Product Strategy & Planning Associate

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Strategy & Planning Associate Company: TYM North America Inc Location: Buckhead, GA, US Job Type: Full Time Category: Product Strategy & Operations Date Posted: 2025-09-02T19:51:00 Experience Level: 2-5 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive strategic planning, development, testing, and execution for sub-compact and compact product lines, requiring robust market analysis and trend identification.
• Develop and implement comprehensive product roadmaps and strategies aligned with corporate business goals, prioritizing features and performance enhancements based on market demands.
• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with engineering, marketing, and sales teams to define product requirements and ensure alignment throughout the product lifecycle.
• Analyze sales data, competitor offerings, and pricing strategies to inform product positioning and competitive advantage.
• Ensure high-quality product development by working closely with HQ engineering teams to meet US customer expectations and standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is deeply embedded within operations, focusing on the strategic planning and execution phases of product development. While the title is "Product Strategy & Planning Associate," the core functions involve market analysis, data interpretation, cross-functional coordination, and ensuring product-market fit, all critical aspects of operational excellence in a product context. The emphasis on "sub-compact & compact product lines" suggests a specialized focus within the machinery or agriculture sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth market research to identify emerging trends, evolving customer preferences, and the competitive landscape within the agriculture and heavy machinery sectors.
• Analyze industry reports, customer feedback mechanisms, and market dynamics to translate findings into actionable product planning and strategic decisions.
• Formulate and execute a comprehensive product strategy for the sub-compact and compact product lines, ensuring direct alignment with overarching corporate business objectives.
• Create and maintain a detailed product roadmap, prioritizing features, key selling points, and performance improvements based on rigorous market demand analysis and direct customer feedback.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, marketing, and sales (through Territory Managers), to meticulously define product requirements, specifications, and go-to-market strategies.
• Continuously monitor and analyze sales data, competitor product features, pricing structures, and strategic initiatives to maintain market competitiveness.
• Work in close partnership with HQ engineering teams to guarantee the development of high-quality products that consistently meet and exceed US customer expectations.
• Assist in the annual collection of customer and market feedback to directly support new product development initiatives for sub-compact and compact tractor models.
• Support and oversee prototype/pilot field testing, along with systematic customer feedback collection for new product development and enhancements to existing product lines.
• Perform all other assigned duties that contribute to the successful execution of product strategy and operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic thinking and tactical execution, common in operations roles that bridge business planning and product realization. The emphasis on "sub-compact & compact product lines" and "US customer expectations" indicates a need for localized market understanding within a global product development framework. The role requires a hands-on approach to data analysis and feedback integration, core to operational efficiency in product management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's or Master's degree in an engineering field, with a strong preference for Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, is a mandatory requirement.

Experience: A minimum of 2 to 3 years of progressive experience within the agriculture or construction (heavy machinery) industry is essential.

Required Skills:

• Ability to interpret complex data sets, conduct thorough market research, and translate findings into actionable product strategies and operational plans.
• Demonstrated familiarity with the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept and planning through development, testing, launch, and post-launch analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in various software packages, with a particular emphasis on Microsoft Excel for data analysis, Microsoft Word for documentation, Microsoft PowerPoint for presentations, and Power BI for business intelligence and reporting.
• Proven ability to independently plan, prioritize, and manage multiple projects, ensuring detailed and accurate documentation for all stages of product development and strategy.
• Exceptional ability to build and maintain strong relationships, facilitating skillful collaboration between diverse cross-functional stakeholders and global teams.
• Capacity to identify and implement best business practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in product planning and execution.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills, crucial for effective communication and alignment with internal teams and external partners.
• Competence in collecting, analyzing, and presenting results in a concise, actionable format that drives decision-making.

