Lead, Product Strategy & Marketing Intelligence - PLT Tires

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead, Product Strategy & Marketing Intelligence - PLT Tires

Company: Les Schwab Tire Centers

Location: Bend, OR, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Strategy & Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-23

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote optional)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for driving strategic product management and market intelligence within the Passenger & Light Truck (PLT) tire division, focusing on portfolio optimization and competitive positioning.

• Responsibilities include leading cross-functional teams to ensure a comprehensive, profitable, and customer-centric product lineup across all tire categories.

• The position demands a blend of strategic foresight and operational execution, identifying market gaps and opportunities for both owned and national brands.

• Key aspects involve managing the entire product lifecycle, from introduction and roadmap development to phase-outs, ensuring alignment with market trends and customer needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a hybrid of Product Management and Marketing Intelligence, with a strong emphasis on operational execution within the tire retail sector. The "PLT Tires" designation indicates a focus on Passenger and Light Truck tires, a significant segment in the automotive aftermarket. The "Lead" title suggests significant autonomy and responsibility for driving strategy and managing cross-functional initiatives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end product lifecycle for all PLT tire categories, including Commodity, On/Off, and Winter tires, as well as managing new owned brand product developments, introductions, transitions, and phase-outs.

• Define and manage the Product Screen by segment, ensuring optimal coverage by tier, brand, and application to meet diverse customer needs and market demands.

• Develop comprehensive product roadmaps that align with evolving market trends, customer requirements, and fleet needs, ensuring future relevance and competitiveness.

• Coordinate new product performance testing, including comparisons with competitor tires, to validate product efficacy and inform strategic decisions.

• Analyze market data from sources such as GFK, USTMA, NHTSA, and VIO data, alongside legislative and infrastructure impacts, to support strategic product decisions and identify growth opportunities.

• Partner closely with the Pricing team to ensure competitive product positioning across all tire categories and monitor industry trends and competitor pricing strategies.

• Lead the planning and execution of New Product Introduction Plans, ensuring alignment with inventory availability, communication materials, and sales support.

• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams from Purchasing, Planning, Pricing, Marketing, and Operations to drive product strategy and execution, guiding product sourcing and inventory planning.

• Collaborate with Marketing on developing promotions, product communication strategies, and training materials to support successful product launches and market penetration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep dive into product strategy and lifecycle management, requiring a strong understanding of market dynamics, competitive landscapes, and operational execution within the tire industry. The emphasis on cross-functional leadership is a key indicator of the role's impact on broader business objectives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in product management, brand management, or marketing intelligence.

• Proven successful project management skills with the ability to lead complex initiatives.

• Experience in the automotive and/or tire industry is strongly preferred. Required Technical Skills/Knowledge:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel / Google Sheets for complex data analysis.

• Intermediate working experience in Microsoft PowerPoint / Google Slides for presentations and strategic documentation.

• Working knowledge of productivity applications such as Google Workspace (G Suite) and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Experience with Business Intelligence (BI) tools for data visualization and reporting.

• Familiarity with product management applications and methodologies.

• Practical experience in product marketing and purchasing within a retail tire environment. General Knowledge and Abilities:

• Adaptability: Strong time management and organizational skills to work effectively under pressure in a dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Analytical Skills: Proven ability to perform high-complexity data analysis, make sound decisions, and execute a diverse range of work assignments.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical and non-technical information clearly to various stakeholders. Skilled in active listening and fostering collaborative discussions.

• Initiative: Demonstrated ability to execute technical solutions and drive projects independently with minimal supervision.

• Organization/Project Management: Proficient in organizing work, managing time effectively, planning and facilitating team meetings, and leading teams using best practice Project Management methodologies. Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret information to resolve complex challenges.

• Problem Solving: Deep understanding of project priorities, goals, and objectives with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.

• Teamwork: Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, working effectively both independently and as part of a team.

• Leadership: Capacity to make independent decisions, lead group decision-making processes, and foster an inclusive work environment that promotes respect and cooperation.

Physical Requirements:

• Primarily a sedentary position, with occasional requirements to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and bend.

• May occasionally be required to lift tires.

• Must possess the ability to communicate verbally and exchange information effectively via phone, video, and in-person.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize advanced analytical and data manipulation skills, particularly with Excel/Google Sheets and BI tools. Experience within the tire industry is highly valued, suggesting a need for domain-specific knowledge. The blend of technical skills with strong soft skills like adaptability, communication, and leadership is crucial for this strategic role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing product roadmaps, showcasing strategic planning and foresight.

