Sr. Manager, Category

Job Title: Senior Manager, Category

Reports To: VP, Essentials

Position Location: Vernon Hills, IL

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary:

The Sr. Manager, Category is accountable for creating and delivering the strategic plan for the product portfolio, improvement and implementation that delivers growth, profitability and share gain for the Cole Parmer Fluid Handling portfolio. This role is responsible for building a competitive portfolio of fluid handling and single use products, delivering on revenue targets, and effectively ensuring that the portfolio outperforms competition and exceeds customer expectations. This role will leverage market and customer insights into enhancing and developing new and innovative products within the portfolio.

Key Responsibilities:

• Product Strategy Development: Develop and execute comprehensive product strategies for the fluid handling portfolio, aligned with business goals and market needs. Conduct market research and analysis to identify opportunities for product innovation and differentiation in the consumables space.
• Product Planning and Road Mapping: Create and maintain product roadmaps for the consumables portfolio, prioritizing feature development and enhancements based on customer feedback, market trends, and competitive analysis. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align product plans with overall business objectives.
• Product Development and Launch: Lead the product development process for fluid handling, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to define product requirements, manage timelines, and ensure successful execution. Coordinate with marketing and sales teams to develop go-to-market strategies and drive successful product launches.
• Market and Competitive Analysis: Conduct regular market and competitive analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and threats in the fluid handling space. Stay informed about industry developments, emerging technologies, and competitive offerings to inform product strategy and positioning.
• Customer Engagement and Feedback: Act as the voice of the customer within the organization, gathering insights and feedback through customer interviews, surveys, and data analysis. Use customer feedback to inform product decisions, prioritize features, and drive continuous improvement for fluid handling.
• Performance Monitoring and Optimization: Be responsible for overall AOT number in specific application/product range. Track key performance metrics for the fluid handling portfolio, such as sales performance, market share, and customer satisfaction. Analyze data to assess product success and identify areas for optimization and improvement.
• Cross Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including engineering, marketing, sales, and operations to ensure successful development, launch, and support of consumables products. Build strong relationships and foster a culture of collaboration and accountability across the organization.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Must possess a Bachelor's Degree - B.A / B.S. with major/minor in sciences/business required - business, marketing, science, or engineering; MBA / Master's Degree / Graduate degree a plus

Experience:

• 5+ years of progressive experience in product management / product development, marketing or strategic sourcing

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• Potential candidates should have relevant experience in the following areas:
  1. Proven track record of commercial success within a product area
  2. Prior commercial experience in a product management, sales, or marketing organization
  3. A technical background in science, engineering or research, to include an awareness of technology trends and the evolution of scientific & engineering applications
  4. Industry-related experience in health, laboratory or life science markets.
  5. Understanding of regulated markets
• A high level of initiative, creativity, and work with little supervision. Ability to build strong executive and peer relationships.
• Ability to travel up to 25%, including some international.
• Willing to take calculated risks and when risk does not pan out, must be able to learn from mistakes.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully balance the achievement of short-term objectives with longer-term strategic goals.
• Must possess strong negotiation skills to independently negotiate and manage a relationship with external suppliers/management level personnel, representing Cole-Parmer's interests.
• Proficient in standard computer applications, with excellent skills in Excel, Word and PowerPoint and Access. Must be able to obtain, manipulate and analyze data and effectively compile them and present them into reports or presentations.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, efficiently works under pressure, within deadlines or other time essential constraints.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to clearly and concisely communicate to all levels of the organization. Ability to work within a matrixed environment.
• Strong work ethic and an ability to excel within a rapidly changing and growing organization.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with it.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.