What are the responsibilities and job description for the Product Line Manager position at AFL?
AFL connects people, companies, and communities with innovative fiber optic solutions. Since 1984, we’ve grown from a single fiber optic cable to a global portfolio of thousands of products and services. With over $2B in annual revenue and 9,000 associates worldwide, AFL is a trusted partner to the world’s largest telecom providers.
We believe our people are our greatest asset. That’s why we invest in your growth, development, and success—connecting you to a career with purpose.
What We Offer:
- Hybrid office schedule in either Upstate South Carolina or Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
- Flexible time off policy
- 401K with dollar-for-dollar company match (up to 4%)
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development programs
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Career advancement opportunities with a global industry leader
About the Role:
We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Product Line Manager (PLM) to lead our Aerial Cable product line. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of AFL’s aerial cable offerings - driving innovation, aligning with market needs, and maximizing profitability.
You’ll collaborate across Engineering, Sales, Customer Success, Operations, and sister business units to deliver best-in-class solutions that meet the evolving demands of the Energy market.
Key Responsibilities:
Product Strategy & Innovation
- Define and execute the product strategy for the fiber optic aerial cable portfolio.
- Conduct market research and customer analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and product enhancements.
- Develop product roadmaps that align with AFL’s strategic goals and customer priorities.
Portfolio & Lifecycle Management
- Manage the full product lifecycle—from concept to retirement.
- Evaluate product performance, market potential, and competitive positioning to guide investment and prioritization.
- Lead cross-functional teams through new product development and commercialization.
Pricing & Profitability
- Establish pricing strategies that balance competitiveness and margin goals.
- Monitor cost structures and pricing trends to drive profitability and cost optimization.
Customer & Market Insights
- Partner with Sales and Marketing to gather customer feedback and translate it into actionable product requirements.
- Conduct segmentation analysis to refine product positioning and go-to-market strategies.
Go-to-Market & Sales Enablement
- Define product positioning, pricing models, and sales tools to support successful product launches.
- Collaborate with Marketing and Sales to drive adoption and revenue growth.
Competitive Intelligence
- Monitor competitor offerings and market dynamics to identify threats and opportunities.
- Recommend product differentiation strategies based on competitive analysis.
Cross-functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Engineering, Operations, and Customer Support to ensure seamless product delivery and support.
- Foster alignment across departments to achieve shared business objectives.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Marketing, Business, or related field
- MBA preferred
- 8 years of experience in product management, product marketing, or applications engineering
- Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills
- Willingness to travel up to 25–30%
Preferred Experience:
- Deep understanding of fiber optic cable technologies, especially aerial cable applications
- Experience in the telecommunications or electric utility sectors
- Proven success in managing product roadmaps, NPI processes, and lifecycle strategies
- Ability to thrive in a matrixed and global environment
Salary : $2