• Case studies detailing successful product lifecycle management, including product introduction, optimization, and phase-out strategies.

• Examples of market analysis reports, highlighting the ability to gather, interpret, and leverage data (e.g., GFK, VIO) for strategic decision-making.

• Documentation of cross-functional project leadership, illustrating the ability to coordinate diverse teams (Purchasing, Marketing, Operations) towards common product goals.

• Evidence of developing and implementing New Product Introduction Plans, including communication and training strategies. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how product screens were defined, segmented, and managed to ensure optimal market coverage.

• Documentation of processes used for product testing and performance evaluation, including comparative analysis.

• Workflows illustrating the collaboration process with pricing teams to ensure competitive positioning.

• Case studies on identifying market gaps and developing business cases for new product launches or portfolio expansions.

• Examples of communication and training plans developed for new product rollouts.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a strong portfolio demonstrating strategic product management, market analysis, and cross-functional leadership is essential. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their ability to translate data into actionable product strategies and manage complex product lifecycles within the tire industry.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Lead Product Strategy role with 5-10 years of experience in a specialized industry like automotive/tires, and considering the hybrid work model and location in Bend, OR, the estimated annual salary range is $100,000 - $135,000. This estimate accounts for the strategic nature of the role, the required analytical expertise, and the leadership responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation

• Profit Sharing Bonus

• Retirement Plan (e.g., 401(k) with company match)

• Company Paid Training

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Vacation & Holiday Pay

• Life Insurance

• Short & Long-term Disability Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, estimated at 40 hours.

• Hybrid work arrangement: 3 days per week in the Bend, OR office, with 2 days optional work from home.

• Occasional travel to suppliers may be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry data for similar roles in the US, considering experience level and the specific industry. Les Schwab Tire Centers is known for offering a comprehensive benefits package, typical for established companies in the automotive sector. The hybrid model offers flexibility while ensuring in-person collaboration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Retail (Tire Sales and Service)

Company Size: Les Schwab Tire Centers is a well-established company with a significant presence, likely falling into the large enterprise category (typically 1,000+ employees), given its extensive network of stores across the western United States.

Founded: 1952. This long history suggests a company with deep roots, a stable operational framework, and a strong understanding of its market and customer base.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within the Purchasing Organization, specifically focusing on PLT Tires.

• It requires leading cross-functional people and teams, indicating a matrixed or project-based leadership approach rather than direct people management for all involved.

• The PSMIL will collaborate closely with dedicated teams in Purchasing, Pricing, Inventory Planning, Stores Sales Support, and Store Operations.

• Reporting likely falls under a Product Strategy Manager or Director within the broader Product or Purchasing umbrella. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is a core tenet, utilizing raw data from internal systems and external market intelligence sources (GFK, USTMA, VIO, etc.).

• Emphasis on strategic product portfolio management, including defining product screens, managing lifecycles, and identifying market gaps.

• Collaborative approach to product strategy and execution, involving key stakeholders across various departments.

• Focus on continuous process improvement to enhance team effectiveness and scalability.

Company Website: https://www.lesschwab.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Les Schwab's long history and large scale suggest a culture that values experience, operational efficiency, and customer service. The "AT WILL" employment clause mentioned in the job description is standard in many US employment contracts. The company's focus on tire sales and service means the operations and product strategy will be deeply intertwined with retail execution and inventory management.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Lead," indicating a senior individual contributor or a team lead capacity, responsible for driving strategy and coordinating efforts within a specific product vertical (PLT Tires). It sits above entry-level or specialist roles and below senior management.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into a management position within the Product Strategy or Purchasing organization. It has significant influence over cross-functional teams but may not have direct reports in a traditional sense, instead leading through influence and project management.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts revenue and profitability by ensuring the right products are available to customers, priced competitively, and supported effectively in stores. Strategic product decisions influence purchasing volumes, inventory levels, and marketing efforts, all of which are critical to the company's financial health and market position.

Growth Opportunities:

• Vertical Growth: Potential to advance to a Product Strategy Manager or Director role, overseeing broader product categories or multiple product lines.

• Horizontal Growth: Opportunity to move into related areas such as broader category management, strategic sourcing, or marketing leadership within the automotive aftermarket.

