We are seeking a Category Leader to join our team at De'Longhi North America. As a Category Leader, youwill work in conjunction with management to define the strategic and financial goals for your specific category. You will have the opportunity to successfully drive the business in this key category for a premium brand and enjoy the freedom to put forth ideas that will have an impact in the business. This role will report directly to the President, De'Longhi America and collaborate closely with colleagues in Global HQ.
Who We Are:
For almost 50 years, we have been creating products with unique designs for our consumers that find their way into the homes of millions of people.
Every day around the world, our over 9,000 people give their best, studying innovative solutions and creating products to let our consumers enjoy special experiences and authentic moments.
We believe in shaping the world with our hands.
We are the Everyday Makers
An international Group with worldwide presence
The De’Longhi Group, headquartered in Treviso Italy is one of the world’s leading players in small domestic appliances associated with the world of coffee, kitchen, air conditioning, and home care, present in over 120 markets worldwide. The Group consists of 5 iconic brands: De’Longhi, Kenwood, Braun, Nutribullet, and Ariete. Click here to learn more about the De’Longhi Group.
A local North American headquarters
De’Longhi North America, our North American Regional HQ, consists of the US, Canada, and Mexico markets (a team of around 120 people). We hold an emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, knowing that we can only achieve more, together. Working within North America gives you a unique opportunity to directly drive results locally, impacting the overall growth of the Group. We pride ourselves on a collaborative, inclusive culture of passionate individuals.
Responsibilities:
- Leverage strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills to analyze insights (consumer, channel/distribution, competition, trends, etc.) to develop an informed category strategy and category tactics
- Develop consumer insights leading to product concepts for review with senior leadership
- Develop competitive assessments noting opportunities to develop product differentiation, marketing and leadership with claims and marketing messages
- Develop multi-year product development road maps including new product plans.
- Collaborate with Global HQs and Regional HQs to implement the product road maps
- Develop channel sales strategy in collaboration with sales management
- Collaborate with Marketing to develop strategic marketing plans
- Routinely assess the performance of the category and drive actions based on analysis
- Understand the trends and hot products in the category, new technologies, etc. and report to management and HQ product teams
- Conduct market surveys on product categories – consumer and trade partners
- Conduct store visits to gain knowledge of market & competitors
- Create competitive review matrix to show how products compare in marketplace
- Create product marketing calendar to show when products are available
- Partner with other functional areas on content, visuals, collateral, user manuals for category
- Partner with product training on materials for sales associates and sales field team
- Build effective internal and external professional relationships at all levels
- Supporting and attending Media and PR events as needed
Qualifications:
- 4 year college degree in marketing or related field
- 7-10 years of experience in product development or brand management or some combination of the two
- Experience leveraging insights into brand or category plans; Experience with premium brands (small appliance a plus)
- Solid understanding of North American consumer and retail marketplace
- Demonstrated experience in category analysis; Able to initiate consumer research and analyze insights
- Product development and road mapping
- Project management skills; PMP certification a plus
- Detail oriented and self-motivated
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently
- Ability to travel within US, Canada and globally (~25% travel)
What We Offer
Benefits:
- Flexible work structure - 3 days/week in the office, and year-round early close Fridays
- Robust & inexpensive health coverage for you and your family through medical, dental and vision plans
- Financial protection through life, accidental death & dismemberment, and long-term disability insurance
- A company matching 401(k) plan
- Tax advantages through flexible spending accounts for both health-care and dependent care expenses
- Generous paid time off including vacation, personal, sick, company holidays, and bereavement days so you can take the time you need
Learning & Development:
- All employees are provided with LinkedIn Learning licenses and unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning’s courses
- Global hub of learning & development resources including global webinars covering a variety of technical, soft skills, and language training
De’Longhi Cares:
- Organized annual volunteer day, donation opportunities throughout the year with local non-profit organizations
Our Core Values
Ambition, Courage, Passion, Competence, Teamwork, Heritage, Respect
De'Longhi America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process please contact hr.us@delonghigroup.com.
