Strategic Market Manager (Construction Equipment)

For Earth For Life

BASIC PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF POSITION

As a Subject Matter Expert for the assigned market segment, the Strategic Market Manager maintains specific knowledge of customer applications and needs as well as related trends in the assigned market segment. Works in close coordination with North American product marketing directors to investigate, define and propose medium to long-term opportunities to grow Kubota.  Makes presentations to Senior-level Management for supporting product lines related to assigned market segment such as new product solutions, product improvements and business activities to increase sales and market share.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES:  This position does the following in accordance with all applicable Federal, State and local laws / regulations and the Company’s policies, procedures and guidelines:

• Coordinate and analyze industry information to support the investigation of opportunities for product development. 
• Develop and maintain an expert level of knowledge for the assigned market segment through formal training and field activity. 
• Identify need for new product development as well as improvements to existing product within assigned market segments which is aligned with KNA strategy statements and as directed by the Product Marketing Directors who represent several North American businesses.
• Provide market requirements to engineering product development and negotiate the correct balance of quality, cost and features.
• As the Subject Matter Expert of the market segment, maintain knowledge of the customer and dealer needs as well as related market trends and competitor activity.
• Serve as the collective representative of the market requirements in product development projects including the communication of customer/dealer needs and the negotiation of cost/feature balance. 
• Provide information for all commercial departments to create awareness of product solutions and how they meet customer requirements to deliver an aligned solution to the market through all north American marketing activities. 
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending workshops, reviewing professional publications and professional societies.
• Participate in global product portfolio alignment meetings.

• Develop, manage and attend new product dealer surveys.
• Assist engineering staff in understanding and applying survey results.
• Additional duties as assigned by management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Marketing, or related field preferred:
• In lieu of a degree 10 years’ experience in related product management experience required.
• With a degree at least 7 years’ experience in related product management experience required.
• Ability to work cross functionally with various business teams.
• Ability to operate equipment within assigned market segment is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with Project management within marketing and engineering groups.

• General understanding of off-road technologies such as telematics, vehicle electrification, and automation preferred.
• Proficient using Microsoft Word, Excel, G Suite, and PowerPoint and the ability to quickly learn and use other software packages. Capability to share strategic concepts and work with others to achieve consensus.
• Willingness to travel, including international, up to 30% of the time.
• International cultural experience is a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Typical office environment.
• Ability to participate in normal activities associated with agricultural, construction and other off-highway environments. 

DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in the description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents within the classification.  This description is not intended to be a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and working conditions required of employees assigned to this job/classification.  This job is intended to include the current essential functions of the job.  Management reserves the right to add or modify the duties and responsibilities and to designate other functions as essential at any time.

 Kubota is an equal opportunity at will employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation or national origin.