Equipment Product Director
LOCATIONS
Candidate may be located in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky or Ohio
JOB DETAILS
Job Type: Full-time
FULL JOB DESCRIPTION
WHO ARE WE?
Brown Equipment Company (BEC) is a privately owned, heavy equipment dealership focusing on the private and government sectors within the Midwest. As a leading dealership, we continue to expand our portfolio partnering with innovative manufacturers to provide robust, comprehensive solutions to our customers. At BEC, we pride ourselves on offering our customers outstanding service, and our commitment to a customer-first philosophy has always been our highest priority.
Job Summary
The Equipment Product Director (EPD) is responsible for growing and expanding the overall profitability of Brown Equipment Company (BEC) equipment lines and related parts. As the leader of the Equipment Product Management team, the EPD understands the market, supplier capabilities, and customer needs to offer the right equipment and related parts to our customers. A critical component of this position will be to gain, possess and provide hands-on leadership with the equipment knowledge necessary to drive and improve financial results. This includes the ability to work and negotiate with suppliers, offer strategic thinking with recommendations, identify and execute growth opportunities, solve and prioritize problems, and help sell to customers when called upon.
Essential Functions
Leading the entire Equipment Product Management team who possess the following essential functions as well as having the same or direct responsibilities for any assigned equipment line(s)
Increasing the profitability of equipment line(s) and related parts which includes, but not limited to, increased sales, customer pricing, higher margins and minimizing excess inventory
Through a deep knowledge of the equipment line(s) assigned, suppliers, customers, and market opportunities, identify and drive new opportunities for growth and create solutions-oriented value propositions that differentiate BEC equipment lines, parts and service in the marketplace
Obtain competitive price intelligence to create competitive benchmarks of equipment and parts offerings with the end goal of achieving increased sales and margin objectives
Understand inside and out our supplier’s market position and their value propositions. Utilize combination of supplier insights and our customer feedback to influence suppliers
Excel and exude passion for assigned equipment line(s) and related parts. Provide expertise and high levels of customer service to support our equipment consultants (sales), service center team members and customers
Negotiate with suppliers and manage\oversee purchasing cycle for assigned equipment lines and related parts
Actively manage equipment and parts inventory. Offer strategic thinking and solutions for slower moving inventory, ensuring the right parts and equipment levels exist at all BEC service center locations, etc.
Own and manage equipment and parts information for marketing requirements
Collaborate with other departments to improve the customer experience and increase overall acceptance of BEC offerings
Offer and ensure that product training efforts for internal and external customers are effective and consistent with equipment value positioning
Serve as a resource to equipment consultants during field visits, equipment demonstrations and customer meetings
Represent BEC in trade organizations and industry associations to stay ahead of industry trends
Education and Experience
7+ years of product management and/or professional experience with equipment manufacturer and/or distributor
Bachelor’s degree required, engineering or technical related field a plus
Managerial experience with profit and loss responsibilities
Supplier management and procurement experience
Working knowledge of heavy\large equipment and technical specifications is highly desired
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Hands-on leader, strong desire to work and collaborate with others
Driven for results and continuously seek improvement
Excellent problem-solver
Self-motivated and self-disciplined individual who thrives in an unstructured work environment
Sense of urgency, ability to quickly prioritize multiple tasks
Flexible, able to adapt to changing responsibilities and priorities
Effective delegator and provide hands-on leadership
Strategic and tactical planner
Effective time manager and ability to organize well
Financial acumen
Proven market and competitive analysis skills
MS Office, with excellent Excel skills
Ability to travel up to 33-50%