Product Line Director Wipes

Magnera's purpose is to better the world with new possibilities made real. For more than 160 years, the originating companies have delivered the material solutions their partners need to thrive. Through economic upheaval, global pandemics and changing end-user needs, they have consistently found ways to solve problems and exceed expectations. By bringing together these legacy companies, the distinct scale and comprehensive portfolio of products will bring customers more materials and choices. With a combined legacy of resilience, Magnera will build personal partnerships that withstand an ever-changing world.

The Product Management Director, will be accountable for the profit and loss of Magnera’s EMEIA Wipes product line, a $150MM P&L consisting of Consumer Wipes & Professional Wipes sub categories. 

He or she will lead a team of 1-2 that will manage the product portfolio and drive the development and execution of short and long-term strategies for assigned product lines. The suitable candidate will also contribute to this work, as it is a small and dynamic team. Magnera is a fast-evolving company so this role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:         

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategy:

• Develop and execute the strategic vision for the Wipes Product Line; existing, enhanced and new technology recommendations
• Champion and lead cross-functionally to achieve strategic initiatives
• Identify new business needs, internally and externally, as well as growth opportunities
• Define and develop associated strategic investment plans with cross-functional collaboration
• Lead coordination of ongoing market and competitive intelligence; analyze and effectively communicate market trends, customer/consumer demands and competitor strategies for product and pricing
• Provide product assortment and pricing direction for new business opportunities
• Participate in customer meetings and trade events to drive growth and keep up with product trends, channel and consumer influences, and competitive challenges

Multi Generation Product Planning:

• Develop and execute 1 and 3 year product development roadmap for channel and product line effectiveness, growth and profitability
• Define and develop next generation products, collaborating with Sales and cross-functionally
• Manage allocation of technical resources to the most impactful projects
• Manage all aspects of new product launches
• Provide oversight for channel and product-specific competitive information

Product Line Profitability:

• Manage new product and customer pricing and profitability, collaborating with Finance, Operations, Sourcing, Supply Chain and Sales
• Manage pricing strategies and monitor channel conflict
• Champion cost-reduction projects; manage product mix and margin erosion on mature items
• Identify changes in equipment and process technology to improve cost position
• Work with Supply Chain for raw material sourcing, validation and cost-improvement 

Support of Existing Business:

• Collaborate with Sales leadership for top target growth (current and new)
• Develop clear product positioning and communication strategies; collaborate with Marketing, manage product positioning tools, including web, trade, ad, sell sheets, research and presentations.
• Lead cross-functional teams to bring solution to resolve quality initiatives.
• Work with cross-functional teams to define service needs for new/changing/outgoing items
• Maintain oversight for new and modified products; working with Marketing, Corporate Creative teams and Packaging Design in determining packaging requirements and art work.

• 10+ years’ Product Management experience, preferably with experience with Non-Wovens and Films technologies and/or experience in the Wipes market.
• Strong financial Acumen.
• 3+ years’ experience leading a team of direct and indirect reports
• Thorough knowledge of product management strategy and new product development techniques.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Textiles or Engineering.
• Understanding of analytical tools to benchmark customer and market needs; relate and translate to existing operational infrastructure and prospective new acquired assets.
• Ability to design and translate effective strategies and tactics to the commercial team.
• Capability to build and foster excellent rapport with cross-functional leadership and teams.
• Team player with ability to influence without direct authority. Our successful candidate will have the ability to develop relationships and work across all levels of the organization.
• Solid understanding of business functions: Sales, Finance, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Sourcing, and Logistics.
• High proficiency level with MS Office applications required.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with demonstrated meeting facilitation skills.
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task
• Ability to travel up to 30%