Product Development Analyst I

Here at Discount Tire, we celebrate the spirit of our people with extraordinary pride and enthusiasm. Our business has been growing for more than 60 years and now is the best time in our history to join us. We are opening more locations every year and we are always looking for qualified individuals to join us in our growth. We are a company that promotes from within, both in our retail and corporate operations.

Under general supervision, supports the product development project portfolio and the performance of active products in the Treadwell tool; facilitates the introduction of items into the master catalog and coordinates the collection of necessary assets for product launch; collaborates with our supplier’s product teams on the direction needed to develop successful products that drive a competitive edge for Discount Tire and supports the Merchandising strategy and objectives. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Portfolio and Project Support – Collaborates with team to Manage the development projects for their category portfolio; Responsible for ensuring that stakeholders complete required deliverables on time in accordance with the Product Development Stage & Gate Process
• Analyzes competitive testing and performance data; ensures development requirements are realistic and competitive; including but not limited to: Performance Benchmarks, Competitive Set Analysis, Time to Market, Specifications, Volume and Costing expectations.
• Communicates and Collaborates with Supplier’s Product Teams and Discount Tire Leadership to develop tactics that deliver on the technical direction of development projects
• Coordinates catalog information management; ensures that new items are set up with accurate data and in accordance with system best practices
• Assists in gathering product launch assets; coordinates the collection of launch assets and collaborates with cross-functional teams to deliver products to market
• Acts as liaison between Merchandising and Product Quality to ensure that tires are prioritized and scheduled for testing
• Analyze merchandising portfolio within the Treadwell tool; Provide analysis and recommendations to align Merchandising tactics with Treadwell performance
• Analyzes the lifecycle of products within the Merchandising portfolio; Implements lifecycle strategy to update aging products
• Stays current on latest industry technologies, trends, and strategies; Develop deep understanding of manufacturing processes and technologies
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• This position requires a minimum of one year direct Product Development Analyst experience or five years experience in Product Merchandising, marketing, inventory management, financial analysis, or related experience. 
• Tire industry experience is required; specifically in the Product Management and/or Development fields.
• Advanced proficiency in SAP, MicroStrategy, Microsoft Office 365 is required. 
• Proficiency is interpreting complex data sets; ability to model various scenarios/options and provide recommendations required. 
• Progressive experience in managing professional relationships with product/service vendors is necessary. 
• Demonstrated experience to projects and cross-functional teams. 
• Advanced presentation and communication skills are required. 
• Strong attention to detail and see big picture is key. 
• Demonstrated business acumen with knowledge of business process, issues, priorities, goals, and verbiage is necessary. 
• Understanding of tire technology, manufacturing processes, and industry trends is required. 
• Demonstrated ability to communicate across all levels of the organization, present complex ideas concisely and clearly articulate ideas verbally and in writing is necessary.
• The ability to work efficiently and accurately under pressure, meet deadlines, present a professional demeanor, and work well independently is essential.
• Customer service skills including the ability to manage and respond to different customer situations while maintaining a positive and friendly attitude is essential.

Educational Requirements:

This position requires a Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering, Statistics, Marketing, Advertising, Communications or related field, or equivalent work experience.

Work Days:

Normal work days are Monday though Friday.  Occasional Saturdays and Sundays may be necessary.

Work Hours:

Normal work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional hours may be necessary.

Local Travel is required

Discount Tire provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.