Product Manager, Attachments- Chicago, IL

The Product Manager will have responsibility for the marketing of Komatsu owned OEM and Allied partner attachment products through product demonstrations, competitive testing and training. The position will require substantial travel for meetings with all KNA Divisions, vendors, regions, distributors and end use customers. Periodic overseas travel will be required to support future model development. The Product Manager will be responsible for leading and mentoring a team focused on development and execution of KNA's attachment strategy and sales expansion of attachment products.

In conjunction with the Director, Products and Service - Attachments, the Product Manager will develop annual Market Analysis reports and product action plans. Describing in detail the sales results, goals that we achieved, profitability, market trends, competitors' actions and establish priorities for the upcoming years. Create detailed SWOT analysis and price comparison studies and recommend actions to improve Komatsu brand attachments positions in the marketplace.
This role will provide high value technical sales support to the Regional Sales team, Major Accounts and distributors through day-to-day sales and marketing activities, product training, customer visits, competitive comparisons, job studies, surveys, application recommendations and presentations to achieve sales and profit objectives. Lead, coordinate and execute new product introduction programs to include, sales material, competitive comparisons, training, and sales support. Develop and maintain highly effective sales tools that will be utilized for in-house training, distributor and customer presentations. To include brochures, specification sheets, product bulletins, marketing programs, communication action plans and strategies, video's, trade shows, conventions, and customer Demo Days.

Conduct attachment specific customer surveys to determine customer needs, trends, opportunities and competitive information. Develop appropriate action plans based on survey results.
Coordinate preparation and maintenance of marketing and advertising material for the assigned products. To include public relations, Internet and Extranet, trade shows, conventions, and Demo Days.

Recommend changes, improvements, modifications, or deletions in assigned product or products, based on regular analysis of market trends and opportunities. Must have advanced Microsoft Excel skills with the ability to analyze data and make recommendations to management.

* University degree (B.S./B.A.) in Engineering or Business required. Advanced degree (MBA) beneficial but not required.
* Ten years' experience in sales or marketing in construction/mining industry, equipment supplier or dealer with 2-3 years of field experience.
* Strong leadership skills supported by superior presentation and communication skills, including computer proficiency (MS Office, application tools as required).
* Highly organized and efficient time manager, especially relating to optimizing travel and customer/product visits.
* Position to be based out of our Chicago North American Headquarters. Relocation may be considered for the right candidate.
* Strong ability to analyze complex technical situations, determine root cause, identify actions and lead resolution and implementation.

Must be able to travel when required which includes having a driving record that demonstrates a record of safe driving. Must also have a valid passport to travel when necessary, outside of the US.