Category Manager – Microsoft Accessories

Job description

The Accessories Category Manager will be confident in category management fundamentals in the Computing Industry in Canadian retail. This person will help drive the business to market leadership through sound business management, analysis & forecasting precision, timely business monitoring and strong collaboration across Product, Marketing, Finance and Operations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Business Management:

Act as primary liaison between the Corp Hardware and Surface Business Group while maintaining effective personal connections with all local stakeholders

Lead all rhythm of the business (ROB) and business management deliverables including the creation of annual & quarterly plans, monthly / quarterly business reviews, semi-monthly results analysis, monthly forecasting, marketing budget forecasts and expense processing & management

Strategize and coordinate execution to deliver against key revenue, profit, and scorecard metrics, through effective collaboration with Channel Marketing, Sales, and Business Management teams

Accountable for local P&L, including marketing budget management (rebate / price protection / marketing spend)

Strong and beneficial interactions with other markets to ensure North America alignment Global Best Practice sharing in order to tackle common business opportunities and issues

2. Product Marketing Management:

Develop and execute a comprehensive Category and Product Marketing plan (assortment / pricing / channel plans) for Microsoft PC and Surface accessories that would include product lifecycle management, public relations, and advertising

Develop comprehensive below the line marketing plans and act as the Canadian product expert and media spokesperson

Work with legal and the Business Group to ensure all products / packaging / pricing / assets are localized appropriately

3. Channel Strategy and Development:

Lead the Channel Marketing team to translate product strategy into channel strategy and execution

Collaborate and provide guidance to Channel Marketing Manager to influence Account / Channel strategies (merchandising / assortment / price / promotion / exclusivities / etc.)

Work with local Breadth Channel sales team, Corporate Channel Development team, and other Microsoft business groups to secure assortment and new businesses in Breadth Channel

Desired profile

Qualifications:

•A passion for technology and a desire to win

•Understands Canadian market and industry dynamics within it

•Demonstrates the ability to impact revenue, profit and market share growth through strong business analysis and understanding and even stronger execution to action it

•Facilitates "win-win" situations by working with others to achieve positive outcomes.

•Acts confidently in uncertain circumstances; works effectively in ambiguous situations while making and standing behind the decisions.

•Can comminute complex business issues simply to varying levels of the organization

•4-year degree in Business or Marketing.

•2 – 3 years’ experience working directly with Sales teams and / or retailers.

Considering a Career with Microsoft Canada?

At Microsoft Canada, people are the source of our energy. The people at Microsoft Canada are creative, from all types of backgrounds, bringing passion and new ideas, meeting challenges, and realizing their potential. Our benefits and resources are designed to keep our most important asset - our employees - healthy, happy and equipped with the resources they need to be successful and realize their full potential.

Microsoft Canada provides a flexible work environment, with career advancement potential and most importantly, the opportunity to make a difference.

As a Microsoft employee you have the opportunity to participate in the following programs:

Stock Awards & Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Registered Retirement Savings Plan, Employee Software Purchase Program, Fitness Membership & Subsidy, I Volunteer (5 Paid Volunteer Days), Employee Assistance Program

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity. Microsoft is committed to accommodating applicant’s with disabilities up to the point of undue hardship during the recruitment, assessment and selection process.   Please notify Microsoft if you require accommodation in respect of the materials or procedures used at any time during this process.   If you require accommodation Microsoft will work with you to determine how to meet your need.