DIRECTOR-COMMERCIAL PRODUCT MGMT

DIRECTOR-COMMERCIAL PRODUCT MGMT

At TDS, we provide innovative Voice, Internet, and Entertainment services to rural and suburban communities nationwide, as well as leading-edge business technology. But it's our commitment to each community we serve that truly sets us apart. TDS serves 1 million customers in 30 states.

Employment at TDS is subject to post offer, pre-employment drug testing. EEO/AAP Employer

The Director - Commercial Product Management (hereafter referred to as the 'Director') leads the Commercial Product Management Team, with direct reports including all of the Commercial Product Managers. This position serves as the champion of product management for products and services related to the commercial customer segment. In addition, the Director will head the development of minor enhancements to existing product lines.
- Lead the overall development and direction of the Commercial Product Management team to ensure that company-wide financial metrics are met.
- Identify, analyze and implement new enhancements to produce new revenues and /or reduce expenses on existing products and services.
- Interface with Executive level leaders to provide Product Management updates.
- Interface with industry constituents to identify process improvements to existing products.
- Lead Commercial Product Management team in development/acquisition of new tools that will improve the success of future product enhancements.
- Active polling of internal revenue producing departments to determine that new product management initiatives will address competitive issues.
- Provide guidance and support to his/her direct reports to ensure that they are successful in the execution of their job responsibilities.
- Provide life-cycle product management to ensure that financial objectives of TDS are met.
- Create and maintain an annual Products and Services revenue budget.
- Seek continuous process improvements to existing products and services to ensure improved margins and customer satisfaction.
- Collect and analyze competitive data to ensure that TDS products and services are competitively priced.
- Identify opportunities to differentiate TDS products and services from the competition.
- Participate in the Gated Product Development Process for minor enhancements to existing products.
- Keep abreast of industry trends through various channels, including, but not limited to:
- Attend industry trade shows that focus on revenue-generating products and services.
- Engage the resources of individuals that serve in similar capacities with other companies that do not direct compete directly with TDS (i.e. ' serve as a member of the Comptel Marketing Board)
- Mine industry and non-industry trade publications that provide insight into pricing and feature availability of existing products and services.
- Mine primary research and secondary research that provide insight into pricing and feature availability of existing products and services.
- Engage in dialogue with members of the Technology and Service Delivery (TSD) team to keep abreast of new feature availability due to capital deployment.
- Presenting to various Executive Level groups on a weekly/monthly basis to keep them aware of product management efforts.
- Interface with both the ILEC sales force and CLEC sales force to ensure that our product management efforts are meeting their needs in an increasingly competitive environment.
- Conduct post-mortem analysis on product and/or market promotions.

Required Qualifications:
- MBA OR Bachelor's Degree (in business, marketing or technical field) with 5 years Marketing Product Management experience.
- Additionally, 5 or more years experience in telecommunications, with a minimum of 2 years as a Product Manager or Product Developer.
Other Qualifications:
- Specialized training in marketing, product management/development and/or sales skills.
- Previous management / supervisory experience
- Strong data networking background.
- Knowledge of up-to-date data and telecommunications protocol, policies, standard practices, laws, regulations and proposed changes and the ability to apply them consistently.
- The ability to develop and deliver presentations to internal and external audiences.
- Working knowledge of regulated/nonregulated accounting rules
- Excellent computer skills (Access, Excel and other database applications).
- Excellent oral and written communications skills, including presentation skills.
- Must be versatile and adaptable to many different types of people and situations and must be able to work with a staff of diverse backgrounds, ages and levels within and outside the organization.
- Excellent teamwork skills and ability to work with employees and outside vendors at all levels.
- Excellent organizational skills, follow-through and attention to detail. Can marshal resources (people, funding, material, support) to get things done! Can orchestrate multiple activities at once to accomplish a goal.
- Excellent supervisory skills. Maintains two-way dialog with others on work and results. Brings out the very best in people. Is a clear communicator. Follows up with feedback on results.
- Results driven, pursuing everything with energy, drive and a strong need to finish, especially in the face of resistance or setbacks.
- Clear focus in prioritizing work for maximum efficiency.
- Knows the competition. Is aware of how strategies and tactics work in the marketplace.
- Adheres to the TDS Code of Ethics at all times. Rewards the right conduct and values and disapproves of others. Leads by his/her example.

RESPOND HERE! Respond immediately by accessing the following dedicated online response form which will allow you to cut and paste your resume. This form will go directly and immediately to the hiring authority for this position. Access the online response form at http://64.89.40.26/servlet/resp/rf?jobid=1869429&boardid=847