Associate Product Manager

About Us:

Founded in 1966, Niterra North America, Inc. (formerly NGK Spark Plugs) is the world leader in technology, innovation, and world-class quality in the design of spark plugs and oxygen sensors. Today, that tradition continues as we transform our organization's portfolio, expand our core ceramic technologies, explore capabilities beyond traditional areas, and challenge ourselves to develop solutions and services that leverage technology to address social issues while contributing to a sustainable society.

Summary:

The Associate Product Manager is responsible for supporting the strategy, execution, and performance tracking of assigned product lines within Niterra's aftermarket portfolio. This role involves leading the new part introduction process, conducting sales and market analysis, managing product data workflows, and collaborating cross-functionally to drive growth and profitability. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical skills, project management capabilities, and experience working with large data sets in a fast-paced marketing environment.

Responsibilities:

• Manage workflow process for internal system change requirements for the product line.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) for product lines monthly.
• Assist in developing strategy and execution for assigned product lines per the product plan, marketing plan, and sales plan.
• Assist in planning, organizing, and controlling data for all product lines, including sales data, packaging data, cross-reference data, pricing data, etc., to meet marketing, sales, and corporate growth objectives.
• Lead the New Part Introduction process by collaborating with manufacturing, warehousing, finance, IT, customer service, inventory planning, purchasing, and sales teams to launch new parts to market.
• Compile product data for monthly bulletins developed for the sales team and customers.
• Assist in developing pricing strategy for product line, including research, analysis, and recommendations.
• Conduct sales and market analysis to help drive strategy for product line.
• Support the management of product line profitability by conducting financial analysis and working cross-functionally with procurement and pricing teams to execute improvements.
• Perform product lifecycle analysis for the product line and execute obsolescence procedures.
• Produce competitive analysis materials comparing products with key competitors.
• Research and support the development of business cases to introduce new Niterra categories or market extensions.
• Collaborate with the Marketing Communications team on strategies for literature, advertising, product training, and support materials.
• Manage projects and processes, including application research, competitive analysis, catalog data, and pricing analysis.
• Partner with the Product team to develop and deliver product programs and data that are responsive to customer needs and market opportunities.
• Utilize Power BI to track monthly sales and margin performance by customer to understand key market trends for assigned product lines.
• Assist with the development and communication of quality and customer satisfaction reports.
• Perform other job-related tasks as assigned.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures, including IATF16949 and ISO14000 related policies as applicable.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a product marketing-related field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and large data sets, specifically Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to solve problems in a fast-paced work environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English.
• Experience working with data, marketing, or statistical processes.
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing preferred or equivalent experience.
• Experience working with SAP or a similar ERP system preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to see and hear (correctable).
• Able to communicate verbally.
• Able to operate a keyboard.
• Able to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Able to sit for extended periods of time.
• Able to travel up to 10%.

Potential Hazards:

• Normal hazards associated with an office environment.
• Normal hazards encountered while traveling.

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Financial Security: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a generous company match of up to 6%.
• Time Off: Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid maternity and paternity leave.
• And much more!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Niterra is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Notice to Staffing Firms:

Niterra does not seek or accept unsolicited resumes or CVs from recruitment agencies. We are not responsible for, and will not pay, any fees, commissions, or other payments related to unsolicited resumes or CVs, except as required by a written contract between Niterra and the recruitment agency or party requesting payment of a fee.