• Skill Development: Deepening expertise in product lifecycle management, market intelligence, data analytics, and cross-functional leadership within a specialized industry. Potential for leadership development through managing project teams and influencing senior stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This "Lead" role offers a significant opportunity for professionals looking to specialize in product strategy within a large, established retail environment. The growth path is clear, with opportunities to take on more strategic responsibility and potentially move into management or broader leadership roles within the automotive sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires a hybrid work environment, with a mandatory 3 days per week in the Bend, OR office and 2 days optional work from home. This suggests a collaborative office setting designed for team meetings, strategic planning sessions, and focused work.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Bend, OR. Given Les Schwab's presence, there may be other regional offices, but this role is based in Bend.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional collaboration indicate an office designed to foster interaction, team brainstorming, and knowledge sharing among product, purchasing, marketing, and operations teams.

• Tools and Technology: Access to standard office productivity software, advanced analytics tools (Excel, BI software), and potentially specialized product management software.

• Operations Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities to interact with colleagues from various departments, including purchasing, planning, pricing, marketing, and store operations, facilitating a holistic understanding of the business.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, with the flexibility of a hybrid model. This structure allows for dedicated time for focused analysis and strategy development while maintaining in-person collaboration and operational oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, balancing the need for in-person collaboration and strategic alignment with the flexibility of remote work. Candidates should be comfortable with structured office days and independent work from home.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and resumes for basic qualifications.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to assess experience, understanding of product strategy, and fit for the role's responsibilities. This may involve behavioral questions related to leadership and problem-solving.

• Cross-Functional Panel Interview: Interviews with key stakeholders from departments such as Purchasing, Marketing, and Operations to evaluate collaboration skills, communication style, and ability to influence across teams.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to complete a take-home assignment or present a case study related to product strategy, market analysis, or lifecycle management, demonstrating their analytical and strategic capabilities.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Director of Product or VP of Purchasing) for a final assessment of strategic alignment and leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Highlight how you've translated market data and customer insights into actionable product strategies and roadmaps.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics and data to demonstrate the results of your product management efforts (e.g., increased market share, improved profitability, successful product launches).

• Illustrate Cross-Functional Leadership: Provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated with and influenced diverse teams to achieve product goals.

• Detail Product Lifecycle Management: Present case studies that clearly outline your involvement in all phases of the product lifecycle.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience relevant to the tire industry, retail environments, and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Analysis: Be prepared to analyze a given market segment or product category and propose strategic recommendations.

• Product Strategy Development: Practice outlining a product roadmap or strategy for a hypothetical new product or portfolio enhancement.

• Cross-Functional Scenarios: Think through how you would address common challenges when working with teams like purchasing, marketing, or store operations.

• Data Interpretation: Be ready to interpret sales data, market research, or performance metrics and draw conclusions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be multi-stage and rigorous, designed to assess strategic thinking, analytical prowess, and collaborative leadership. A well-curated portfolio that directly addresses the responsibilities and required skills will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Advanced Excel / Google Sheets: Essential for complex data analysis, modeling, and reporting. Proficiency in functions, pivot tables, and data visualization is critical.

• Microsoft PowerPoint / Google Slides: For creating compelling presentations, strategic documents, and communicating insights to stakeholders.

• Product Management Software: Familiarity with tools used for roadmap planning, product lifecycle tracking, and feature prioritization (e.g., Jira, Aha!, Productboard, though specific tools are not listed, general understanding is key).

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Experience with BI platforms like Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or similar for data visualization, dashboard creation, and performance monitoring.

• Google Workspace / MS Office Suite: Standard productivity tools for daily operations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• GFK Data: Experience interpreting and utilizing syndicated market research data from GFK (Growth From Knowledge).

• USTMA Data: Understanding of data and reports from the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association.

• VIO Data: Familiarity with Vehicle Identification data for market analysis.

• NHTSA Data: Awareness of data and regulations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

• Internal Systems: Proficiency in analyzing data from internal Les Schwab systems for sales, inventory, and customer insights.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and automation tools can feed into marketing intelligence and product strategy is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on advanced Excel/Google Sheets and BI tools, alongside specific industry data sources like GFK and USTMA, highlights the data-intensive nature of this role. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their analytical capabilities using these tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A strong emphasis on using data and market intelligence to inform strategic product decisions and optimize the portfolio.

• Customer Centricity: Ensuring the product lineup meets the diverse needs of customers across different segments and applications.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering strong partnerships across departments (Purchasing, Marketing, Operations, Pricing) to achieve common goals.

