Summary
About this role
Req ID 84304 | Vernon Hills, 26 Mile/Farmington Hills, Auburn Hills, United States ZF Services, LLC
Job Description
This is a strategic leadership role responsible for defining and executing the North America braking category strategy for ZF Aftermarket while leading a team of professionals. The Category Management team drives portfolio strategy, pricing, growth, profitability, and lifecycle management across multiple product lines, partnering closely with sales, marketing, engineering, and supply chain to deliver solutions that meet customer and market needs. You will own category P&L levers (assortment, pricing, cost, channel strategy) and lead a team to achieve ambitious growth and margin targets. This position can be based in Vernon Hills, IL, Farmington Hills, MI, or Auburn Hills, MI.
What you can look forward to as a Regional Lead of Category Management - Braking Systems:
- Shape and execute the North America braking category strategy to drive growth and profitability, including portfolio mix, pricing, positioning, and lifecycle management, aligned with global leadership.
- Lead market studies and develop business plans to capture growth opportunities and anticipate customer needs and market trends.
- Own category P&L levers — set and monitor targets for sales, margin, share, and coverage; drive actions to achieve KPI objectives. Ensure budget control and corrective actions for category initiatives.
- Optimize product portfolio through SKU rationalization and vehicle parc coverage to maximize competitiveness and profitability.
- Partner with Purchasing, Supply Chain, and Operations to influence sourcing decisions, cost structures, and supplier performance to support growth and margin improvement.
- Lead and develop a team of direct reports (Regional Category and Product Managers); build talent and succession plans.
- Drive go-to-market readiness for new products and updates, ensuring effective communication and differentiation in the marketplace.
- Deliver regular category reviews outlining current market position, strategic roadmap, and growth initiatives.
- Monitor and report on KPI health: sales growth, net margin, mix, pricing realization, time-to-market, availability, coverage, and competitive position.
Your Profile as Regional Lead of Category Management - Braking Systems:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, engineering, or related field (MBA preferred).
- 8–10 years in Category Management, including portfolio strategy, pricing, and key P&L levers (margin, mix, cost).
- Proven team leadership: hiring, coaching, and performance management.
- Strong analytical and commercial skills; ability to use data to optimize pricing, mix, sales, and margin.
- Automotive aftermarket experience strongly preferred; braking systems experience a plus.
- Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
- Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Intercultural competence: able to collaborate effectively with global teams across regions.
What We Offer:
- A supportive collaborative team environment
- Annual Incentive Plan
- Paid Vacation
- 401k Plan
- Health Care Benefits
- Paid Holidays
- A Hybrid Work Schedule (2 days remote/3 days onsite)
- A strong diversity culture
- Supportive Employee Groups and community outreach activities
The expected base compensation for this role is $113,100.00 - $141,400.00 annually. Actual base compensation within the identified range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
Be part of our ZF team as Regional Lead of Category Management - Braking Systems and apply now!
Contact
Gabriela Palacio
DIVERSITY COMMITMENT:
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are more than just words for us. They are at the core of the ZF Way that propels our team members towards their utmost success. We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a natural reflex. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that every member of ZF can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape next generation mobility, safety, sustainability and social justice.
With four generations across 118 nationalities in 41 countries, ZF combines a unique variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas. Together, we solve problems, drive innovation and shape next generation mobility.
Our company is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with us and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please contact us. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. ZF is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/Disability/Veteran
Other facts
About ZF Group
ZF is a global technology company supplying advanced mobility products and systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology. Its comprehensive product range is primarily aimed at vehicle manufacturers, mobility providers and start-up companies in the fields of transportation and mobility. ZF electrifies a wide range of vehicle types. With its products, the company contributes to reducing emissions, protecting the climate as well as enhancing safe mobility. Alongside the automotive sector – passenger cars and commercial vehicles – ZF also serves market segments such as construction and agricultural machinery, wind power, marine propulsion, rail drives and test systems.
With some 161,600 employees worldwide, ZF reported sales of €41.4 billion in fiscal year 2024. The company operates 161 production locations in 30 countries.
For further press information and photos please visit: www.zf.com
Imprint: https://www.zf.com/site/meta/en/imprint.html
Data Protection: https://www.zf.com/master/media/en/corporate/mzfcom/meta/dataprotectionsocialmedia/DataProtectionNoticeSocialMediaEN.pdf
What you'll do
- The Regional Lead of Category Management is responsible for defining and executing the North America braking category strategy while leading a team to achieve growth and profitability targets. This includes managing P&L levers, optimizing product portfolios, and driving go-to-market readiness for new products.
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