Brand & Product Development Manager – Wheels & Accessories

The Wheel Group; Ontario (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wheel Group in Ontario, CA is seeking a Brand Manager – Wheels & Wheel Accessories to lead our front wheel drive aftermarket wheel program and the accessories lineup. This role emphasizes hands-on product development and a focus on expanding our category.

You will drive new product launches, collaborate with marketing and sales, and maintain strong relationships with key customers. The ideal candidate understands wholesale distribution, dealer needs, and has excellent communication skills to

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in product development, category management, or product management in automotive aftermarket.
• Understanding of wholesale distribution and dealer/retailer needs.
• Strong communication skills and forward-thinking mindset.
• Knowledge of marketing and sales principles.

Responsibilities

• Manage long-term development strategies for new and existing products.
• Collaborate with internal and external teams on new products and category expansion.
• Develop training programs on new and existing products.
• Serve as a key stakeholder with Tier 1 and Tier 2 customers.
• Maximize product positioning and category visibility.
• Coordinate with marketing for product marketing and promotions.
• Conduct regular competitive reviews to maximize market positioning.
• Report monthly on the status of brands and categories.
• Study industry insights to identify trends and opportunities.
• Leverage growth opportunities through global distribution model.

Skills

Automotive aftermarket knowledge

Product development

Marketing principles

Communication skills

MS Office

Multitasking

Analytical mind

Tools

MS Office

Job description

DO YOU HAVE HANDS-ON PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE WITH AFTERMARKET WHEELS AND ACCESSORIES?

Ontario, CA | Onsite Position – Must be local or within commuting distance.

The Wheel Group is hiring a Brand Manager to help drive new product development from concept through launch, identify category expansion opportunities, and manage the long-term strategy of our product portfolio. This is a product-focused role requiring hands-on experience in product development, category management, or product management within the automotive aftermarket industry.

WHAT DRIVES US

Founded in 1997, The Wheel Group is a leading designer, developer, and owner of aftermarket automotive wheel, tire, and accessory brands, with a focus on quality, innovation, and performance. Headquartered in Ontario, California, with 15 distribution centers throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as a QC, engineering and support services office in Shanghai, China, TWG serves a diverse base of customers across North America and globally.

TAKING THE WHEEL

The Wheel Group (TWG) is seeking a Brand Manager – Wheels & Wheel Accessories to manage our front wheel drive & passenger car aftermarket wheel program as well as out wheel accessory program. You’ll be responsible for driving the continued success of our brands and overall promotion of the products in this category while ensuring our market position. New product development is a key portion of the role where you’ll continually look for trends and opportunities to expand our product offering to relevant markets while managing the creation and launch of those products. Knowledge of market peers and competitive price strategies is a fundamental area of the position. Strong relationships with key customers and company management will be vital to the position as well as maximizing brand awareness and customer appeal.

The ideal candidate would have experience in understanding wholesale distribution with a background in automotive vehicle accessories. A working knowledge of dealer or retailer needs, and a basic comprehension of marketing and sales principles is critical to the success of the position. Exceptional communication skills and forwarding thinking are key attributes of the right candidate. Characteristics

At this level, the Brand Manager represents the organization by serving as a subject matter and brand expert who possesses highly specialized knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience.

• Manage long-term development strategies for new and existing products
• Collaborate with internal and external teams in the development of new products and category expansion
• Develop training programs internally and externally on new and existing products or programs
• Serve as a key stakeholder in managing relationships with Tier 1 and Tier 2 customers
• Maximize the positioning of products and category visibility
• Coordinate with marketing teams to determine marketing and promotional activities of products within the category
• Perform regular competitive reviews on products or categories to maximize positioning in the market
• Report monthly on status of your brand(s) and category
• Study industry insights to determine trends and opportunities
• Leverage growth opportunities through our global distribution model

This job description details essential functions. Duties and responsibilities may be assigned and reassigned at any time and/or modified as directed by your direct supervisor and company leadership.

WHATS IN YOUR TOOLBOX

• A working knowledge of automotive aftermarket vehicle accessories
• Understanding of product development cycle
• Strong experience and knowledge of sales and marketing principles
• Ability to multitask and work on several projects simultaneously
• An analytical mind with a strategic ability
• Proficient in MS Office
• Excellent communication and people skills
• Ability to complete projects within projected timelines

ON THE ROAD

• Participation in trade shows, industry events, and sales meetings

YOUR SUCCESS METRICS

• Revenue growth (Year-over-Year)
• Margin improvement ($ and %)
• Unit growth across product categories
• New product success rate (launch performance and adoption)

LOCATION: This is a full-time, on-site position based at The Wheel Group’s headquarters in Ontario, California. This role is not remote or hybrid.

The Wheel Group is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.