• Efficiency & Scalability: Continuously seeking ways to improve processes and increase the team's capacity and effectiveness.

• Strategic Thinking & Execution: Balancing long-term product vision with the practical execution required for successful product management.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Leading through influence and coordination, working effectively with individuals from various departments who may not directly report to this role.

• Partnership Approach: Building strong working relationships with teams like Purchasing, Pricing, and Marketing to ensure integrated product strategies.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear and consistent communication to align teams on product goals, timelines, and requirements.

• Problem-Solving Focus: Working collaboratively to identify and resolve challenges related to product strategy, lifecycle management, and market execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value analytical rigor, collaborative execution, and a results-oriented approach. Success in this role will depend on the ability to build consensus and drive initiatives through strong interpersonal and communication skills across different functional areas.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Portfolio Breadth and Depth: Managing a comprehensive PLT tire portfolio while ensuring each product has a clear market purpose and competitive advantage.

• Adapting to Market Volatility: Navigating fluctuations in raw material costs, supply chain disruptions, and evolving customer preferences in the tire market.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent strategy and execution across multiple departments with potentially competing priorities.

• Data Integration and Analysis: Synthesizing data from disparate internal and external sources into actionable insights.

• Product Lifecycle Complexity: Managing the introduction of new products while effectively phasing out older ones without gaps or excess inventory.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening Industry Expertise: Gaining specialized knowledge in the automotive tire market, including product technology, consumer behavior, and industry regulations.

• Advanced Analytics & BI Skills: Further developing proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques relevant to market intelligence and product strategy.

• Cross-Functional Leadership Development: Enhancing skills in influencing, negotiation, and project leadership across diverse teams.

• Strategic Planning & Roadmapping: Gaining experience in developing and executing long-term product strategies and roadmaps.

• Understanding Retail Operations: Developing a comprehensive understanding of how product strategy translates into effective in-store execution and customer experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity to tackle complex challenges within a dynamic industry, offering substantial learning and development potential for professionals aiming for leadership in product strategy and operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for defining a product screen for a specific market segment. How do you decide on tiers, brands, and applications?" (Focus on structured methodology, data inputs, and strategic rationale.)

• "Walk me through a product lifecycle management initiative you led. What were the key stages, challenges, and outcomes?" (Prepare a case study highlighting end-to-end management, especially product introductions/phase-outs.)

• "How do you leverage market intelligence data (like GFK or VIO) to identify product gaps or opportunities for a tire manufacturer or retailer?" (Demonstrate analytical skills and ability to translate data into business cases.)

• "Describe a time you had to influence a cross-functional team (e.g., Purchasing, Marketing) to adopt your product strategy. What was your approach and the result?" (Highlight leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Les Schwab Tire Centers and this specific role within the PLT tire division?" (Research company history, values, and market position. Connect your skills to their needs.)

• "How do you see this role contributing to Les Schwab's overall business objectives and market competitiveness?" (Show understanding of the strategic impact of product management.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you thrive in a hybrid setting." (Align your preferences with the described work arrangement and team culture.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your case studies: Use a clear framework (e.g., Situation, Task, Action, Result - STAR method) for each example.

• Quantify your achievements: Use specific numbers, percentages, and data to showcase the impact of your work (e.g., "Increased market share by X%", "Reduced product transition time by Y days").

• Focus on Strategic Contribution: Explain why you made certain decisions, not just what you did. Connect your actions to broader business goals.

• Visualize Data: If possible, use charts or graphs to illustrate market trends, performance data, or project timelines.

• Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration: Clearly articulate how you partnered with other teams and managed stakeholder expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of product strategy, market analysis, and cross-functional leadership, supported by concrete examples from your experience, ideally within the automotive or retail sectors.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead, Product Strategy & Marketing Intelligence position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Les Schwab Tire Centers careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to specifically highlight your experience in product strategy, market intelligence, product lifecycle management, and cross-functional leadership, especially if you have experience in the automotive or tire industry.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines achievements using quantifiable metrics and keywords present in the job description (e.g., "Product Lifecycle Management," "Market Intelligence," "Advanced Excel," "Cross-functional Leadership").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method, focusing on strategic thinking, data analysis, and collaboration. Be ready to discuss your approach to product strategy and market challenges.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Les Schwab Tire Centers' history, mission, values, and current market position to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.