptional organizational skills
Trust-worthy
People Skills
Create team unity with diverse personalities
Ability to give constructive feedback when needed
Relationship builder
Communication Skills
Ability to communicate with all levels within the organization.
Ability to present from small to large settings
Ability to present via face to face or virtually
Leadership Skills
Ability to develop team for succession planning.
Be a leader by example
Take initiative
Continuous improvement mentality
Business Skills
Knowledge of the PDP Process
Must be able to see the broader scope and think outside of the box
Ability to work with a cross-functional team
Extensive market knowledge
Ability and willingness to take risks
Ability to make decisions quickly and proficiently
Technical Skills
Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications
Qualifications
Educational * 3-5 years experience working in the furniture industry, preferred
Experience successfully managing and/or working with a cross functional team of individuals.
Bachelor’s degree preferred or sufficient work experience
Job Requirements
The ideal candidate will be located near Jasper, IN and work primarily from our headquarters (1600 Royal Street, Jasper, IN 47546).
3-5 years experience working in the furniture industry, preferred
Experience successfully managing and working with a cross functional team of individuals
Bachelor’s degree preferred or sufficient work experience
EEO Statement
The Company is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
VISA Sponsorship
Kimball International, Inc. will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment/work visa status (e.g.. H-1B)