As the Business Planning Manager at Bose, you will be responsible for directing business planning for our out loud audio categories across the Americas. Key duties include leading the planning and optimization of promotional and pricing strategies, participating in Integrated Business Planning, managing go-to-market launch processes, and ensuring effective lifecycle management decisions. You'll also advocate for category growth using data-driven insights.

To qualify for the role of Business Planning Manager at Bose, candidates should have 5-10+ years of experience in a business planning or category management role. A strong background in product lifecycle management, analytics, and commercial acumen is necessary. Experience in retail environments, along with the ability to navigate conflict and drive consensus among senior leadership, will also set you up for success.

The Business Planning Manager plays a critical role in Bose’s success by optimizing our promotional tactics and aligning them with sales, finance, and analytics teams. By ensuring that our product plans drive optimal commercial outcomes, they facilitate effective go-to-market strategies and lifecycle management, aiding in the overall sustainability and profitability of the company.

Essential skills for a Business Planning Manager at Bose include strong analytical skills, commercial acumen, and the ability to foster collaboration across different functional teams. Candidates should also possess experience in managing P&L, and the capability to challenge assumptions and drive data-backed decision-making to meet revenue and profit objectives.

Absolutely! Bose is deeply committed to diversity and inclusion, viewing it as integral to our success. We aim to create a supportive atmosphere where every candidate feels empowered throughout the application process, and we provide reasonable accommodations to support candidates with diverse needs.

When facing conflicts in cross-functional teams, I focus on open communication and active listening. I believe it’s essential to understand different perspectives while seeking a common ground. I approach conflicts by presenting data and insights that highlight the benefits of consensus-driven solutions.

In a previous role, I developed a go-to-market strategy that involved comprehensive market research and stakeholder collaboration. I ensured alignment across sales, marketing, and product teams, which resulted in a successful product launch that exceeded sales targets by 20% in the first quarter.

To prioritize tasks, I assess deadlines and alignment with strategic goals. I utilize project management tools to track progress and ensure resources are allocated efficiently. Regular check-ins with team members help keep communication clear and foster accountability.

I have extensive experience in product lifecycle management, having led teams through various stages—concept development, launch, growth, maturity, and decline. My strategic approach allows for optimizing each stage to maximize revenue and market share while minimizing risks.

Data is at the core of my business planning approach. I analyze historical performance metrics, market trends, and competitor actions to make informed decisions. For instance, I leverage sales forecasts and customer insights to shape promotional strategies that drive category growth.

To ensure alignment with finance, I maintain transparent communication about our category plans and performance expectations. Regular meetings provide a forum for discussing financial targets, and I incorporate their insights when adjusting promotional tactics to optimize profitability.

Effective pricing management involves continuous market analysis and understanding customer segments. I employ competitive benchmarking and testing different pricing strategies, ensuring that our pricing aligns with perceived value while remaining profitable.

Challenging forecast assumptions involves fostering an environment where team members feel safe to present their views. I encourage open discussions where we review data critically and question existing assumptions, allowing us to develop more robust and realistic forecasts.

Collaboration is vital for a Business Planning Manager. It ensures that we leverage diverse expertise from sales, product development, and analytics teams, resulting in well-rounded and effective business strategies. It also helps to sustain positive relationships that drive long-term success.

Key metrics for measuring category success include revenue growth, market share, customer satisfaction scores, and profitability. I also emphasize tracking promotional effectiveness and product performance over time to identify areas for continuous improvement.