Category Manager, Memory Cards & Storage Peripherals
Posted: 29 March, 2023Organization: OWC
Location: St. Louis, MO
About Us:
OWC is a fast-paced, friendly atmosphere that advocates ingenuity and encourages every employee to contribute ideas towards the discovery of the next innovative concept that could change the world of technology. Our shared vision of the ultimate customer experience is a key component to achieving the industry-leading results OWC has become known for around the globe. We firmly believe that the best in life is obtained through dedicated teamwork and creativity.
OWC is an environmentally conscious company committed to the conservation of our planet's resources through the use of renewable energy and company-wide recycling programs. Today OWC is recognized as a leading zero-emissions Mac and PC technology company. Other World Computing (OWC) has been providing the highest quality hardware products and support to the computer industry since 1988, specializing in Mac upgrades and expansion products to extend the useful life of Macs and reduce e-waste. We have one of the largest online catalogs for computer and iDevice enhancement products through our e-commerce portal www.macsales.com and have been steadily expanding the software solutions we provide as well through our brands SoftRAID and Mediafour.
OWC offers great benefits such as medical, dental, vision, 401K, short/long term disability, HSA and FSA accounts and a wellness program. We provide paid time off and 6 paid holidays as well as flexible schedule and work from home opportunities. We value our employees so there is potential for career growth, cross functional training, stretch assignments and ongoing educational opportunities.
Job Summary:
The Category Manager of Memory Cards & Storage Peripherals (sometimes called Product Line Manager / PLM) will define and drive the Memory Cards Go-To-Market strategy to promote OWC’s value proposition with consumers, professionals, and business buyers. With business ownership, paired with senior engineering leaders, you will be responsible for end-to-end planning and execution of the OWC memory Card line of products.
Working with product engineering, supply chain, marketing, sales, and partners, you will be the hub that connects multiple initiatives to bring a range of premium and professional memory cards and peripheral solutions into current channels, and in the future charter new channel expansion.
In this role, you will strategize and evolve the current buyer journey in order to maximize revenue and profit for the OWC Memory Card category. This includes understanding our buyers and their end-to-end experiences. You will improve performance of these phases by identifying both short-term and long-term gaps against the competitive landscape and defining priorities to address these gaps.
This role requires someone who takes a comprehensive view to problem solving, thinks strategically, and can guide OWC to be prepared for these changes in this multi-billion-dollar category.
Further, this category is constantly evolving and having a strong professional background in this category will be helpful. We are seeking an experienced candidate who can thrive in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment while being able to multi-task and prioritize in real-time. This role requires strong written communication, visual design, analytical skills, leadership through influence, and project management skills.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
• None
Duties/Responsibilities:
• Develop and implement strategic channel promotions and/or marketing plans to help drive specific channel sales goals in this category.
• Manage revenue and gross margin goals for the category, and all related activities to achieve profitable growth.
1. Meet with senior management to develop regular and promotional pricing strategies.
2. Analyze pricing strategies to determine profitability and make recommendations for future needs.
3. Monitor and analyze competitor pricing, market and channel trends and adjust channel strategies accordingly.
4. Consistently convey market research, competitor positions and customer requirements to management on a timely basis.
5. Assist in maintaining accurate revenue and inventory forecasts to efficiently support direct and channel supply.
• Coordinate market development activities including category specific social posts and email, sales/educational events, and merchandising materials
• Provide information to our sales, marketing, and partner teams on the competitive landscape in this product category.
• Work with the channel sales team to effectively implement channel programs and initiatives.
• Lead new product launch efforts within each vertical and/or channel by leading development of necessary collateral, communication strategy, merchandising, training tools, and other related activities.
• Maintain knowledge of industry trends and technologies as it relates to our products, customers, and markets.
Required Skills/Abilities:
• 3-5 years category management experience in consumer electronics, computer hardware and/or software – ideally in the memory card or Direct Storage categories.
• Solid understanding of consumer electronics products, services, and their competitive equivalents.
• Understanding of both direct and indirect sales distribution channels, methods, and processes.
• Flexible, detail-oriented self-starter who thrives in an entrepreneurial and fast-paced environment, operating both independently as well as part of a team.
• Strong analytical, organizational, planning, forecasting, and budgeting skills.
• Advanced PC and MAC skills with strong Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint experience.
• Travel required as needed to support sales on customer visits, training, and/or strategic events.
Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field, MBA preferred.