Category Leader – Roval
Specialized is looking to hire a Leader of Roval (Wheels). This person is responsible for driving product and business results while leading and inspiring the product creation team. This is a key stakeholder and voice within the brand that works cross functionally to build category strategies and execute at the highest level. Moreover, we’re looking for someone to dream what the future of bike wheels is and to find a way to make it happen.
HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
- Devise long-term business development strategies for category
- Responsible for budget development and revenue for the category
- Work with demand planners to develop forecasts for product demand to ensure the sustainability of inventory
- Determine the positioning of a product category to maximize visibility
- Own relationships with vendors to achieve better pricing and quality of services
- Work with purchasing to ensure product availability that meets market demands while balancing the business strategy.
- Owns the opinion of the target rider needs by conducting market research, feedback sessions, retailer visits and inputs, compiling all necessary information and creating a product brief to deliver to design and engineering.
- Key stakeholder in the individual project GTM/NPI strategy and transition to GM and markets
- GTM Ops Meetings
- NPI Tickets
- Fall/Spring Meetings/ presentation building and presenting.
- Collaborate regularly with the following to ensure successful product launches.
- Design
- Engineering/Development
- Vendor relations
- Marketing and Marketing assets
- Product Merchandising
- Product Category leaders (Equipment and Bike)
- Asia Development team
- Market regions: Both individually and as a whole to develop accurate forecasting and product requirements.
- Supply Chain
- Supports long-term category strategy with mid/short-term product strategy.
- Helps to align design & development to deliver on the rider need based off Product Briefs.
- Costing - Negotiate pricing for models, colors and graphics, packaging as well as volume discounts.
- Supply Chain - Help manage/negotiate supply of product in a timely manner to maximize sell through.
- Tooling - Ensures costing for tooling tracks with specific products.
- Color/Graphics - Manages and maintains product color/graphics development as well as sampling and final sign off for production – as needed.
- Market research - Size & Potential of Business, both SKUs & Revenue
WHAT YOU NEED TO WIN
- 10+ years experience in wheel product creation, preferably category or business management.
- Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams in a passionate, fast-paced environment.
- Sharp business acumen, ability to understand trends and record of managing successful businesses.
- Track record of bringing iconic designs to market.
- Deep understanding of manufacturing operations for wheels.
- World-class presentation skills and ability to influence.
- Sales experience in retail, or experience working alongside sales teams.
- Ability to simplify complex problems, test ideas, and move forward with speed.
- Desire to lead, inspire and grow – personally and for the team.
- Based on-site, in Morgan Hill CA.
PAY
Below is a summary of compensation elements for this role at the company if based in the following locations:
California Base Pay Range: ($110,000 - $190,000 )
BENEFITS
As a full-time, regular teammate, you are eligible for the following benefits, beginning the first of the month following your start date.
Benefits include:
Competitive pay with annual performance-based reviews for continued growth and recognition
Comprehensive healthcare plan options, including PPO, EPO, HDHP, and HMO (acupuncture and physical therapy included)
Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer HSA contributions when enrolled in the High-Deductible Healthcare Plan (HDHP)
Dental and Vision plans
401(k) Company Matching up to $5,000 annually with immediate 100% vesting and administrative fees paid for by the company
Company-paid Life, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Employee Assistance Program that provides access to individualized mental well-being care
Generous Vacation, Sick, Paid Holidays, and Volunteer Time Off
14 weeks of 100% paid leave for birthing parents and 8 weeks of 100% paid leave for non-birthing parents, plus a Specialized bike for your new baby
Up to $9,000 annually in Career Development & Degree Assistance
Up to $250 annually in Fitness & Wellness Reimbursement
Industry Pro-Deal Discounts and Perks
For additional information on benefits and perks, please visit: https://benefits.specialized.com.
We want to increase representation of all races, genders, and body types in the cycling industry and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where all people thrive. We encourage everyone – especially those from marginalized groups – to apply to our job postings and help us earn the position as the rider’s brand of choice. We are always looking for creative, innovative, and passionate people who are eager to contribute to our mission of pedaling the planet forward. Regardless of your qualifications, if you are ready to make a difference, please apply and let us know how you can make an impact at Specialized!
See what we are up to on LinkedIn, Instagram.
Skills Required
- 10+ years experience in wheel product creation
- Category or business management experience
- Based on-site in Morgan Hill, CA
- Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment
- Sharp business acumen and record of managing successful businesses
- Track record of bringing iconic designs to market
- Deep understanding of manufacturing operations for wheels
- World-class presentation skills and ability to influence stakeholders
- Sales experience in retail or experience working alongside sales teams
- Experience with budgeting, revenue responsibility, and forecasting/demand planning
- Experience negotiating pricing, costing, tooling, and vendor relationships
- Experience with product go-to-market (GTM) and new product introduction (NPI) processes
Specialized Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Specialized and has not been reviewed or approved by Specialized.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with Fidelity offers up to $5,000 in annual employer matching with immediate vesting, and the company covers plan administrative fees for active employees. This provides strong retirement support within the total package.
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Parental & Family Support — Published materials describe 6–8 weeks at 100% pay for birthing recovery and 8 weeks of fully paid parental bonding, alongside fertility benefits and adoption assistance. Some materials indicate certain roles or locations may offer even longer fully paid leave.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Cycling‑centric perks include substantial gear discounts, race entry fee support, on‑site fitness options, healthy on‑site meals, an employee bike service center, and a dog‑friendly HQ. These benefits can meaningfully enhance day‑to‑day experience for those who value the cycling culture.
Specialized Insights
What We Do
Founded on the principle of performance and fueled by innovation, our focus on the rider and their needs is our constant. From seasoned pros and weekend warriors, to kids and commuters—if you ride, we’re for you. The passion we have for sharing our love of bikes with the world can be seen in those who choose to work here. Headquartered in Morgan Hill, CA, the passionate and creative teammates at Specialized have designed and manufactured the world's most innovative bikes and gear since 1974. Are you ready to join our team and help pedal the planet forward?
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