Microsoft trying to get OEMs to produce differentiated & competitive hero handsets

Reading time icon 4 min. read


Readers help support MSpoweruser. We may get a commission if you buy through our links. Tooltip Icon

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help MSPoweruser sustain the editorial team Read more

Microsoft appears to have noticed their Windows Phone 7 handsets often appear to be rehashed Android devices, and are aiming to correct that.

In a recent Microsoft job posting they are looking for a senior executive to deal with Korean OEMs (like Samsung and LG presumably) to secure “clear differentiated devices & competitive price points targeted at consumer and business segments“.

This will include so-called “hero” devices for which Microsoft want to ensure operating give good placement.

Microsoft’s main leverage appears to be JMAs, which are likely Joint Marketing Agreements, where Microsoft would contribute significantly to the marketing costs of handsets with OEMs. ร‚ย This strategy would be familiar to most readers from the Intel Inside logo, where Intel would contribute to the cost of TV ads for OEMs like Dell as long as their jingle is played.

Microsoft appears to be planning to play hardball with OEMS entering into these agreements, saying part of the executives responsibility would be to:

Secure OEM unit volume against marketing investment commitments & hold them accountable through end to end Execution (JMA)

Many of our readers have commented that Windows Phone 7 lacks a clearly differentiated hero device to set the ecosystem on fire. ร‚ย Hopefully Microsoft will get OEMs to deliver this after all.

See the full job posting after the break.

Windows phone portfolio mgr Job (Seoul, KOREA, REPUBLIC OF)

Job Category:ร‚ย Sales Location:ร‚ย Seoul, KOREA, REPUBLIC OF Job ID:ร‚ย 767055-53678 Division:ร‚ย SalesKey Responsibilities/ Accountabilitiesร‚ยงLand OEM portfolio ahead of the Mobile Operator ranging process with clear differentiated devices & competitive price points targeted at consumer and business segments

ร‚ยงSecure the OEM commitments through the prescribed OEM JMA process and develop the local sales and marketing prioritization plans to ensure a healthy and differentiated portfolio of devices

ร‚ยงIn concert with the OC Partner Management team drive clear alignment between the OEM and target Mobile Operators to secure commitment for hero device and placement

ร‚ยงSupport MCB in securing OEM marketing investments where possible at a global level, to support regional & local programs & marketing activities.

ร‚ยงNegotiate JMAs with clear marketing execution activities & commitments:

?MO retail execution & investments based on WWRS guidance/asks, including: 1) training, 2) live devices & merchandising, 3) RSP seeding & incentives.

-MO-led ATL & demand generation per give/gets

-MO & OEM commitment to 3-way planning with OEMs/MS/MO.

ร‚ยงAccountability for MO execution on JMA — drive escalation from OC Lead/Retail Lead where partner execution is not adequate.

ร‚ยงOwns execution of OEM JMA landing through the Windows Phone Operator Accounts. Secure OEM unit volume against marketing investment commitments & hold them accountable through end to end Execution (JMA)

ร‚ยงManage overall supply chain to monitor & escalate device supply required for key operators & markets

ร‚ยงLead a consistent and predictable business where team members are held accountable for performance and to improve Partner NSAT

Measures of Success

ร‚ยงManagement and completion/close rates of the local JMAรขโ‚ฌโ„ขs

ร‚ยงSubsidiary scorecard metrics (Sell-Through Units/WLID)

ร‚ยงQuality and Effectiveness of the OEM management, planning and execution aligned to the business KPIรขโ‚ฌโ„ขs

ร‚ยงAccount units, Revenues

ร‚ยงNSAT

Key Required Competencies (top 5-7 max)

ร‚ยงPassionate and knowledgeable on mobility technology as an enabler for the companyรขโ‚ฌโ„ขs growth

ร‚ยงExperienced in building partnerships and influence with senior leadership/management through deep insight of the businesses and understanding of their customer/partner needs.

ร‚ยงStrong partner management รขโ‚ฌล“disciplineรขโ‚ฌย of working with people; in a structured way, orchestrating teams through complex technology solutions, commercial terms and organization politics

ร‚ยงCollaborative and able to set clear goals/timelines and meet them; consistently demonstrates strong people management skills.

ร‚ยงPartner management who consistently demonstrates integrity and honesty, and delivers on promises

Interviewers/Decision Makers

ร‚ยงOC Lead, OC Partner Management, OEM Lead, WWOC B2C

User forum

0 messages