Category Manager- Control Systems
ZFBecome our next FutureStarter Are you ready to make an impact? ZF is looking for talented individuals to join our team. As a FutureStarter, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of mobility. Join us and be part of something extraordinary! Category Manager- Control Systems Country/Region: US Location: Vernon Hills, IL, US, 60061 Req ID 91611 | Vernon Hills, United States ZF Services, LLC About the Position The Category Manager is responsible for the strategic management and overall business performance of the Passenger car braking product portfolio within the Independent Aftermarket (IAM) category. This hybrid role drives profitable growth through category strategy development, portfolio management, market analysis, new product introduction, pricing optimization, and cross-functional execution. The Category Manager serves as the commercial owner of the category, partnering with Sales, Marketing, Product Development, Purchasing, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Finance to identify market opportunities, improve customer penetration, optimize profitability, and ensure product availability What you can look forward to as Category Manager: Develop and execute category strategies that drive revenue growth, profitability, market share expansion, customer penetration, and long-term business success. Create and maintain category roadmaps aligned with business objectives, customer requirements, market trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging technologies. Analyze customer insights, vehicle parc data, competitive activity, market trends, pricing, and financial performance to identify growth opportunities and support data-driven decision making. Lead product portfolio management activities, including new product introductions, product line expansion, coverage enhancement, portfolio optimization, product lifecycle management, and go-to-market execution. Develop business cases, strategic recommendations, and prioritization plans that support category growth, profitability, and investment objectives. Manage category performance through key performance indicators including sales growth, market share, profitability, inventory performance, product availability, coverage, and return on investment. Provide strategic direction to Purchasing, Supply Chain, and Operations regarding sourcing priorities, supplier performance, inventory strategies, product availability, and business continuity. Develop and communicate category value propositions, competitive positioning, product strategies, and key messaging to internal and external stakeholders. Lead cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives from concept through implementation, driving stakeholder alignment, execution, accountability, and measurable business results. Operate with a high degree of autonomy, exercising sound business judgment in establishing priorities, making recommendations, managing multiple initiatives, and achieving business objectives. Your Profile as Category Manager Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, Automotive Technology, or a related field; MBA preferred. Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in category management, product management, product marketing, business development, or automotive aftermarket leadership roles. Strong knowledge of the Independent Aftermarket (IAM), including category management, portfolio strategy, product lifecycle management, pricing, distribution channels, and competitive market dynamics. Automotive aftermarket experience required; braking systems experience preferred. Proven success developing and executing category growth strategies that drive revenue, profitability, market share, and customer penetration. Strong business, financial, and analytical acumen with experience utilizing market intelligence, customer insights, competitive analysis, pricing studies, and performance metrics to support decision-making. Demonstrated ability to lead complex cross-functional projects, product launches, engi…