Howmet Aerospace is searching for a Product Specialist to join our Howmet Wheel Systems (HWS) business unit in Cleveland, OH.
Howmet Aerospace (NYSE: HWM) creates breakthrough products that shape industries. Working in close partnership with our customers, we solve complex engineering challenges to transform the way we fly, drive, and power. Through the ingenuity of our people and cutting-edge advanced manufacturing techniques, we deliver these products at a quality and efficiency that ensure customer success and shareholder value.
Howmet Wheel Systems (HWS) is a business with a rich tradition and a bright future. We literally invented the forged wheel in 1948 and, as a result of staying close to our customers and consumers, have remained the global leader in providing safe, strong, lightweight and innovative aluminum transportation products ever since. HWS serves the commercial vehicle market and employs 1,700 people at 14 locations worldwide.
Job Dimensions :
Under the direction of the Marketing Manager, North America, this position is accountable for
Coordinate and support a portfolio management strategy to serve the needs of the market while maximizing revenue and margin in both the long and short term. This includes working with customers and end users as well as internal cross-functional groups such as Sales, Engineering, Warranty/Product Safety, Supply Chain, etc. Activities will consist of the following:
Monitor & coordinate the entire product line life cycle from strategic planning to tactical activities
Coordinate to design market research projects to assess customer attitudes (ie. focus groups and surveys) to the current product range and new product introductions. This can be achieved by either conducting this research with in-house staff or managing through an outside agency
Coordinate current and future product testing, along with competitive offerings, in both a laboratory and field setting
Assist with the development of the annual marketing plan and budget to ensure spending is consistent with portfolio strategy
Review warranty data and customer feedback regularly to assess the ongoing performance of products
Coordinate cross functional efforts in launching products to ensure key milestones are achieved and on time
Utilize data from Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database to identify market segments to be targeted
Under the guidance of the Marketing Manager, supporting a channel management strategy to maximize revenue and margin in both the long and short term. This includes the following:
Continuous evaluation of the mix of customer segments including, direct and indirect customers
Coordinate sales activity that is consistent with the channel management strategy
Establish programs with the distribution network (Warehouse Distributors) aimed at increasing share of market
Ensure prominent representation in customers' databooks, specification selection sheets and/or systems, and product offering literature
Support competitive intelligence by continuous analysis of the competitive landscape of both steel and aluminum wheels. This consists of reviewing and verifying all apects of such competition (ie. financial, manufacturing, sales activity, etc.)
Work closely with Marketing Communications Manager to ensure that Marcomm activity is being conducted appropriately and in accordance with the Product Management Strategy and the Channel Management strategy.
Building and fostering relationships with relevant marketing personnel of our customers
Basic Qualifications :
A bachelor's degree in business or engineering (or related)
Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience
Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
Preferred Qualifications :
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Commercial vehicle industry experience
Possess the following:
Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills
Strong critical thinking and analytical skills
A thorough understanding of commercial markets, products, and customers.
Commercial and customer relations skills as this is a key part of properly understanding, marketing and selling wheels
Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with varying circumstances including challenging commercial negotiations
The natural urge to continuously challenge him/herself and the organization to improve performance
