📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director - Product Development and Marketing
🔹 Company: MAT Holdings, Inc
🔹 Location: Long Grove, Illinois, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, On-site
🔹 Category: Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-05-29
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving business growth through innovative product development and marketing strategies
- Leading cross-functional teams to deliver budgeted volume and profit on all products
- Managing new product development pipeline and driving successful product launches
- Collaborating with sales teams to support growth and improve MAT's reputation within the industry
- Fostering a positive work environment and developing team members
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of both product development and marketing principles.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and oversee product marketing plans, including strategy, positioning, differentiation, market research, and integrated marketing efforts
✅ Track and monitor the competitive landscape, identify core competencies, and exploit sustainable competitive advantages
✅ Lead SKU rationalization process to optimize product portfolio
✅ Oversee new product communication, both internally and externally, and drive strategies to improve digital content capabilities for online presence
✅ Execute processes to monitor the online review process and ensure customer satisfaction
✅ Identify new product opportunities, formulate long-term new product plans, and work with NPD to develop and drive innovative new products
✅ Influence the prioritization of new product development initiatives and drive regular product review meetings to ensure proper balance in the product portfolio
✅ Develop strong relationships with sales teams, provide marketing support, and drive customer PRL processes to lead to best-in-class presentations with customers
✅ Build a high-performance, productive, and cohesive team, provide leadership, strategy, and direction, and create an environment that supports ongoing training and development
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, hands-on execution, and strong leadership to drive results across multiple functions.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field
Experience: 10 years of progressively responsible work experience with at least 7 years in a product management discipline
Required Skills:
- Results orientation with high levels of personal initiative, energy, and ownership for success
- Strong business acumen and expertise in strategy creation, product development, and marketing principles and concepts
- Strong team leadership and team facilitation skills; capable of hiring, developing, and leading a team to achieve desired organizational objectives
- Ability to work well across teams and in a matrix organization, with strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Understanding of accounting basics including overall P&L, pricing & margin analysis, etc.; strong analytical skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with strong project management skills and demonstrated planning skills
- Demonstrated ability to develop creative business solutions with good judgment and decision-making process
- Proficient with Microsoft Office applications
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in data analysis, change management, and process improvement activities
- Fluency in additional languages (Spanish, French, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the automotive industry or related manufacturing sectors may have an advantage in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for a Director-level role in the Motor Vehicle Manufacturing industry with 10+ years of experience)
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick days, and paid holidays
- 401k Retirement Plan with Company Match
- Career Advancement Program, training, and development
- Wellness Programs, including fitness reimbursements and mental health support
- Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Voluntary Life / AD&D and Employer Provided Life/AD&D
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for project demands
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Motor Vehicle Manufacturing. MAT Holdings, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer with a 40-year history, providing employment opportunities for over 14,000 employees across 12 countries. They specialize in engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, logistics and distribution, marketing, design, and customer service.
Company Size: 10,001+ employees. As a large organization, MAT Holdings offers extensive resources, diverse opportunities, and a well-established infrastructure for growth and development.
Founded: 1984. MAT Holdings began as Midwest Air Technologies Inc. and has since grown to include six subsidiary companies within the U.S. and twelve worldwide.
Company Description:
- Vertically integrated team with a strong focus on consistent expertise and solutions across the entire supply chain
- Products can be found in home improvement centers, big box retailers, hardware stores, automotive chains, cars, trailers, and heavy-duty machinery
- Committed to maintaining excellence in manufacturing, marketing, design, and customer service
Company Specialties:
- Manufacturing
- Logistics
- Distribution Centers
- Production of Product
- Sales of Product
- Services of Product
Company Website: http://www.matholdingsinc.com
ASSUMPTION: MAT Holdings' extensive experience and resources provide a stable and supportive environment for career growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Director. This role is a senior leadership position, reporting directly to executive management and overseeing multiple functions within the organization.
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the CEO or another C-level executive and has matrixed relationships with various departments, including sales, marketing services, engineering, production, and other functional areas.
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time. This role requires a consistent presence in the office to collaborate with cross-functional teams and maintain a strong connection with the organization's culture and operations.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to expand the role's scope and influence as the company grows and evolves
- Opportunities to mentor and develop team members, fostering a positive work environment and driving organizational success
- Possibility to transition into other senior leadership roles within the organization as they become available
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a substantial impact on the organization's success.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate headquarters. The Long Grove office serves as the global headquarters for MAT Holdings, Inc., housing various departments and senior leadership teams.
