Makita U.S.A., Inc. Career Opportunities
Merchandising/branding/product management
(0 = none, 5 = expert)




















Marketing consumer products
(0 = none, 5 = expert)




















Developing/implementing strategies & tactics
(0 = none, 5 = expert)




















Please note that this position is no longer available.
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Associate Product Manager
CA - La Mirada
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Opportunity Snapshot

This position offers you the opportunity to take your marketing career up a notch, or even take your career in a new direction. Our preference is that you already have experience with power tools, but as long as you have a solid marketing / product management background, we will get you up to speed on our product line and industry. One way or another you will expand your skills and knowledge in this diverse product management role. You'll support the power tool product line and multiple product management professionals, working with and learning about all phases of product lifecycles, from copywriting to channel management to developing strategy. Quick question for you - click here We are hiring with an eye to the future, creating a bench of potential leaders.

Makita is a worldwide leader in the professional power tool industry. Over the past 94 years we've built a reputation for using the finest raw materials, the most advanced manufacturing equipment, and the most rigorous quality testing in the industry. Headquartered in La Mirada, CA, Makita USA has been bringing Makita's best-in-class engineering advantage to professional power tool users in America since 1970.

Video: Makita sponsors a wide variety of sports as part of its marketing and promotion efforts to demonstrate that Champions Choose Makita.

The Requirements

To be a good fit for this opportunity you will have at least TWO of the following, and ideal candidates will have all three:
  • Marketing experience, including advertising, copy development, working with graphic designers, etc. Quick question for you - click here
  • Product management experience, including launching products, ideally in a related industry, such as construction or building products.
  • Strong familiarity with power tools, perhaps as a contractor or trades professional, or at a manufacturer or retailer of power tools.
In addition, you will need:
  • A bachelor's degree in Marketing or other business related field. We also will consider non-degreed candidates with significant and highly relevant experience.
  • A solid understanding of the retail environment and consumers buying habits; experience interacting directly with end users / consumers is a plus.
  • Experience with both retail and distribution channels is preferred.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • A passion for power tools.
  • Creativity as well as strong analytical skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop compelling promotional copy.
  • Strong self-motivation and a drive to excel.
You also will need to be willing and able to travel about 15% of the time to capture the voice of the customer, attend trade shows, etc.

The Role

Reporting to a Product Manager, you will assist on product planning and execution throughout the product lifecycle for our power tools line, one of the most competitive segments of the industry. At a high level this will include:
  • Prioritizing between current products and new product development.
  • Continually gathering and defining "voice of customer" requirements as related to new product development; we market to both retail consumers and end users -- professionals who use Makita products.
  • Helping define the product vision and strategy. Quick question for you - click here
  • Working cross-functionally with marketing, product development, sales, operations, advertising, purchasing and customer service to ensure company goals are achieved.
  • Working on various projects to support marketing's core objectives.
More specifically, you will:
  • Assist the Product Management team to define product strategy and roadmaps.
  • Assist with market research, competitive product testing and pricing analysis.
  • Show the ability to influence cross-functional teams without formal authority.
  • Support sales with a variety of requests such as presentations, line reviews, etc.
  • Help to launch new products and accessories to the sales team.
  • Work to develop promotional campaigns.
  • Assist in developing marketing communication materials and sales tools.
  • Work closely with advertising and brand marketing teams to ensure brand consistency.
  • Prioritize between projects on various topics.
  • Understand market trends and competitive landscape.
  • Execute as a leader within the company.
Note: this description is intended to give you a general overview of the position and is not an exhaustive listing of duties and responsibilities.

Why Makita

Professional development -- as you can see, you'll broaden your experience in all aspects of product management, including being part of the "think tank" that drives strategy. You will master our channels and distribution model, become an expert in the competitive landscape and help brainstorm on how to penetrate more deeply in our markets.

Career options -- depending on your aptitude and performance, you might set your sights on moving into a full Product Manager role; after that you might pursue multiple career paths within Makita. We're dedicated to promoting from within whenever possible, and also to seeking out and developing top talent.

Diverse, intriguing role -- every day will be different; you may have a marketing meeting in the morning, then spend time on a jobsite in the early afternoon and wrap up  the day visiting tool dealers with our sales team.

Reputation and momentum -- visit any construction site and you're sure to encounter a variety of Makita tools. We are highly respected in the professional user community because of the quality and performance our tools deliver. We continue to lead the industry with the introduction of high quality, innovative tools. You'll be able to leverage both our reputation and momentum in your efforts.

