Global Product Line Manager (GPLM), Automotive Replacement

Global Product Line Manager (GPLM), Automotive Replacement

Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you. Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations. Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?

The Role

As an innovation leader, we look for ambitious, forward-thinking, open-minded, and well-rounded individuals to join our global team. Located in our office in Denver, Colorado, Gates has an exciting opportunity for a Global Product Line Manager (GPLM) within our Global Product Line Management team for new products in the Automotive Replacement (AR) market.

Key Responsibilities

You will report to the GPLM of Automotive Replacement and New Products.

You'll work closely with sales, sales analytics, and directly with customers to capture VOC and incorporate it into the overall product planning, launch and commercialization process; support sales to drive the sales pipeline and close opportunities.

The GPLM for new products will work with Engineering, Sales, Marketing, IT, Distribution, Operations, and Customer Service to manage the global new products portfolio and product roadmap, across the entire product lifecycle from launch preparation through to commercialization.

Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the automotive and heavy duty market including tracking industry indices, insights on industry trends, participating in industry organizations, consolidating Voice-of-Customer (VOC) and maintaining a view of the competitive landscape and activity.

Be the product champion for new products (inclusive of alternative energy technologies), actively engaging in promoting the product within the automotive market and partnering with Gates' commercial team to engage with important end-customers.

Provide global product leadership for the broader Gates new product portfolio. Translate market / customer / regional needs, industry requirements, and trends into actionable product strategy, product roadmaps and application-driven product requirements to be integrated in new product development business cases.

Prioritize, facilitate and drive the New Product Development and Introduction processes (NPD & NPI); Ensure that feature, quality and cost objectives are reached and that schedules are kept. Lead NPD commercialization process including Market Launch material preparation and product spec documentation, strategy, planning and training needs.

Develop and manage Product Line Strategies that enable corporate strategy as well as align with key corporate initiatives.

Support regional commercial teams with top-line accountability for the product line, including defining product line initiative KPIs as well as aligning on regional targets.

Translate corporate long range financial forecast (LRFF) into Product Line LRFF via products, processes, and regional growth aligned with product and regional strategies. Create and monitor global capacity of key processes and align global investment needs with forecasted requirements.

Define outsourcing and intercompany supply strategies and / or define sourcing optionality between regions.

Coordinate with all Regional Product Line Managers (RPLM) for alignment and product needs for the promotion, pipeline development, and supply chain regarding the new products portfolio.

Provide insight and support into the necessary manufacturing capabilities, capacities, and operational footprint needed to support market growth and product mix forecasts.

Keys to Success

High level of interpersonal and leadership skills; must be able to influence across multiple levels within the company and locations; including establishing global partnerships.

Leads through influence, with and without authority.

Strong technical acumen combined with commercial savviness.

Strategic mindset and strong business intuition.

Global work experience and perspective is a strength.

Ability to adapt quickly to change and drive change.

Requirements and Preferred Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Business or Marketing from an accredited institution required
• Minimum of 5 years of marketing, product management, outside field sales, application engineering and / or product engineering or business development experience
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for sales data analysis and graphing trends
• Strong Microsoft PowerPoint skills to deliver high quality executive-ready presentations
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time, including international travel
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excited to work in the office with great teammates
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.
• Experience designing, specifying, or managing products for Automotive Aftermarket applications is not required, but preferred

Pay & Benefits

Why Gates?

Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.

Work Environment

Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to work with objects, tools, or controls; and use office equipment including computers, telephones, and / or copiers / scanners. The employee must frequently lift and / or move up to 10 pounds.

For individuals assigned and / or hired to work in Colorado, Gates is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation range is specific to the State of Colorado and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.