Head of Planning

Job Title:

Head of Planning Department:

Operations Reports To:

EVP of Operations Classification:

Exempt Location:

Remote Travel:

As needed 20%

Job Summary:

As the planning Director for all GWS Products, you will be responsible for managing the complete life cycle of GWS Tool Group's product portfolio. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, marketing, sales, and Plant planners to ensure the successful development, launch, and management of standard products throughout their life cycle.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Strategy and Planning:

Develop and execute product strategies aligned with the company's goals and market trends. Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and customer feedback analysis to identify opportunities for product enhancement and expansion. Collaborate with the engineering and manufacturing teams to define product requirements and specifications.

Product Development and Launch:

Lead the product development process, from concept to launch, ensuring timely execution and adherence to quality standards. Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure efficient product development, including design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing.

Product Life Cycle Management:

Monitor and analyze the performance of standard products throughout their life cycle, including sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction. Develop and implement product improvement initiatives, such as cost reduction, quality enhancement, and feature upgrades. Identify and address product-related issues and customer feedback through collaboration with relevant teams.

Pricing and Competitive Positioning:

Conduct pricing analysis, considering market dynamics, cost structures, and competitive positioning. Collaborate with the marketing and sales teams to develop pricing strategies that maximize profitability and market share. Monitor market trends and competitor activities to identify potential threats or opportunities.

Sales Support and Training:

Provide sales teams with product knowledge, training, and collateral to effectively promote and sell standard products. Collaborate with the marketing team to develop product marketing materials, including product catalogs, brochures, and online content. Support sales efforts by participating in customer meetings, trade shows, and industry events.

Qualifications:

Degree in Business Administration, or a related field experience (4 years+). Proven experience in product management, preferably in the manufacturing or cutting tool industry. Strong understanding of product life cycle management principles and practices. Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Analytical mindset with a focus on data-driven decision making. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Results-oriented mindset with a focus on achieving targets and driving continuous improvement. Join GWS Tool Group as a Product Life Cycle Manager for Standard Products and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions to our customers. Apply your expertise to shape the life cycle of our standard product line and drive the success of our business. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by law. When you join our global team you will find yourself inspired by the spirit of Sandvik and contribute to our purpose to advance the world through engineering. Sandvik is a global, high-tech engineering group providing solutions that enhance productivity, profitability and sustainability for the manufacturing, mining and infrastructure industries. Our offerings cover the entire customer value chain and are based on extensive investments in research and development, customer insights and deep knowledge of industrial processes and digital solutions In 2024 the Group had approximately 41,000 employees and revenues of about 123 billion SEK in about 150 countries within continuing operations. Sandvik at a glance