Product Line Manager (Small Engines, ATF, AWHO, AGO)

Chevron Oronite Company is accepting online applications for the position of Product Line Manager(Small Engines, ATF, AWHO, AGO)(0608-50160351) located in Houston, Texas through Sept 15, 2006.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
This position, which reports to the Americas Region Product Line Manager (RPLM) for specialty crankcase and driveline lubricant additive products, is an excellent opportunity for someone who desires to gain product management experience. Working with the RPLM, the selectee will manage a portfolio of lubricant additive products for a variety of engine and mechanical equipment applications, including Small Engines (outboard motors, personal watercraft, motorcycles, and hand-held landscaping equipment), hydraulic equipment (pumps and hydro-static drives), and gear boxes, differentials, and transmissions. (AWHO: anti-wear hydraulic oils, ATF: automatic transmission fluids). Although, initially, the selectee may require extensive support from the RPLM, it is expected that they take on an active leadership role in these product lines as they gain confidence through training and experience.

Job Scope - within the Americas Region:
- Develop, recommend, and implement product strategies
- Manage the product life cycle and product mix
- Recommend and monitor pricing and cost control actions to achieve desired product line margins and to maximize product line profitability
- Define performance and cost objectives for new products
REQUIREMENTS
ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:
Working with the RPLM, the selectee will take an active lead role in their assigned product lines to:
- Develop product line strategies to achieve Oronite’s strategic intents.
- Manage product profitability and positioning, and coordinate with Regional Sales, Procurement and Manufacturing personnel to improve product line performance.
- Analyze costs/benefits to the product lines of customer technical support activities, and recommend appropriate support options to the RPLM and Market Managers (including possible termination of programs that are significantly over-budget or behind schedule).
- Evaluate and recommend to the RPLM regional opportunities for new technology development. Manage the commercialization of new core regional and/or global products. Deploy new products to the Sales team along with appropriate marketing support data and materials.
- Assess product life cycle issues and make appropriate recommendations to the RPLM to introduce, maintain, or eliminate products based on profitability and strategic fit.
- Recommend regional OEM strategies.
- Provide technical training support to Regional Sales and Market Managers.
- Provide leadership in implementing a strong Operational Excellence culture within their sphere of influence.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree required / preferred in Science or Engineering, or relevant work experience preferred. MBA with market development experience a plus.
- Relocation benefits will be considered.
-Extensive knowledge of Oronite Small Engines, AWHO, AGO, or ATF additive products, or, demonstrated ability to rapidly gain a working knowledge of these products, or, detailed knowledge and understanding of engine and mechanical hardware in which these products are used

SELECTION CRITERIA:
- Delivers Superior Results - Meets/Exceeds Business Objectives: Sets & delivers high standards of performance for self and when interacting with other functional groups. Develops action plans to achieve goals that align with stated objectives. Encourages innovative thinking, builds on new ideas and openly supports creativity. Able to manage multiple tasks.
- Creates a Bold Vision & Develops Effective Strategies: Encourages open expression of ideas and opinions. Articulates a clear and compelling mission and vision that motivates others. Measures and communicates progress toward objectives and goals. Balances focus and efforts between short- and long-term objectives. Evaluates external opportunities and threats, internal strengths and weaknesses when planning. Able to recognize changes in market trends and drivers, and adjust priorities accordingly.
- Roles Models: Fosters cooperation and collaboration among individuals in a work unit. Promotes communications in all directions: up, down, horizontally, within work groups and between work groups. Helps the team resolve conflicts constructively.
- Product Management Skills and Knowledge: Understands and actively manages the life cycle of products (inception to decommercialization). Has basic business skills. Is able to understand the elements of a product strategy. Can use financial methods to make decisions. Able to lead a cross-functional team to meet a desired goal or business objective.
- Delivers Customer Satisfaction (Internal and External): Promotes understanding of customer requirements and expectations. Builds and maintains good relationships with customers. Drives improvement efforts based on delivering value to customers.
- Knowledge of Relevant Marketplace or Oronite Products. In particular: (Automatic Transmission Fluids, Tractor Hydraulic Fluids, Anti-Wear Hydraulic Oils, Gear Oils

If you are interested in this position, you must respond online. No phone, fax or email inquiries from potential applicants, external recruiters or other interested parties, please.
To apply to or to learn more about this position, please go to http://www.chevron.com/about/careers/ then look for "We're Hiring! Click to view available job" to view Chevron job opportunities currently available. Individuals must follow the Chevron's process by applying online. No phone, fax, or email inquiries, please, from candidates or external recruiters.
Chevron is an Equal Opportunity Employer