Program Manager, Vertical Markets - Holland, MI (hybrid)

As a Program Manager, Vertical Markets at Haworth, your key responsibilities include managing moderately complex projects, developing and implementing business plans for vertical segments, leading sales enablement strategies, facilitating research, and maintaining relationships with field sales and customers. This dynamic role allows you to harness your project management skills while driving growth in specific markets.

To qualify as a Program Manager, Vertical Markets at Haworth, you need a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field and at least 2 years of experience in Marketing, Sales, or Business Development. Ideal candidates might also have previous experience in vertical markets or the furniture industry, which would greatly enhance your effectiveness in this role.

Haworth strongly believes in investing in its employees, especially Program Managers. From tuition reimbursement programs to opportunities for mentorship and leadership, Haworth ensures you have the necessary tools and support to grow professionally. This nurturing atmosphere fosters personal growth and skill enhancement, making it an exciting place to work.

At Haworth, the work environment is vibrant, innovative, and inclusive. As a Program Manager, you will collaborate with diverse teams and have the flexibility of a hybrid work model. This not only fosters creativity but allows you to balance work and life effectively while developing valuable relationships across the company.

Haworth delivers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including 20 days of paid time off, health insurance options, a generous 401k match, annual bonuses, an on-site gym, and even pet insurance! Additionally, you have opportunities to engage in volunteer work while receiving support for your educational pursuits.

When addressing my project management approach, I emphasize a structured yet adaptable methodology. I focus on clear communication, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement. For vertical markets, this means aligning project goals with market-specific needs, using insights and data effectively, and collaborating with diverse teams to drive success.

To develop a marketing strategy for a specific vertical market, I would start by conducting thorough market research to understand audience needs and preferences. I would collaborate closely with sales and design teams to create targeted campaigns, focusing on clear messaging and value propositions. Lastly, I would establish KPIs to measure the effectiveness of the strategies and adjust as necessary.

In previous projects, I encountered unexpected resource limitations. To address this, I communicated transparently with my team and stakeholders to reassess priorities and timelines. By reallocating tasks and seeking input for alternative solutions, we successfully navigated the challenge without compromising our project goals.

I adopt a proactive communication strategy that includes regular updates and feedback loops. Utilizing various channels – meetings, emails, and collaboration tools – ensures everyone stays informed. I find that personalizing communication based on the audience fosters stronger relationships and engagement from all stakeholders.

Competitive analysis is crucial as it allows us to identify market trends, strengths, and weaknesses among competitors. This insight helps us refine our strategies, highlight our unique offerings, and better position ourselves within the marketplace. Understanding competitors ultimately drives our innovation and enhances our sales performance.

To keep projects on budget and schedule, I establish a detailed project plan from the outset, including timelines, milestones, and a risk management plan. Regular reviews and adjustments are made to accommodate changes, and I maintain open lines of communication with the project team to quickly identify and address any emerging issues.

Market intelligence plays a critical role in informing my project planning. It provides essential data on customer needs, market dynamics, and competitive landscape, which I integrate into my strategies to minimize risks and maximize opportunities for success in targeted projects.

I approach mentoring junior team members by fostering a supportive environment that encourages questions and open dialogue. I focus on guiding them through challenging situations, sharing my knowledge and experiences, and encouraging them to take ownership of their work while providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.

Haworth distinguishes itself through its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity in the workplace. The company’s focus on quality design and adaptability within its products makes it a leader in the furniture industry, while its supportive culture fosters employee engagement and satisfaction.

I maintain balance by ensuring constant communication between market research and internal capabilities. I prioritize initiatives that align with our strengths while exploring ways to adapt our offerings to better meet market demands. Collaboration with cross-functional teams allows us to navigate this balance effectively.