Product Manager

The Product Manager will work with the Product Segment leader to develop short-term and long-term product plans and roadmap for the relevant product categories. The PM is more specifically responsible for Product Life Cycle Management within their designated categories, focusing on the identification of new product opportunities, development of product plans and requirements, conducting field validation research and end-user feedback, and supporting market launch activities from a product management standpoint.

This will require that the PM work closely with other key disciplines, including account management, channel marketing, and engineering, to deliver targeted objectives.

This role deals with physical products (paint sprayers, steam cleaning products, heat guns, etc) sold primarily in retail spaces (big box stores, etc.) and strong preference for candidates who have physical product experience vs software

• In conjunction with Channel Marketing, Account Management, and Marketing Communications, the PM will manage the development and implementation of the entire product launch plan “from concept to consumer”, including some project management, leveraging as appropriate other functions to deliver critical elements of the plan/project.
• Using the Corporate Product Creation Process, the PM will develop product plans and roadmaps for their respective product categories, utilizing various “Voice of Customer” methods and elements to identify and specify relevant products that meet the needs of the global consumer base.
• Work with sales management and engineering departments in conducting field evaluation testing to ensure the visibility of new and existing products.
• Conduct technical product training and provide sales tools to help sales/account managers and dealers to become more effective in selling products.
• The PM will be responsible for ensuring effective Product Life Cycle Management as it relates to inventory planning and phase-in / phase-out transitions for new products.
• In addition, PMs will monitor product return rates for their categories, gather feedback from online reviews, competitive reviews and technical support calls and incorporate these learnings into design and other changes on current platforms, as well as leveraging them for future platforms and product evolutions.
• Work closely with International Decorative Finishing counterparts to ensure incorporation of international product and market requirements into the global product portfolio.
• Where possible and financially feasible, attempt to globally drive concurrent product design and market.
• Working with sales leadership, develop and maintain contacts with key customers to ensure input into our Product Creation Process.
• As appropriate, use these customers as a sounding board for new concepts and product ideas throughout the process.
• Leverage these relationships during and after product launch to secure feedback on product and process effectiveness and areas for improvement.

Work in a team manner throughout the organization to accomplish category goals and objectives. Lead and champion implementation of category plans for their respective categories throughout the organization, with special attention to new product development and the Product Creation Process. This position will work closely as part of Product Strategy & Planning (PS&P), interacting with Operations, Quality, Technical Support, Marketing Communications and Customer Service to successfully perform these duties.

Work in direct communications with consumers/end-users, retail customers, sales organization, and vendors. The PM will work with confidential information, including company financials, and costing data.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in business management, marketing, engineering, or related field is required. MBA or other Master’s level degree is a plus. Formal leadership and/or management training during professional career also a strong plus.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum of 4 (four) years of product management within a related consumer or contractor business. In depth knowledge of the paint or paint…