Category Leader – Roval Wheels

Category Leader – Roval Wheels

Category Leader – Roval

Specialized is looking to hire a Leader of Roval (Wheels). This person is responsible for driving product and business results while leading and inspiring the product creation team. This is a key stakeholder and voice within the brand that works cross functionally to build category strategies and execute at the highest level. Moreover, we’re looking for someone to dream what the future of bike wheels is and to find a way to make it happen.

 

HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Devise long-term business development strategies and tactics for category, aligning with the overarching company and Equipment strategies. 
• Team leadership – lead the Roval team to deliver innovation, grow talent, and build a cohesive process within the Specialized product creation culture.
• Responsible for budget planning and product/innovation roadmap for the category.
• Key stakeholder in the individual project GTM/NPI strategy and transition to GM and markets by maintaining data accuracy ad providing product information throughout the process. 
• Ability to bring key voices together, both Bike and Equipment teammates. Be the force pulling the right voices, at the right times, to make decisions and act with speed. 
• Delivers expert level of insight on the opinion of the target rider, by conducting market research, feedback sessions, retailer visits and inputs, compiling all necessary information and creating a product brief to deliver to design and engineering.
• Work with Demand Planning Team to develop sales forecasts and product launch success.
• Own relationships with main vendors and select sub suppliers.
• Collaborate regularly with the following to ensure successful product launches. DesignEngineering/DevelopmentVendor relationsMarketing and Marketing assetsProduct MerchandisingProduct Category leaders (Equipment and Bike)Asia Development teamMarket regions: Both individually and as a whole to develop accurate forecasting and product requirements.Supply Chain
• Supports long-term category strategy with mid/short-term product strategy.
• Helps to align design & development to deliver on the rider need based off Product Briefs.
• Costing - Negotiate pricing for models, colors and graphics, packaging as well as volume discounts.
• Supply Chain - Help manage/negotiate supply of product in a timely manner to maximize sell through.
• Tooling - Ensures costing for tooling tracks with specific products.
• Color/Graphics - Manages and maintains product color/graphics development as well as sampling and final sign off for production – as needed.
• Market research - Size & Potential of Business, both SKUs & Revenue

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO WIN

• 5+ years experience in product creation, preferably category or business management.
• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams in a passionate, fast-paced environment.
• Sharp business acumen, ability to understand trends and record of managing successful businesses.
• Track record of bringing iconic designs to market.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing operations for carbon fiber, preferably wheel technologies.
• World-class presentation skills and ability to influence.
• Sales experience in retail, or experience working alongside sales teams.
• Ability to simplify complex problems, test ideas, and move forward with speed.
• Desire to lead, inspire and grow – personally and for the team.
• Based on-site, in Morgan Hill CA. (4 days in office)