How Makita supports our team members:

• Competitive salary
• Company paid benefits (medical/dental/vision/employee assistance plan)
• RSP Plans
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Work life balance with paid/unpaid leave, including paid vacation, family related leave & personal days

Reporting to the Director of Marketing, the Product Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and managing the product strategy and lifecycle of Makita’s range of outdoor power equipment (OPE), commercial cleaning products and related accessories. This includes prioritizing between current and new products, gathering and defining “voice of the customer” requirements for new product introductions, defining the product vision and strategy for end-user markets, and working cross-functionally with sales, marketing communications, operations, purchasing, and customer service to ensure company goals and objectives are achieved. The Product Manager will also work on strategic projects and initiatives to support the marketing team’s core objectives. This position is based out of Makita Canada’s Head Office in Whitby, Ontario.

What will you work on?

• Develop and execute product strategies and roadmaps to grow sales and profits for their assigned product category.
• Manage the portfolio of products in their category over the product lifecycle, from go-to-market planning, through to launch, growth, maturity, and discontinuation.
• Conduct market research and “voice of the customer” end-user interviews, gather competitive intelligence, identify market trends, opportunities, and positioning for current and future products, perform product testing and pricing analysis.
• Manage new product launches to our sales team, channel partners and customers through multiple mediums.
• Collaborate with the marketing communications team to develop promotions and marketing collateral (i.e., print, digital, social media) for our products.
• Monitor, collect, and act on online reviews for products. Regularly visit job sites to be attuned to end user needs and fit with our products.
• Develop, maintain, and ensure accuracy of product specifications used in our marketing collateral.
• Maintain a competitor and end-user database for assigned market segments to help tailor our value proposition and understand customer needs/preferences and key applications.
• Develop and deliver product knowledge training sessions for Makita Canada sales team, distributors, and end users.
• Deliver sales support as needed and effectively communicate information on existing and new products to the sales team, internal colleagues, and external partners in good time.
• Become an expert in the Makita product portfolio, assigned markets and the competition.
• Other related duties as may be required.

To be successful you will have:

• Bachelor’s degree or three (3) year post-secondary diploma in Marketing, Business Administration, or Engineering/Technical studies.
• Minimum three (3) years in product management, marketing, or category management.
• Technical aptitude and passion for technology products / hardware. 
• Experience in construction tools, building materials or industrial products (including industrial suppliers and big box retail) is preferred but not mandatory.

What you bring to the team?

• Bachelor’s degree or three (3) year post-secondary diploma in Marketing, Business Administration, or related field
• Minimum three (3) years product management or related experience
• Previous experience in outdoor power equipment, janitorial/sanitation products, building materials and industrial products is welcomed.
• Business acumen: strategic thinking, planning, and organizing skills to successfully manage a variety of initiatives and responsibilities.
• Problem-solving skills: strong analytical, mathematical, and decision-making skills. Able to come up with creative ideas and solutions.
• Interpersonal skills: the ability to develop strong working relationships with internal and external customers is essential.
• Communications skills: ability to communicate in a clear and professional manner verbally and in writing, and comfortable presenting to a group of people.
• Teamwork: ability to work in a team environment and be productive with minimal supervision.
• Technical skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office required, and Adobe is welcomed.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% of the time
• Ability to obtain and maintain a passport
• A valid driver’s license maintained in good standing.
• Bilingual in English and French – preferred but not required

About Us:

Makita is a leading international brand that produces cordless and electrical power tools. Our focus is Customer First – a simple concept and we get it. We design and develop our tools with the user in mind, answering a simple question: How do we make the job easier and more efficient for the customer?

We have been in Canada for almost 50 years employing hundreds of people. The Head Office is in Whitby, Ontario; we operate 2 warehouse/ distribution centres in Ontario and British Columbia, and we have 13 factory service centres strategically located across the country. We are proud of our achievements, excited for the future and energized for our continued growth.

Interested in Joining our Team?

Please submit your cover letter and resume to careers@makita.ca, with the subject line Product Manager-OPE and Clean.

We thank all those who apply for employment opportunities, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If contacted to participate in the process, please advise if you require an accommodation.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity in our workplace. We are committed to providing inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes in accordance with Human Rights and Accessibility Legislation.