Preferred Skills:

• Approximately <20% travel required, encompassing both domestic and international trips for market research, testing, and collaboration.
• Ability to participate in product calls with HQ (South Korea) as needed, demonstrating flexibility and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Korean/English bilingual skills are considered a significant added advantage, facilitating smoother communication with the international headquarters.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize analytical rigor, technical understanding, and strong communication abilities, all critical for operational success in product strategy. The specific mention of Excel and Power BI points to a data-driven approach, while the need for cross-functional collaboration and international communication highlights the operational complexities of a global manufacturing company. The preference for engineering degrees underscores the technical nature of the product lines.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing a structured approach to product strategy development, including market analysis frameworks and strategic decision-making processes.
• Present case studies that highlight your ability to interpret sales data and market research, translating them into concrete product improvements or new product initiatives with measurable results.
• Include examples of product roadmaps or strategic plans you have contributed to, illustrating prioritization methodologies and feature development sequencing.
• Showcase your experience in collaborating with engineering and cross-functional teams, providing evidence of how you've contributed to defining product requirements and specifications.

Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of your process documentation skills, such as sample project plans, market research reports, or product requirement documents (PRDs), demonstrating clarity and detail.
• Highlight any experience in documenting product testing procedures or customer feedback collection protocols, emphasizing systematic data gathering.
• Include examples of how you have analyzed and presented product performance data or competitive analysis, showcasing your ability to create concise and actionable reports.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role in product strategy and planning, a portfolio is crucial to validate practical application of skills. The emphasis should be on demonstrating a structured, data-driven approach to product lifecycle management, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic decision-making. This includes showcasing how you've translated market insights into tangible product outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401(k)).
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work week, typically around 40 hours. Flexibility may be required to accommodate calls with international teams (South Korea) or specific project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for an Associate-level Product Strategy and Planning role in the Buckhead, GA area, especially within the manufacturing or heavy machinery sector. The benefits package is standard for a full-time position, supporting employee well-being and long-term engagement. The mention of international calls suggests the need for adaptability in working hours.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: TYM North America Inc operates within the agriculture and heavy machinery industry, specifically focusing on tractors and related equipment. This sector is characterized by its cyclical nature, direct customer relationships, and the importance of product reliability and performance. Company Size: TYM North America Inc is part of a larger global organization. While specific headcount for the North American division isn't detailed, its operations suggest a significant presence requiring coordinated product management and market support. Founded: TYM (Tongyang Moolsan) was founded in South Korea in 1951, with a long history in manufacturing. TYM North America Inc represents its strategic expansion into the North American market, indicating a company with established manufacturing capabilities and a growing global footprint.

Team Structure:

• The Product Strategy & Planning Associate will likely be part of a Product Management or Product Development team, reporting to a Product Manager or Director.
• This team will collaborate closely with Engineering, Sales (Territory Managers), Marketing, and potentially Supply Chain and After-Sales Service departments.
• Interaction with the South Korean headquarters is a key component, requiring clear communication channels and understanding of global product development processes.

Methodology:

• The operations within TYM North America likely follow a structured product development lifecycle, integrating market research, engineering design, testing, and launch phases.
• Data-driven decision-making is expected, utilizing sales data, market analysis, and customer feedback to guide product strategy and improvements.
• Cross-functional collaboration is critical to ensure alignment and efficient execution across different departments and geographies.

Company Website: https://www.tym.world/ (Note: The provided URL was for ADP recruitment; this is the general company website for context).

