Senior Windows Category Manager ANZ

Consumer Channel Sales (CCS) is a global team at Microsoft responsible for sales of the Devices and Creativity products inclusive of Windows, Surface and M365. CCS puts the consumer at the center, helping them discover, learn, and buy through direct and partner channels in over 120 countries around the world. Our team works with ecosystem partners and internal business groups to drive digital excellence and e-commerce capability, as well as accelerate cloud and subscription adoption. Together, we win by delivering compelling at-home and on-the-go experiences combining intelligent edge devices and services that create Microsoft fans for life.

In the Devices and Creativity, the priority is to help people make the most of their time within 4 focus areas: organize your life, protect what's important, connect with others, and bring out your best. The focus is on the Modern Life products – M365, Windows Consumer, Surface, and Accessories. The key priorities are to define and execute our consumer product and/solution go-to-market strategy; influence product roadmap, business models and strategy; and manage long term health of the business through actionable customer insights to and from partners.

We are looking for a Senior Windows Category Manager for ANZ. The Category manager drives the overall business focus on Windows 11 in the PC ecosystem and drives business by establishing strategic frameworks, enabling programs and execution across consumer channels optimized by geo, drive growth opportunities, and ensure CSO hits all KPIs.

Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Sydney based role

Manages business operations within a category for ANZ, serving as a subject matter expert on a line of business. Manages reporting and fiscal forecasting for top-line and bottom-line profit and loss for a line of business. Serves as the primary liaison between the category region teams and the business group. As a part of the rhythm of the business, develops go-to-market (GTM) strategy and key performance indicators (KPIs) to deliver upon the priorities and initiatives cascaded from Worldwide Category. Lands and supports execution of category plans and investments with internal and external partners. In collaboration with internal partners. Contributes to category performance through identifying areas to increase audience size or value obtained from the audience

Plan

• Define & own implementation of product specific channel strategy and investments
• Design of product strategic programs, incentives, promotions, and upper funnel activities partnering with Business & Sales Operations (BSO) team and the product marketing teams
• Influence long range product and GTM planning
• Drive product/solutions consumer channel GTM partnering across internal stakeholders like CSO Finance, BSO, Channel Sales, BG GTM, OEM and Online Stores.

Execute

• Manage portfolio of investments, channels, motions to maximize short term results (rev, scorecard) and LTV.
• Establish and drive a consistent growth initiatives framework, defining and tracking a consistent set of KPIs and reporting rhythm.
• Pilot new GTM & Sales motions to future proof our business
• Create field/local enablement to execute the priorities [i] tools, process, stakeholder management and alignment across functions [ii] includes creation and localization of partner pitch deck/storytelling [iii] WW and regional seasonal guidance [iv] retail GTM readiness
• Direct To Consumer (not thru partner) product GTM e.g. PR, ATL, local owned & operated (ATL, BTL), partnerships and events in regions-
• Be the internal and external voice of the product/solution with 1st Party and 3rd Party partners in regions
• Leverage industry knowledge, channel insights, and customer understanding to drive strategic alignment, digital transformation, and land joint business objectives with partners

Manage & Monitor

• Drive Rhythm Of Business (ROB) framework and deliverables thru performance and planning cycles. Partner closely with finance to ensure planning across revenue and investments is harmonized for budget and forecast cycles.
• Define and implement annual success metrics, strategic indicators and investment effectiveness across regional and corp teams.
• Accountable to product rev, P&L and compensable metric results including forecasting.
• Lead investment and fiscal control and optimization. Ecosystem investment alignment to core priorities
• Drive strategic and agile tactical communication process of business performance.
• Generate business and competitive insights thru data analysis & visualization, from product and partner perspectives.
• Influence long range planning

Required/Minimum Qualifications

• 4+ years category management, product management, marketing strategy, business planning, product planning, or related work experience AND Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Economics, Public Relations, Engineering, or related field OR equivalent experience.

Additional or Preferred Qualifications

• 4+ years managing and expanding a category and attaining sales and profitability targets within a complex (e.g., multinational or matrixed) organization OR equivalent experience
• Strong understanding of ANZ PC ecosystem including knowledge of both retail, OEM and Silicon business models and GTM
• Entrepreneurial mindset and innovative thinking to identifying and executing business opportunities
• Background in Data and Analysis to be applied to the PC Ecosystem for market reporting, forecasting, Subject Matter Expertise and insight
• Ability to analyze sales data, draw relevant conclusions, develop accurate business plans and forecasts, and drive execution
• Understanding of budget, profit & loss, margin, investment, and operating expense accountability
• Ability to influence multiple stakeholder groups and connect with diverse audiences
• Thought leader, risk taker, and lifelong learner with an affinity and passion for consumer technology; Digital and social influencer in the market
• Have experience planning and executing marketing strategies and activities that drive business results while remaining true to the brand.
• Have experience translating Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) into actionable plans to accelerate or capitalize on growth opportunities.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.