Excellent compensation -- in addition to a competitive salary and bonus incentive program, we offer one of the most generous benefits packages in our industry, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; 401(k) and profit sharing plans; vacation time; tuition reimbursement, and more.

Pictured: The tools in this four-piece combo kit take advantage of an advanced LXT lithium-on battery; the 30-Minute Rapid Optimum Charger communicates with the battery's built-in chip throughout the charging process to optimize battery life.

Keys to Success

This is a role for an individual who enjoys achieving goals and driving the business, and one who is driven to grow professionally, intent on mastering the current challenge in order to move on to the next. You also will need to be an idea generator; we bounce ideas around quite a bit and we'll look to you to engage actively, bringing your own insights and challenging ideas in a constructive way. In order to be an outstanding Associate Product Manager, you will take a global view of various information sources -- you'll ask the right questions to uncover the users' pain, understand industry trends, stay abreast of the competition, etc. -- and you'll bring all that information together into action-oriented insights. In addition, you'll need to be able to influence and motivate a variety of people, both internally and externally.

About Makita

Makita owes its reputation for manufacturing and distributing outstanding quality power tools to the drive and determination for excellence that began 99 years ago as a manufacturer of electric motors. In 1958 we introduced our first electric tools, in 1978 we introduced the first Ni-Cad battery-powered cordless drill, and in 2005 we introduced the first Lithium-ion battery powered cordless drill along with several other industry first over the last 99 years. Today we are one of the world's largest power tool manufacturers, with seven manufacturing facilities globally and a selection of more than 350 superior and innovative tools.

Believing that the motor is the heart of any power tool, we take great pride in our motor expertise. We spare no expense in producing the most powerful, efficient and best performing motors available for each tool, carefully selecting only the best quality raw materials, employing the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world, and using the most stringent manufacturing processes and quality control in the industry. To make certain that our quality standards are upheld, constant testing is performed during machining and assembly processes, including a final run-test under power before leaving the factory to ensure optimum performance.

Our success comes not only from producing top quality tools, but also from our unparalleled customer service. From our customer service representatives to our extensive sales team to our R&D group, we are dedicated to delivering complete customer satisfaction.

Pictured: Makita created the industry's first 18V Lithium-Ion line-up of cordless tools in 2005 with the groundbreaking 18V LXT® Series. Today, Makita offers over 50 LXT tools with solutions for trades from concrete to commercial, automotive to residential construction, and they're all powered by one fast-charging 18V Lithium-Ion battery.

Opportunity Snapshot

This position offers you the opportunity to take your marketing career up a notch, or even take your career in a new direction. Our preference is that you already have experience with power tools, but as long as you have a solid marketing / product management background, we will get you up to speed on our product line and industry. One way or another you will expand your skills and knowledge in this diverse product management role. You'll support the power tool product line and multiple product management professionals, working with and learning about all phases of product lifecycles, from copywriting to channel management to developing strategy. Quick question for you - click here We are hiring with an eye to the future, creating a bench of potential leaders.

Makita is a worldwide leader in the professional power tool industry. Over the past 94 years we've built a reputation for using the finest raw materials, the most advanced manufacturing equipment, and the most rigorous quality testing in the industry. Headquartered in La Mirada, CA, Makita USA has been bringing Makita's best-in-class engineering advantage to professional power tool users in America since 1970.

Video: Makita sponsors a wide variety of sports as part of its marketing and promotion efforts to demonstrate that Champions Choose Makita.

The Requirements

To be a good fit for this opportunity you will have at least TWO of the following, and ideal candidates will have all three:
  • Marketing experience, including advertising, copy development, working with graphic designers, etc. Quick question for you - click here
  • Product management experience, including launching products, ideally in a related industry, such as construction or building products.
  • Strong familiarity with power tools, perhaps as a contractor or trades professional, or at a manufacturer or retailer of power tools.
In addition, you will need:
  • A bachelor's degree in Marketing or other business related field. We also will consider non-degreed candidates with significant and highly relevant experience.
  • A solid understanding of the retail environment and consumers buying habits; experience interacting directly with end users / consumers is a plus.
  • Experience with both retail and distribution channels is preferred.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • A passion for power tools.
  • Creativity as well as strong analytical skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop compelling promotional copy.
  • Strong self-motivation and a drive to excel.
You also will need to be willing and able to travel about 15% of the time to capture the voice of the customer, attend trade shows, etc.