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding TYM's industry and its global structure is key. The role sits at the intersection of market needs and product development, requiring an appreciation for the agricultural/heavy machinery sector's nuances and the operational challenges of coordinating with a Korean HQ. The "Associate" title suggests a role focused on supporting senior planners and managers, with opportunities to learn and grow within the product operations framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an "Associate" level, indicating an entry to mid-level position within the product strategy and operations domain. It’s an excellent opportunity for individuals with 2-5 years of experience looking to deepen their expertise in product planning, market analysis, and cross-functional coordination within the heavy machinery sector. Reporting Structure: The Associate will likely report to a Product Manager or a senior member of the Product Planning team. This provides direct mentorship and exposure to strategic decision-making processes within the product organization. Operations Impact: The role has a significant impact on revenue and business success by ensuring that the company’s product offerings are aligned with market demands, competitive, and effectively launched. Successful product planning directly influences sales volume, market share, and customer satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to develop deep expertise in specific product lines (sub-compact and compact tractors) and product lifecycle management methodologies.
• Career Advancement: Potential to advance to Product Manager, Senior Product Strategist, or other leadership roles within product management or operations.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broad experience across engineering, marketing, sales, and international business operations, fostering a holistic understanding of the business.
• Industry Knowledge: Become a subject matter expert in the agriculture and heavy machinery markets, highly valued within the industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role serves as a foundational step for a career in product management or operations within the manufacturing sector. The growth path is clear, moving from supporting strategic planning to leading product initiatives. The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and international exposure prepares individuals for broader operational leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Buckhead, GA, likely within a corporate office environment that supports TYM North America's business operations. This setting would typically facilitate collaboration and access to necessary resources. Office Location(s): Buckhead, Georgia, United States. This location is a business district, suggesting accessibility and a professional working environment.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely foster collaboration, with opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues from various departments, essential for cross-functional product planning.
• Access to standard office technology, including robust data analysis tools and communication platforms, will be provided to support the role's demands.
• The environment encourages a data-driven approach to decision-making, with an emphasis on analyzing market trends and product performance metrics.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, Monday through Friday. However, the requirement to participate in product calls with South Korea may necessitate occasional flexibility in working hours to accommodate time zone differences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Buckhead, GA, emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration and integration within the North American team. While standard office hours apply, the need for international communication implies a dynamic work environment where flexibility is valued, a common trait in operations roles supporting global businesses.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the required qualifications and experience.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focusing on your background, experience in product strategy, market analysis, and understanding of the agriculture/heavy machinery industry. Prepare to discuss your familiarity with the product lifecycle.
• Cross-Functional Interview: An interview with representatives from Engineering, Marketing, or Sales to evaluate your collaboration skills, ability to define product requirements, and communication effectiveness with diverse stakeholders.
• Case Study/Presentation: You may be asked to present a case study from your past experience showcasing your product planning, market analysis, or problem-solving skills. This is where your portfolio will be critical.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to assess overall fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure & Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project or by skill area (e.g., Market Analysis, Roadmapping, Cross-functional Collaboration).
• Quantifiable Results: For each project or case study, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, and the quantifiable results or impact achieved (e.g., increased market share, improved product performance metrics, successful product launch). Use data and metrics wherever possible.
• Process Focus: Highlight your understanding of product development processes, market research methodologies, and data analysis techniques. Show how you achieved results.
• Visual Appeal: Ensure your portfolio is professionally presented, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. This applies to both digital and physical portfolios.
• Tailoring: If possible, tailor examples to showcase experience relevant to tractors or heavy machinery, or demonstrate transferable skills from similar industries.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach market research for a new sub-compact tractor feature or how you would analyze competitor pricing strategies.
• Practice articulating your thought process for developing a product roadmap, including how you would gather input and prioritize features.
• Prepare examples of how you've handled challenges in cross-functional collaboration or managed conflicting stakeholder requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only your technical skills and industry knowledge but also your ability to integrate into a cross-functional team and contribute to strategic product decisions. A well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates tangible achievements and process understanding is paramount for success in this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Excel: Essential for in-depth data analysis, market segmentation, financial modeling, and performance tracking. Proficiency in advanced functions, pivot tables, and data visualization is expected.
• Power BI: Critical for creating interactive dashboards, visualizing market trends, sales performance, and competitor analysis to support strategic decision-making and reporting to stakeholders.
• Microsoft PowerPoint: Key for developing and delivering compelling presentations on product strategies, market analysis findings, and product roadmaps to internal teams and leadership.
• Microsoft Word: Necessary for creating detailed documentation, such as product requirement documents (PRDs), market research reports, and project plans.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While specific tools beyond Power BI aren't mentioned, expect to work with internal sales reporting systems and CRM data for market and performance analysis.
• Familiarity with general business intelligence and reporting concepts is important for effectively using tools like Power BI.