Office Location(s): 6700 Wildlife Way, Long Grove, IL 60047, US
Geographic Context:
- Long Grove, Illinois, is a suburb of Chicago, offering a mix of urban and suburban living with easy access to major highways and public transportation
- The area provides a variety of housing options, recreational activities, and cultural attractions
- Long Grove is known for its historic downtown area, featuring unique shops, restaurants, and annual festivals
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for project demands and meetings with global teams
ASSUMPTION: The Long Grove office offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through the company's careers portal
- Phone or video screening with the HR department to discuss qualifications and fit for the role
- In-depth behavioral and situational interviews with cross-functional teams, including senior leadership and potential direct reports
- Final interview with the CEO or another C-level executive, focusing on strategic fit and cultural alignment
- Background check and reference verification
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Leadership and team-building abilities
- Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
- Industry-specific knowledge and market trends
- Cultural fit and alignment with MAT Holdings' core values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this specific role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the automotive industry and MAT Holdings' business model in your application materials
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences and accomplishments
- Research MAT Holdings' company culture and values to ensure a strong cultural fit and alignment with the organization's mission and vision
ATS Keywords: Product Development, Marketing, Business Management, Digital Content, Sales Support, Team Leadership, Project Management, Data Analysis, Change Management, Process Improvement, Communication Skills, Analytical Skills, Creative Solutions, Interpersonal Skills, Strategic Planning, Market Research, Automotive Industry, Manufacturing, Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
ASSUMPTION: MAT Holdings uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, so including relevant keywords in your resume and application materials can help improve your chances of being selected for an interview.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Jira, Trello)
- Marketing automation and analytics tools (e.g., HubSpot, Google Analytics)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, Zoho CRM)
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, as they are used to streamline workflows, improve collaboration, and drive data-driven decision-making.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer-centric: Focus on understanding and meeting the needs of customers, both internal and external
- Innovation: Encourage creativity, continuous improvement, and a growth mindset
- Collaboration: Foster a culture of teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional collaboration
- Integrity: Uphold ethical standards, act with honesty and transparency, and maintain a strong commitment to quality and excellence
- Accountability: Take ownership of responsibilities, deliver on commitments, and hold oneself and others accountable for results
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on driving results and achieving aggressive growth objectives
- Matrixed organization with a high degree of cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
- Data-driven decision-making with a strong emphasis on analytics and continuous improvement
- Performance-oriented culture with a focus on achieving and exceeding targets and key performance indicators (KPIs)
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with MAT Holdings' core values, and can you provide specific examples of your commitment to these principles?
- How comfortable are you working in a fast-paced, matrixed organization with a high degree of cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management?
- How do you approach data-driven decision-making, and can you provide an example of a time when you used data to drive a strategic initiative or improve a process?
ASSUMPTION: MAT Holdings places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and alignment with the organization's core values. Candidates who demonstrate a clear understanding of and commitment to these principles are more likely to succeed in the role and contribute to the organization's long-term success.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Balancing multiple priorities and competing demands from various departments and stakeholders
- Managing a large team and fostering a positive work environment in a fast-paced, dynamic organization
- Adapting to changes in the market, industry trends, and competitive landscape
- Navigating a matrixed organization and building effective relationships with internal and external customers
ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong leadership, strategic thinking, and adaptability. Successful candidates will be able to thrive in a dynamic environment and drive results despite shifting priorities and demands.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other Director-level roles in product development and marketing, this position offers a unique blend of strategic, tactical, and leadership responsibilities, with a strong focus on driving growth and innovation within the automotive industry
- As a large, global organization, MAT Holdings provides extensive resources and opportunities for career growth and development, unlike smaller or startup companies in the industry
- Career progression in this role may include transitions into other senior leadership positions within the organization, such as Vice President or Chief Marketing Officer, as they become available
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic, tactical, and leadership responsibilities, with a strong focus on driving growth and innovation within the automotive industry. Candidates with experience in similar roles or related fields may find this position to be an excellent fit for their career goals and aspirations.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive marketing plan for a new product launch, including market research, competitive analysis, positioning, pricing, and promotional strategies
- Identifying and capitalizing on new product development opportunities, from initial concept to successful market introduction, in collaboration with cross-functional teams
- Conducting a thorough SKU rationalization process to optimize the product portfolio and improve overall profitability
- Driving digital content capabilities for online presence, including website development, SEO optimization, and e-commerce platform integration
- Implementing and managing a customer review process to monitor customer satisfaction and identify areas for improvement in product design, quality, and customer service
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects provide a snapshot of the strategic, tactical, and leadership responsibilities required for success in this role. Candidates with experience in similar projects or related initiatives are encouraged to apply.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the organization's long-term growth strategy, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days?
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics, and how does this role collaborate with other departments and senior leadership?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the automotive industry, and how does MAT Holdings plan to address these issues in the coming years?
- How does MAT Holdings support the professional development and growth of its employees, and what opportunities exist for career advancement within the organization?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does this role accommodate flexibility and personal needs?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and organization, and helps you better understand the expectations and requirements for success in this position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the MAT Holdings Careers Portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this specific role, using the ATS keywords provided
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences and accomplishments, and practicing your responses
- Research MAT Holdings' company culture and values to ensure a strong cultural fit and alignment with the organization's mission and vision
- Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application and express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
