Product Line Specialist (Data Center Business Unit), APAC

Role Purpose

• This position is responsible for managing the Corning® GlassWorks AI™ Solutions product line.
• Develops and executes a product line strategy that supports the achievement of desired product line sales growth and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Works closely with a cross-functional product team consisting of functional leads from Development, Product Engineering, Applications Engineering, Manufacturing, Marketing and/or Sales to:
• Develops the product or product line’s market value proposition and pricing strategy.
• Develops and execute the product line planning process, including the identification of critical projects to be undertaken for the year.
• Finds the optimal solution (balancing the needs of Corning and the customer) to all product issues related to performance (i.e., specs, attributes, services), quality, share growth, customer needs (contract management)
• Creates an intellectual property and standards strategy for the product line.
• Understands downstream market requirements and assess competitive threats and implications for the business.
• Creates long-term forecasting plans.
• Works with Program Management or New Business Development to introduce new products, as appropriate.
• Develops a compelling market value proposition that differentiates Corning’s products and services in the marketplace.
• Develops the product line strategy and manages the product line through the stages of innovation, from product concept through commercialization and life-cycle management, as appropriate depending on the stage of handoff from Program Management or New Business Development
• Identifies the best mix for the market(s) through effective segmentation and portfolio rationalization.
• Optimizes inventory management related to the product line by coordinating information flow, as needed, between Forecasting, Sales, Manufacturing, and other parties as needed.
• May get involved in supply chain disruption issues to influence or make decisions on global order and Development/Manufacturing prioritization.
• Works with Manufacturing and Sales to identify opportunities to reduce complexity and cost reduction in the manufacturing process both at Corning’s plant(s) and the customer site, as appropriate.
• Works with the Standards group to set and drive the standards strategy for the product line.
• Addresses new product/special requests by developing a business case (including P&L and balance sheet implications) to determine the feasibility and pricing requirements of the requests.
• Owns and optimizes, or may work with the Pricing Manger to optimize, pricing levels by setting floor price, establishing pricing structure, optimizing product premiums, and ensuring value received for product line
• Works with Account Management to develop value propositions that improve margins for Corning’s products and services and enable new/enhanced selling opportunities with customers.
• Manages the obsolescence process, as necessary, to extract maximum value through the end of the product’s lifecycle.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree - Technical (engineering degree or other formal engineering education)
• MBA desired
• Intermediate Project Management Skills and Practices
• Product / Process Knowledge
• Customer Knowledge

Required Competency (Skills, Knowledge and Abilities)

• Demonstrated track record of managing projects
• Demonstrated track record of leading and/or actively participating in multi-functional teams
• Business Acumen including basic financial understanding
• Good knowledge of Excel spreadsheets and MS Office in general
• Experience in Matrix Management & reporting
• Fluent English written and spoken. Chinese language is also preferred to liaise with Chinese-speaking counterparts. Knowledge of additional Asian language knowledge is a plus.
• Soft skills: Be a self-starter and take initiative. Able to make and drive decisions and take ownership.

Technical skills

• Optical Industry Acumen & understanding of AI Infrastructure & Networks are a plus.
• Knowledge on technology around the Data Center including cabling and actives/networking are a plus.