The Role

Reporting to a Product Manager, you will assist on product planning and execution throughout the product lifecycle for our power tools line, one of the most competitive segments of the industry. At a high level this will include:
  • Prioritizing between current products and new product development.
  • Continually gathering and defining "voice of customer" requirements as related to new product development; we market to both retail consumers and end users -- professionals who use Makita products.
  • Helping define the product vision and strategy. Quick question for you - click here
  • Working cross-functionally with marketing, product development, sales, operations, advertising, purchasing and customer service to ensure company goals are achieved.
  • Working on various projects to support marketing's core objectives.
More specifically, you will:
  • Assist the Product Management team to define product strategy and roadmaps.
  • Assist with market research, competitive product testing and pricing analysis.
  • Show the ability to influence cross-functional teams without formal authority.
  • Support sales with a variety of requests such as presentations, line reviews, etc.
  • Help to launch new products and accessories to the sales team.
  • Work to develop promotional campaigns.
  • Assist in developing marketing communication materials and sales tools.
  • Work closely with advertising and brand marketing teams to ensure brand consistency.
  • Prioritize between projects on various topics.
  • Understand market trends and competitive landscape.
  • Execute as a leader within the company.
Note: this description is intended to give you a general overview of the position and is not an exhaustive listing of duties and responsibilities.

Why Makita

Professional development -- as you can see, you'll broaden your experience in all aspects of product management, including being part of the "think tank" that drives strategy. You will master our channels and distribution model, become an expert in the competitive landscape and help brainstorm on how to penetrate more deeply in our markets.

Career options -- depending on your aptitude and performance, you might set your sights on moving into a full Product Manager role; after that you might pursue multiple career paths within Makita. We're dedicated to promoting from within whenever possible, and also to seeking out and developing top talent.

Diverse, intriguing role -- every day will be different; you may have a marketing meeting in the morning, then spend time on a jobsite in the early afternoon and wrap up  the day visiting tool dealers with our sales team.

Reputation and momentum -- visit any construction site and you're sure to encounter a variety of Makita tools. We are highly respected in the professional user community because of the quality and performance our tools deliver. We continue to lead the industry with the introduction of high quality, innovative tools. You'll be able to leverage both our reputation and momentum in your efforts.

Excellent compensation -- in addition to a competitive salary and bonus incentive program, we offer one of the most generous benefits packages in our industry, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; 401(k) and profit sharing plans; vacation time; tuition reimbursement, and more.

Pictured: The tools in this four-piece combo kit take advantage of an advanced LXT lithium-on battery; the 30-Minute Rapid Optimum Charger communicates with the battery's built-in chip throughout the charging process to optimize battery life.

Keys to Success

This is a role for an individual who enjoys achieving goals and driving the business, and one who is driven to grow professionally, intent on mastering the current challenge in order to move on to the next. You also will need to be an idea generator; we bounce ideas around quite a bit and we'll look to you to engage actively, bringing your own insights and challenging ideas in a constructive way. In order to be an outstanding Associate Product Manager, you will take a global view of various information sources -- you'll ask the right questions to uncover the users' pain, understand industry trends, stay abreast of the competition, etc. -- and you'll bring all that information together into action-oriented insights. In addition, you'll need to be able to influence and motivate a variety of people, both internally and externally.

About Makita

Makita owes its reputation for manufacturing and distributing outstanding quality power tools to the drive and determination for excellence that began 99 years ago as a manufacturer of electric motors. In 1958 we introduced our first electric tools, in 1978 we introduced the first Ni-Cad battery-powered cordless drill, and in 2005 we introduced the first Lithium-ion battery powered cordless drill along with several other industry first over the last 99 years. Today we are one of the world's largest power tool manufacturers, with seven manufacturing facilities globally and a selection of more than 350 superior and innovative tools.

Believing that the motor is the heart of any power tool, we take great pride in our motor expertise. We spare no expense in producing the most powerful, efficient and best performing motors available for each tool, carefully selecting only the best quality raw materials, employing the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world, and using the most stringent manufacturing processes and quality control in the industry. To make certain that our quality standards are upheld, constant testing is performed during machining and assembly processes, including a final run-test under power before leaving the factory to ensure optimum performance.

Our success comes not only from producing top quality tools, but also from our unparalleled customer service. From our customer service representatives to our extensive sales team to our R&D group, we are dedicated to delivering complete customer satisfaction.

Pictured: Makita created the industry's first 18V Lithium-Ion line-up of cordless tools in 2005 with the groundbreaking 18V LXT® Series. Today, Makita offers over 50 LXT tools with solutions for trades from concrete to commercial, automotive to residential construction, and they're all powered by one fast-charging 18V Lithium-Ion battery.
Makita U.S.A., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability.
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