Please post the following: Thanks
SOLA Sunlens Division
Superior Performance Optics(tm)
Technical Marketing Manager / Director
SOLA Sunlens is a division of SOLA International, Inc., a publicly traded
[NYSE: SOL] designer, manufacturer, and marketer of ophthalmic and plano
lenses. SOLA Sunlens leads the market with lens technology that defines
industry standards and is aggressively supported with comprehensive consumer
marketing efforts. SOLA Sunlens focuses on the fashion and specialty
performance / sports industries with superior products and innovative
designs (Rock Hard(tm)), shapes (Wide Eyes(tm)), and coatings (anti-fog and
anti-glare). SOLA Sunlens is based in Miami, Florida, with sales and lens
manufacturing operations in Miami, Italy, Brazil, and Asia.
General Description
SOLA Sunlens seeks an experienced professional to lead the process that
clearly establishes SOLA's technical expertise and credibility to the trade
and consumers. Specifically, he / she will maximize the competitive impact
of SOLA Sunlens' product development and marketing programs by developing
systems to provide data, claims support and tools that clearly communicate
product features and benefits to both customers and consumers.
Specific Duties
* Lead and develop the SOLA Sunlens Division's Technical Marketing
effort and act as the central contact point for all activities in this area.
Identify regional needs and priorities and help direct the most effective
utilization of all resources devoted to Marketing Support and product
development.
* Collaborate day-to-day with the Technical Director, Sunlens Division
and other R&D personnel working on sunlens development projects to define
the technical performance requirements for new products and technologies
from the user's perspective and to communicate performance features to
customers and consumers.
* Supply accurate and timely technical information about products from
SOLA and competitors, in support of SOLA marketing and product development
initiatives; and for use in preparation of SOLA's collateral marketing
materials. Assist the Commercial Managers with interpretations of data as
appropriate, and in developing innovative ways to express key points of
differentiation for SOLA products, including the leadership of product
launches and sales presentation strategies as they relate to new product
launches.
* Support the VP/GM in managing communications between R&D and
Marketing teams to ensure that clear development priorities, and that
product specifications, technical performance and features are understood.
* Work with the Sunlens Senior Management team to implement strategies
for both effective day-to-day management and long term success of the
Division.
* Highlight competitor product claims/initiatives of business
significance, and facilitate formulations / implementation of appropriate
responses from SOLA.
* As overall coordinator of the Technology Group responsible for
product testing, ensuring that
- The operating environment stimulates teamwork,
creativity and personal growth.
- All testing systems produce reliable and supportable
product data.
- Protocols at all test sites correlate with each
other and with customers.
- Test procedures and analysis tools are continuously
upgraded, with a focus on generating outputs that are user-friendly and
easily understood.
- The team has close working links with industry
associations, key contacts in all SOLA Marketing groups, and the sports
vision industry.
Requirement and Key Skills
* A degree in Optometry or Vision Science, followed by a combination
of a) optometric practice involving prescription of lifestyle eyewear
(including sports vision dispensing), b) lens industry consulting or c)
marketing experience.
* The ability to manage the R&D to Marketing interface, from the
definition and coordination of technical detail, to the communication and
interpersonal effectiveness over long distances.
* A keen understanding of lens product features and points of
differentiation.
* Strong analytical skills, sound judgement, a predisposition to
data-driven solutions and the ability to filter anecdotal information.
* The ability to communicate effectively to both technical and
commercial people at all levels, including major customers.
* The ability to make and meet realistic commitments.
* The ability to balance technical detail with commercial reality.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills, and a high level of
computer literacy.
* Outstanding leadership and people skills.
Salary
SOLA Sunlens offers competitive compensation packages and a full benefits
program. Please visit the SOLA Web site, <www.sola.com>.
Qualified candidates, please contact,
Brian Evje [EV-yah]
David Powell, Inc.
408.558.5001 Phone
408.558.0555 Fax
briane@davidpowell.com
www.davidpowell.com