Category Manager-Bindery Group

ACCO Brands Corporation, one of the world's largest suppliers of branded office products, with annual revenues of nearly $2 billion, is presently searching for a Category Manager-Bindery Group. This position is responsible for development of strategic business plans and launch of product lines in existing and new segments. Position is responsible for all aspects of plan and line development and management including market analysis, consumer understanding, competitive assessment, product line definition, growth initiatives, pricing/profitability and overall financial/P&L performance. Position will interface with all elements of the organization including development, supply chain, channel management, finance and customers.
Responsibilities#1 Establish product line strategies to drive profitable business growth. Build the product management competency within the Bindery Group. Lead team through development and execution of strategic initiatives required to increase revenue and profitability. Communicate the strategy, priorities, goals and challenges to broader team and facilitate successful implementation.Develop comprehensive understanding of consumer needsPerform comprehensive competitive and industry analysisDefine product line logic & feature benefit hierarchyEstablish financial metrics and drive business to continuous growth in revenues and profitabiltiyEnsure efficient, cost effective product line through product life cycle managementEstablish cross-functional teaming maximizing go-to-market effectivenessEstablish project management process within the Group; train team as needed in all aspects of PM
#2 Develop three-year product innovation roadmap. Execute key new product programs on time and on budget, working with NPD team. Establish screening process to ensure focus on most impactful programs.Attain all milestones for each project as set out in processEnsure products are designed to address unmet consumer needs creating competitive advantage while leveraging common platforms and Bindery Group competencies to the greatest extent possibleEnsure efficient, quick-to-market capability to attain competitive advantageDevelop impactful launch programsWill be working with research firms, NPD, manufacturing and perhaps global contract manufacturers to deliver consumer driven, meaningful product innovations
#3Implement comprehensive category management processes and develop competency within the groupWork with Channel Group and customers to ensure optimal assortment, effective promotions, impactful merchandising, and other business solutions that help drive category growthEstablish unique GTM programs that create sustainable competitive advantage, leveraging operational capabilities
#4Work with the existing functional leaders, to leverage operational capabilities/distinct competencies. Perform analyses required to maximize profitability and support key business decisions, including strategic (make v. buy, select vendor, etc.) Actively lead cross functional teams, assuring we achieve goals to operate at a high service, quality and cost effective business model. Determine when and if we need to modify processes, working with team, the downstream customer and consumers. Develop and cascade clearly defined goals and objectives for team members. Assure that the business plan is well communicated and understood by all. Conduct regular business update meetings to keep team abreast of business results and progress to date. Ensure that employees are provided with effective feedback on their performance and their career that results in increased performance/commitment, identify & recommend learning/development opportunities for associates, and improved retention of high potential individuals.Company Overview
ACCO Brands Corporation markets products in over 100 countries across the globe through our own sales force and distribution networks.ACCO Brands, a global office products powerhouse, whose leading brands help people work better in every workspace, everywhere. You know these indispensable products as Wilson Jones binders ... Swingline staplers and shredders ... Day-Timer personal organizers ... Quartet white boards and easels... Kensington computer accessories... and more... Under the GBC banner, ACCO Brands is also a leader in serving the professional printing market, providing print finishing, laminating and commercial binding solutions.After more than 100 years of leadership in the office products industry, we look forward to continuing our tradition by hiring talented individuals guided by a spirit of innovation. ACCO Brands Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
REQUIREMENTS
Education
Ideal candidate will hold a Bachelors degree with emphasis marketing, business admin., finance, etc. Masters degree or equivalent continuing education courses is highly preferred.Experience
A minimum of 7-10 years of managerial experience in a product management environment. Educated in all facets of marketing and new product development systems. Extensive experience in working multi-functionally and leading strategic planning and execution across the organization.Skills
Solid strategic capabilities with proven competencies for developing and executing comprehensive marketing plans with an emphasis on product planning
General management perspective with well developed business acumen, including business planning and execution skills
Strong leadership skills, dynamic and interactive communicator, influencer/motivator particularly with driving teams to resolve complex situations and projects to desired outcomes,
Proven negotiation skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
Strong customer service orientation
Ability to relate to people at different levels of the organization (shop floor technician to CEO), strong communicator
Hands on, action oriented and able to implement effectively through team and within a matrix organization
Down to earth personality, informal approach, high level of integrity, open and collaborative management style that fosters the developmental key talent and leaders.Critical Capabilities RequiredPriority 1: Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement process, procedures and metricsPriority 2: Analytical and problem solver - fast learner, identifies cause and effect relationships quickly and implements proactive solutions.Priority 3: Leadership in particular outlines clear business plans, goals, objectives and measure progress. Accountable for selecting talent and developing talent.