Director, Product Management at Teknion in Toronto, Ontario, CA

DIRECTOR, PRODUCT MANAGEMENT Reporting to the VP, Corporate Marketing and Product Management, the Director, Product Management will be responsible for development, maintenance and growth of assigned product lines/product categories leading the overall activities of these product categories. The incumbent will work very closely with Teknion’s sales organizations to develop, grow and support these businesses for Teknion in all markets as appropriate. The Director will be accountable to ensure the effective management and support of their assigned product lines, and that products are brought to market in an effective and timely manner, aligned with Teknion processes. What is this role responsible for?  1. Craft business development and product marketing strategies and plans. • Working with the Director of Marketing, identify potential business, product opportunities and alliances that fit with category goals and supplier capabilities. • Validate and learn from broad inputs - customers, analysts, competition, partners, suppliers, employees, sales channels, etc. • Identify product evolution discontinuities (driven by competitive or technical trends) and recommend optimized solutions for enhanced customer value and profitability. • Maintain a leading-edge understanding of custom, technical and competitive trends related to the various markets (recognizing consistencies/inconsistencies in these trends across market regions). • Define key success factors concerning the development and maintenance of a leadership position within respective categories. • Work with the Director of Marketing, ensure recommendations and business plans are in line with the strategic direction of the organization. 2. Implement and monitor business development and product marketing strategies and plans. • Follow market trends to gain appropriate understanding regarding the development of Marketing Communication Briefs in recommending fully integrated marketing plans supporting new product launches. • Identify product support requirements for all products and/or services in respective categories. • Recommend/develop specific marketing programs to drive sales in all geographic markets. • Work with Teknion’s Marketing, Design, Engineering, Manufacturing and Sales departments to define, develop and support new and existing product development initiatives, synergies and implementation priorities. • Recommend product list pricing and cost targets to support new product introductions and the continued growth of all products throughout their lifecycle. • Ensure that the needs and recommendations of geographic Marketing groups are considered and met relative to marketing objectives and strategies, including sales volume and profit forecasts for assigned product categories. • Ensure that Product/Category reports are created on a quarterly basis highlighting categories growth, profitability, sales mix, competitor activities and industries trends. • Accountable for the accuracy of all new product information and/or services towards the preparation of appropriate software, price and product guides, product application guides, installation guides, marketing & sales support materials, and awards submissions. • Continually interface with the Manufacturing Department in an effort to reduce product costs and improve quality and delivery lead-times. 3. Champion product/category vision and its implementation plan with employees, customers, distributors, partners and suppliers. • Participate in, and in specific cases, lead market-related activities, such as sales team training and customer presentations, as appropriate in nurturing and strengthening relationships. • Work with other departments to ensure development, implementation and launch initiatives are aligned to established Teknion product line schedules and processes. • Work directly with sales in supporting key business opportunities What qualifications and experience are required for this role?  Educational: • University degree in a relevant field. • Postgraduate degree (MBA) preferred. Work Experience: • Minimum of 3-5 years of increasingly more senior experience in a Product Marketing/Business Development role in an industrial, business-to-business environment. • International organization experience, specifically interfacing with a US/global division. • Familiarity with design-driven products, in a technology/engineering orientation. • Contract Furniture Systems business experience preferred. • Business Development – identifying, validating and developing new business and product opportunities. • Product Management – developing, implementing, and monitoring product marketing plans and strategies. • Product Launch – successfully managed new product cycles/launch. • Pricing experience – developing/managing complex pricing strategies. • Led major change initiatives, focused on driving innovation/creativity. • Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, with exposure to databases and statistical analysis software. As the successful candidate, your skills will include... • Adding value to the company by focusing on delivering superior client-service. • Demonstrates a high energy level and sense of urgency in getting things done • Demonstrates flexibility and at the same time stands by his/her convictions when appropriate • Ability to initiate and drive change within an organization • Excellent organizational and project management skills. • A seasoned manager who leads by example, with excellent people skills, strong ethics and a positive attitude. A proven ability to develop people and allow them to grow is essential. • A passion for change and an enthusiasm for building the company are obvious assets. Teknion is committed to supporting a culture of diversity and accessibility across the organization, starting with the hiring process.  It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment and support a diverse workforce. Teknion welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.  By applying for a position with Teknion, you understand that, should you be made an offer, it will be contingent on your undergoing and successfully completing a background check consistent with Teknion's employment policies. Background checks may include some or all the following based on the nature of the position: SSN/SIN validation, education verification, employment verification, credit check and criminal check. You will be notified during the hiring process which checks are required by the position.