Job Description

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, engineering changes, and business initiatives from concept through implementation.
• Proven ability to operate independently, establish priorities, manage multiple initiatives, and drive results with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence decisions at all organizational levels.
• Experience working within a matrixed organization and leading through influence rather than direct authority.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and business intelligence, reporting, or data analysis tools.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now, or in the future
• Must be able to travel up to 20% 

Additional Information

ZF does not offer visa sponsorship for this role (e.g., H-1B, TN), and candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring sponsorship by ZF now or in the future. This role also does not include any immigration-related support, including—but not limited to—being listed on government forms, providing documentation for work authorization, coordinating with universities, or participating in training plans or other procedures related to visa status (e.g., H-1B, TN, F-1 OPT/CPT, J-1, O-1, L-1, E-3, and any other status requiring employer sponsorship or immigration-related support). IF YOU REQUIRE ANY FORM OF VISA SPONSORSHIP OR ANY IMMIGRATION SUPPORT NOW OR IN THE FUTURE, PLEASE DO NOT APPLY.

The expected base compensation for this role is $103,800.00 - 129,800.00 annually.  Actual base compensation within the identified range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.

Be part of our ZF team as Category Manager - 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

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