Associate Product Manager

About Us:

Founded in 1966, Niterra North America, Inc. (formerly NGK Spark Plugs) is a global leader in spark plug and oxygen sensor design, driven by technology, innovation, and world-class quality. Today, that tradition continues as we transform our organization's portfolio, expand our core ceramic technologies, explore capabilities beyond traditional areas, and challenge ourselves to develop solutions and services that leverage technology to address social issues while contributing to a sustainable society.

Summary:

The Associate Product Manager supports the strategy, data, and performance of assigned product lines, managing internal system change workflows and leading the New Part Introduction process from setup through launch. This role tracks monthly product line KPIs, conducts sales, market, pricing, and competitive analysis, and maintains accurate product data across sales, packaging, cross-reference, and pricing. Working closely with manufacturing, finance, IT, customer service, purchasing, sales, and marketing teams, the Associate Product Manager helps drive product line profitability and growth.

Candidates will complete an Excel skills assessment as part of the interview process.

Classification: Salary, Exempt

Work Model: Hybrid

Responsibilities:

• Manage the workflow process for internal system change requirements for the product line.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) for product lines monthly.
• Aid in developing and executing strategy for assigned product lines in line with the product, marketing, and sales plans.
• Support the planning, organization, and control of data for all product lines, including sales, packaging, cross-reference, and pricing data, to meet marketing, sales, and corporate growth objectives.
• Lead the New Part Introduction process, collaborating with manufacturing, warehousing, finance, IT, customer service, inventory planning, purchasing, and sales teams to launch new parts to market.
• Compile product data for monthly bulletins developed for the sales team and customers.
• Assist with pricing strategy development for the product line, including research, analysis, and recommendations.
• Conduct sales and market analysis to help drive product line strategy.
• Contribute to product line profitability by conducting financial analysis and working cross-functionally with procurement and pricing teams to execute improvements.
• Perform product lifecycle analysis and execute obsolescence procedures.
• Produce competitive analysis materials comparing products with key competitors.
• Research and support the development of business cases to introduce new Niterra categories or market extensions.
• Partner with the Marketing Communications team on strategies for literature, advertising, product training, and support materials.
• Oversee projects and processes such as application research, competitive analysis, catalog data, and pricing analysis.
• Collaborate with the Product team to develop product programs and data responsive to customer needs and market opportunities.
• Use Power BI to track monthly sales and margin performance by customer and identify key market trends for assigned product lines.
• Help develop and communicate quality and customer satisfaction reports.
• Complete other job-related tasks as assigned.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures as applicable.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in a product marketing-related field.
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookup formulas, and large-dataset analysis.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Google Workspace, including Sheets, Docs, and Slides.
• Ability to solve problems in a fast-paced work environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Proven research and analytical skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Experience working with data, marketing, or statistical processes.
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing or equivalent experience preferred.
• Experience working with SAP or a similar ERP system preferred.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

This role requires business travel (up to 10%), lifting up to 40 lbs., and working around normal office and travel-related hazards.

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Financial Security: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a generous company match of up to 6%.
• Time Off: Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid maternity and paternity leave.
• And much more!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Niterra is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Notice to Staffing Firms:

Niterra does not seek or accept unsolicited resumes or CVs from recruitment agencies. We are not responsible for, and will not pay, any fees, commissions, or other payments related to unsolicited resumes or CVs, except as required by a written contract between Niterra and the recruitment agency or party requesting payment of a fee.

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