CRM & Automation:

• Understanding of CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, though not specified) is beneficial for accessing sales data and customer insights.
• While direct automation tool experience isn't a primary requirement, an understanding of how automation can enhance product development processes or data analysis would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on the Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel and Power BI, underscoring the role's analytical and presentation demands. Proficiency in these tools is not just a requirement but a core enabler of success in this operations-centric planning role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A strong emphasis on using market data, sales figures, and customer feedback to inform all strategic and operational choices.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Fostering a cooperative environment where teams work seamlessly together to achieve common product development goals.
• Customer Centricity: Prioritizing understanding and meeting the needs of US customers in product design and feature development.
• Efficiency and Best Practices: A commitment to identifying and implementing efficient processes and industry best practices throughout the product lifecycle.
• Continuous Improvement: An ongoing effort to refine product offerings, development processes, and market strategies based on performance analysis and feedback.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Encouraging open and regular communication across departments, including with the South Korean headquarters.
• Teamwork and Support: A culture that values mutual support and shared responsibility for project success.
• Constructive Feedback: Openness to providing and receiving feedback to drive improvements in product strategy and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: TYM North America likely promotes a collaborative and results-oriented culture, typical of global organizations with a focus on product excellence and market penetration. The values emphasize a blend of analytical rigor, customer focus, and teamwork, which are essential for effective product operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Global & Local Needs: Effectively translating global product strategies and engineering capabilities to meet specific US market demands and customer preferences.
• Fast-Paced Market: Navigating the dynamic agriculture and heavy machinery market, which can be influenced by economic factors, technological advancements, and competitive pressures.
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Ensuring clear and effective communication with the South Korean headquarters, potentially overcoming language and cultural nuances.
• Data Integration: Consolidating and analyzing data from various sources (market research, sales, engineering) to form cohesive strategic insights.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product Management Certifications: Pursuing industry-recognized certifications in product management or strategy.
• Industry Training: Access to training on new technologies, market trends, and best practices in the agriculture and heavy machinery sectors.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced product managers and leadership within TYM North America and its global parent company.
• Project Leadership: Taking on increasing responsibility for product planning initiatives, leading to opportunities for project management and leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a valuable opportunity to tackle complex challenges in a global business context, fostering significant professional growth. The challenges are directly linked to developing skills in international operations, strategic market adaptation, and robust analytical capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a product roadmap for TYM's sub-compact tractor line, considering both market trends and engineering constraints?" Focus on your methodology for gathering input, prioritizing features, and aligning with business goals.
• "Describe a time you had to analyze complex market data or sales figures to make a strategic recommendation. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" Be ready to showcase your analytical skills and ability to translate data into action.
• "How do you ensure effective collaboration between different departments, such as engineering, marketing, and sales, during the product development process?" Prepare examples of your cross-functional communication and relationship-building skills.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about TYM and the agriculture/heavy machinery industry?" Research TYM's history, products, and market position. Understand the key players and trends in the sector.
• "How do you think your skills align with the values of collaboration and data-driven decision-making we've discussed?" Connect your experiences to the company's stated values and operational ethos.
• "How would you handle a situation where there are differing opinions between US market needs and HQ product development direction?" Demonstrate your ability to navigate and resolve cross-cultural and cross-functional conflicts.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each portfolio item, present a clear narrative: the challenge, your role and actions, and the measurable results.
• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how your portfolio examples demonstrate your proficiency in market analysis, data interpretation, roadmapping, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Data Visualization: If presenting data, use clear charts and graphs, ideally from your Power BI or Excel work, to illustrate your findings and impact.
• Process Walkthrough: Be prepared to walk through your process for a specific project, explaining the steps you took and the tools you used.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong preparation strategy will focus on demonstrating a blend of strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and collaborative capabilities. Your portfolio should serve as tangible evidence of your ability to execute product strategy and operations effectively within a complex organizational structure.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Strategy & Planning Associate position:

• Submit your resume and cover letter through the provided ADP application link, ensuring your qualifications are clearly highlighted.
• Portfolio Customization: Select 2-3 key projects from your experience that best showcase your market analysis, product strategy development, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Prepare to discuss these in detail, focusing on quantifiable results and your process.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize experience in product lifecycle management, data analysis (especially with Excel/Power BI), market research, and collaboration within the manufacturing or heavy machinery sectors. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice answering common product strategy and operations questions, and prepare to present your portfolio confidently. Research TYM's current product lines and recent market activities.
• Company Research: Gain a solid understanding of TYM's business, its market position, and its global operations, paying attention to how the North American division fits into the broader strategy.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.