Cooking R& D Innovation & Product Planning Expert

• Kentucky 40203 Louisville
• full time

Midea America Corp. is one of the world’s largest home appliance brands, offering the most comprehensive selection of products in the world to fully serve the needs of day-to-day living at home, at work, or anywhere else you go. In North America we strive to aim high, put the customer first, transform and innovate the marketplace, utilizing our commitment, dedication, inclusion and partnership with our teams.

We are a global company with over 150,000 employees and operations in more than 195 countries. As a publicly listed company, we are also ranked #245 as a Fortune Global 500 company and offers one of the most comprehensive ranges in the home appliance industry. Midea America is a subsidiary of Midea with over 200 employees in the US and we are expanding our presence in North America.

Summary

To strengthen its base and support its growth in the US, Midea Cooking and Vacuum division (MCA) is extending its Product Planning and Innovation capabilities.

To lead this effort, Midea’s MCA has opened a new position for Cooking R&D Innovation and Product Planner Specialist.

This strategic collaborator will be spearheading the direction of the following products:

1. Large home cooking appliances:

• Professional ranges (Gas, Electric, Induction on 24”, 30”, 36” and 48”)

3. Outdoor cooking appliances. (e.g. Pizza Ovens, Grills, Griddles, etc.)

As a key member of the R&D leadership team in the US, this role will be participating in the decision-making of major R&D programs, fueling the innovation pipelines, and systematically improving Midea’s product portfolio to increasing market share through the correct selection and successful launching of products.

Domestic and International travel will be required.

• Collaborate with R&D Leadership, Marketing, Consumer insights, Industrial design, Sales and Quality in developing and maintaining Multi-generational Technical-Innovation / Product Roadmap for US Cooking Division.
• Co-develop the innovation strategies, product features, and technical advancement for the MCA US Division, in close communication with local and overseas R&D / Business leadership with an entrepreneurial and futurologist mindset towards the business direction and success.
• Cultivate a North American product strategy and mindset with a strong sense of curiosity and courageousness to seek out disruptive paths to success.
• Provide strategic advice to the MAC division and responsible for understanding market opportunities, customer demand analysis, product planning, and project execution.
• Enhance and coordinate effective methods to communicate with different team members and upper management to effectively address and solve key projects/demands.
• Responsible for collecting, organizing, and providing competitive product data, including but not limited to market share, cost, and feature comparisons, specifying benchmarks, strengths, and weaknesses, and coordinating reports to effectively communicate business opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of Product Management and/or Innovation experience in technology, home appliance, e-commerce, or related industry.
• Domestic and international experience and multicultural mindset.
• Experience working with remote product development teams.
• Proven experience in translating consumer pain points into product innovation and new market opportunities.
• Successful execution of complex projects.
• Experience in talent development, and strong coaching skills
• Excellent communication, motivation, and coordination skills.
• Goal-oriented and self-managed personality with a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
• Strong problem-solving and risk-management skills.

Midea America Corp. is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.