Product Manager - Brake Systems

ZF

ZF is a global technology company supplying advanced mobility products and systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology. Its comprehensive product range is primarily aimed at vehicle manufacturers, mobility providers and start-up companies in the fields of transportation and mobility. ZF electrifies a wide range of vehicle types. With its products, the company contributes to reducing emissions, protecting the climate as well as enhancing safe mobility.

Position Summary

The Product Manager - Brake Systems is responsible for managing, without the need for significant direction, all categories of projects within the business unit in accordance with ZF’s new product introduction management process requirements.

This is a hybrid position (3 days onsite, 2 days remote) that can be hired at multiple ZF locations. The selected candidate can work at our Vernon Hills, IL site or Farmington Hills, MI site. 

What you can look forward to as a Product Manager

• Drive relevant project and project status communications among ZF stakeholders (customer, supplier, project team, functional & divisional management).
• Responsible for building, managing, developing and leading the product management function for a specific project.
• Creation and ownership of the product business plan development, including product line definition and offering to meet the company's sales and margin objectives.
• Monitor market needs and requirements, taking into account future technologies, competitor products/services and regulatory issues to develop and implement innovative customer solutions for existing and new products.
• Ongoing implementation of the business plan (including, but not limited to: benchmarking coverage, quality, pricing, application holes, margin, features and benefits).
• Develops the product line strategy through planning sessions with key internal and external stakeholders, defining product positioning requirements to meet company profit objectives and brand positioning.
• Strategically manage the product / product portfolio from cradle to grave. Establish price positioning, product definition/composition, coverage, features, monitoring category KPIs and recommend sourcing alternatives necessary to meet sales & margin objectives based on competitive environment and product line strategy.
• Support Sales team and interface with customers to develop quotations and recommend model stocks based on customer geography and vehicle mix.
• Define, create and launch new and existing products that provide innovative customer solutions and that enhance the company's profit and sales objectives.
• Visit ZF and supplier manufacturing facilities working with the operations team to improve product performance and reduce cost.

Your Profile as a Product Manager

•  Bachelor’s degree in project management, marketing, engineering or related technical field. MBA preferred. Extensive experience will be considered in lieu of degree. 
• 4-6+ years of related experience in the automotive industry. 2+ years of project management experience preferred.
• Previous product management experience preferred. 
• Experience in the Automotive Aftermarket industry is a huge plus. 
• Practical, hands-on experience with and interest in technical automotive systems. Experience with braking systems and technology is a huge plus. 
• Advanced knowledge of the principles and practices involved in new business development, product marketing, channel development and sales. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships, prepare, and deliver formal presentations;
• Excellent Microsoft Excel analysis skills, and experience developing impactful Microsoft PowerPoint presentations.  Experience in SAP, PIMS, or another category management software is a plus.
• Multilingual in English, Spanish and/or German is a plus
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically & internationally (10%-20%)

Why you should choose ZF?

The expected base compensation for this role is $100,100.00 to $125,100.00 annually.  Actual base compensation within the identified range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.

What We Offer:

• Annual Incentive Plan
• Paid time off
• 401k Plan
• Health Care Benefits
• Paid Holidays
• A supportive collaborative team environment
• Tuition reimbursement for educational advancement
• A strong diverse culture
• Supportive Employee Groups and community outreach activities