Product Planner

Yamaha has an excellent opportunity for a Product Planner to join our Marine team in Kennesaw, GA. Responsible for managing the product lifecycle, from concept to creation, commercialization, and discontinuation. The product portfolio encompasses all developed markets, when applicable. It leverages product expertise and market knowledge to create a long-term product portfolio that is both customer-centric and accretive to the business bottom line.

What you'll be doing:

• Responsible for building and executing a cohesive product strategy. Partners with Affiliates and YMC management and cross-functional areas to understand product needs and internal capabilities.
• Be the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the product category – understanding its use, application(s) and market dynamics. Be the face of the product, spokesperson whenever necessary.
• Collaborate cross-functionally/globally (developed markets) to develop and maintain a prioritized roadmap and lifecycle of products, supported by evidence-based business cases for products to seek business resources and prioritize product development.
• Oversee YMC projects and/or lead local development projects from design conception to end of life (establish schedules and hold concurrent reviews/workshops with staff from intercompany factory teams), adhering to corporate processes.
• Initiate / participate in phase gate process and meetings to drive product development and coordinated marketing introduction.
• Represent the voice of the customer(s) to the Yamaha Marine Business. Work with internal and external sources to secure updated and accurate customer needs knowledge.
• Setting pricing, go to market strategy, cost, ERP setup, training, etc. to run a successful product.
• Accountable for the correct product information: specifications, features and related documents supporting the product lifecycle (including BOM).
• Lead activities and teams cross-functionally/globally to secure goals and targets are met.
  
  
  

What you need to be successful:

• BA / BS degree in related field is required.
• 3-7 years equivalent professional experience in a related position required.
• Product Management certification preferred.
• Knowledge of Marine product is preferred.
• Technical marine product/application knowledge and/or experience very helpful.
• Basic business and technical acumen – be inquisitive and not afraid to challenge the status quo.
• Ability to gather and understand market data and needs - translate that data into business cases.
• Computer skills typical to office environments – Microsoft Windows, Office, Adobe Acrobat
• Public speaking / presentation skills across all levels of business up to C-suite
• Tactically skilled yet strategic thinker who can achieve goals in an efficient and timely manner.
• Supportive and enthusiastic team player who is a great communicator.
• Domestic and international travel required as necessary, with short periods of heavy travel (i.e. overlapping or closely scheduled trips, projects, meetings, shows, events etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to maintain, confidentiality is a must.
  
  
  

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and underrepresented minorities are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Yamaha, we understand that talent comes in various forms, as such we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles!

What’s in it for you:

• 401(k) and Profit Sharing
• Fertility Benefits
• 37.5 hour work-week
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Wellness Program
• Short-Term Disability Coverage (for hourly roles)
• Long-Term Disability
• Student Debt Repayment Benefits
• Ability to borrow Yamaha product
  
  
  

Reports to: Department Manager

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, veteran or disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees