Reference Code:  100386

Director Catergory Management Writing Instruments

Hamburg, HH, DE

Permanent
  
  

Founded in 1906 as a manufacturer of writing instruments, MONTBLANC today creates  exclusive products including watches, jewelry, writing instruments and leather goods which reflect our high demands with respect to culture, quality, design, tradition and craftsmanship. With more than 25 subsidiaries and 600 boutiques MONTBLANC is present all over the world.

This role is designed for a global strategist ready to shape the future of our Writing Instruments category, driving global growth and brand prestige.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

- Global Strategy : Craft and implement a global strategic framework for the WI category, encompassing business, portfolio, and product strategy, along with an operational marketing plan.

- Market Intelligence: Continuously analyze the global market landscape, including competitor activities, customer preferences, and emerging trends to identify and capitalize on business opportunities.

- Product Lifecycle Management: Guide the product development lifecycle from ideation to discontinuation, including briefing, planning, positioning, pricing, and evaluating commercial performance.

- Global Brand Advocacy: Lead global product presentations to partners, media, and consumers, boosting the collector and enthusiast community engagement.

- Financial Stewardship: Oversee the construction and management of the WI sales budget, including monthly reviews of sales performance, margin analysis, and inventory objectives.

- Merchandising Initiatives: Develop and deploy merchandising strategies tailored to enhance brand visibility across Montblanc boutiques and various points of sale.

- Channel Support and Collaboration: Foster collaboration across franchise and wholesale networks, creative, sales, and marketing communication teams to ensure unified marketing efforts and support material development.

- Internal Communications: Innovate and manage internal communication tools to align global market strategies with WI product initiatives.

- Leadership and Team Development: Lead and mentor a dedicated team of 7-8 members, driving performance and fostering professional growth.

 

Professional Qualifications:

 

- Proven track record in product development within leading global brands.

- Deep expertise in Product Marketing and a strong grasp of global market dynamics.

- Innate understanding of brand essence with the ability to translate this into effective strategies.

- Demonstrated commercial acumen and experience navigating corporate structures.

- Exceptional leadership capabilities paired with a visionary strategic outlook.

- Comprehensive international experience and a global operational mindset.

 

Personal Attributes:

 

- Agile thinker with a robust mindset geared towards people, change, and results.

- Superior communication skills, with the proficiency to engage across all levels of hierarchy.

- Culturally sensitive with a strong international perspective.

- Charismatic leader with a passion for arts, culture, and sophisticated taste.

- Exceptional conflict resolution skills, flexibility, and commitment.

- Fluency in English is mandatory, with proficiency in French or Italian being highly advantageous.