Category Leader

Overview

De’Longhi America, headquartered in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey is the North American subsidiary of the De’Longhi Group. Our parent company was founded in Treviso, Italy and has built its global reputation as a cutting-edge leader in innovation, product design, and performance. The De'Longhi brand entered the North American market in the early 80’s with the first ever portable radiator; transforming the home heating industry. Building on our success, the brand has continued to make strides in developing new technologies and revolutionizing the home appliance category. De’Longhi is an international leader with a presence in over 45 countries and products in three main categories: espresso/coffee, premium appliances/specialty cooking and home comfort. After more than a century of perfecting its products, we remain committed to continuing our mission of creating exceptional products that improve the lives’ of the consumer through innovative technologies and unparalleled design --- bringing convenience and style into every customers’ home; making the everyday better.

We are currently searching for a Category Leader to join the team at our headquarters in Upper Saddle River, NJ. As a Category Leader, you will work in conjunction with management to define the strategic, financial, and fundamental goals for your specific category, with special emphasis on the development of multiyear product development roadmaps. You will have the opportunity to successfully drive the business in key categories for a premium brand and enjoy the freedom to put forth ideas that will have an impact in the business.  

Responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Leveraging consumer insights to develop an informed category strategy and category tactics
• Develop multi-year product development road maps including new product plans, and collaborate with Global and Regional HQ to implement
• Develop channel sales strategy in collaboration with sales management
• Develop competitive assessments, understanding the trends/new technologies, finding ways to differentiate product and collaborate with marketing team on distinctive claims & messaging
• Collaborate with Marketing to inform and develop strategic marketing communication plans, assets, research initiatives, and product launches
• Support and attend photoshoots, video shoots, tradeshows, Media, PR, and Company events as needed
• Build effective internal and external professional relationships at all levels

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent relevant experience
• 7-10 years’ experience in product development, product marketing, or brand management
• Experience leveraging consumer insights into brand or category plans
• Experience with premium brands (small appliance or kitchenware)
• Solid understanding of North American consumer and retail marketplace
• Demonstrated experience in category analysis; Able to initiate consumer research and analyze insights
• Entrepreneurial self-starter
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively
• Ability to travel within US, Canada and globally (~15% travel)