Manager, Market Development

Description

FN America, LLC is a U.S. subsidiary of FN Herstal, S.A., a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-quality, reliable firearms for military, law enforcement and commercial customers worldwide. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia with manufacturing operations in Columbia, South Carolina, FN America is passionately committed to providing its customers with a portfolio of FN-branded products, training and support services that enhance user performance and safeguard their lives. For more information, visit us at or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Position Summary

The Manager, Market Development, is responsible for developing and executing strategies to expand the company’s market share and reach new customer segments. This role involves conducting market research, identifying new business opportunities, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring innovative products and services to the market. This position will become the recognized market expert responsible for working with the teams to ensure the company achieves the profitability and growth objectives. 

Job Duties

• Conducts comprehensive market analysis to identify trends, competitive landscape, customer/consumer needs, and growth opportunities. Uses market research to create deep market intimacy with specialized market needs. Prepare executive reports on market and competitive positioning and analysis for presentation to senior leadership. 
• Conducts solid market and business analysis, understanding the opportunities and risks. 
• Develops and implements market entry strategies for new products and services. Generates innovative approaches and strategies to drive the market. 
• Collaborates with product, sales, and the marketing team to ensure alignment on go-to-market models. 
• Builds relationships with key market influencers, i.e., early adopter customers, key decision makers, customer buying centers, thought leaders, etc. 
• Chooses smart strategies that include clear positioning, smart pricing, and clear competitive advantages. 
• Manages market testing and pilot programs to validate new product/service concepts. 
• Prepares business cases, forecasts, and recommendation reports to secure executive buy-in. 
• Monitors market performance and adjust strategies as needed to achieve growth objectives. 
• Identifies and builds relationships with customers, early adopters, distributors, potential partners, key decision makers, and market influencers. 
• Stays up to date on industry developments, competitive intelligence, and emerging technologies. 
• Represents the company at industry events, trade shows, and customer meetings.  
• Manages market specific budgets. 

Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or related field required. Master’s degree in business administration (MBA) preferred.  

Experience Requirements

A minimum of five years of experience in market development, marketing, and/or product management, and business strategy required. Previous marketing experience in the firearms and/or retail industry highly desirable.  

Skills and Competencies

All FN America employees are expected to demonstrate accountability, collaboration, communication, customer focus, and innovation. Additional requirements of this position include:

• Proven track record of developing and executing successful market expansion strategies. 
• Proven experience working cross-functionally with sales, marketing, and product teams.  
• Familiarity with project management methodologies. 
• Strong business acumen. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights. 
• Strong networking and relationship building skills. 
• Results oriented. 
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written. 
• Ability to deal with ambiguity and create clear growth vectors 
• Ability to develop and analyze market research, consumer segmentation, concept testing and base ROI models 

Tools

Microsoft Office and SAP. Proficiency in market research tools, data analysis software, and CRM systems.  

Licenses/Certifications

None.

Working Conditions

Typical office environment with up to 30% travel to customer locations, tradeshows, meetings, etc. May also be exposed to a typical manufacturing environment with some travel between buildings and to other locations. May be exposed to loud noises, toxic chemicals, and dangerous machinery and firearms when on the plant floor or on the range. Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds unassisted and up to 50 pounds assisted. 

All FN America employees have a responsibility to participate in the development of a safe and healthy workplace and to comply with instructions given for their own safety and health and that of others. 

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

FN America, LLC is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please email HR@FNAmerica.com or call: 803-736-0522. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.