Product Line Manager

Founded by the Channell family in 1922, Channell is a global designer, manufacturer, and seller of outside plant infrastructure equipment. The markets served by Channell are Telecommunications, Municipalities, Internet Service Providers, Wireless, Water, Power, and CATV, among others.  Major product lines include a complete line of thermoplastic and metal fabricated enclosures, fiber optic cable connection and management systems and high performance below grade vaults.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Product Line Manager is a key member of the manufacturing operational team. The Manager is accountable for leading a team in the on-time delivery of finished goods and components to our internal and external customers.  This includes managing production schedules, production reporting, training, positioning subordinates for maximum productivity, processing employee performance reviews, maintaining excellent housekeeping practices and ensuring that all company policies and safety rules are followed on any shift positioned. Manage all plans and projects within budget and scheduled timeline.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Provides strategic product pricing for daily quote requests and RFQ/RFI initiatives
• Drive and collaborate to build/create pre-launch product samples and launch collateral
• Drive activities and direction with the sales teams to achieve growth and product positioning 
• Drive new product initiatives and manage business unit priorities and constraints
• Create/manage product collateral: data sheets, presentations, catalogs/brochures, case studies, and others
• Conduct competitive analysis to develop clear product definitions and placement in a competitive market
• Execute and support stages of the product life cycle from inception to obsolescence
• Develop market insight through strategic assessments of the market, customers, competitors, and capabilities
• Review and approve product BOMs, routings, and costing to ensure accuracy and manufacturability
• Interact with planning and manufacturing to expedite critical orders, ensure timely delivery and quality deliverables
• Respond to product and pricing inquiries from sales and customer service – provide direct customer support
• Assist sales organizations by providing product training, material, technical sales support and market knowledge
• Understand and support financial and market performance of the product line profits and losses (P&L)
• Support product line vision, strategy, critical projects, roadmaps, and short-term and long-range plans
• Support internal processes to develop product initiatives with sound, strategic business cases
• Up to 25% of travel may be required

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS: 

•  
• Undergraduate degree in Engineering, Business Administration or related field, MBA preferred
• 10 years of product management experience (pricing, business management, P&L) required
• 10 years of telecommunications/broadband/utilities experience preferred – fiber optics experience is a plus
• Demonstrated track record of managing projects and leading multi-functional teams
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems and resolve conflicts
• Financial analysis and accounting experience with P&L accountability
• Extensive knowledge in the area of Plastics: Injection molding, Blow molding, Structural foam or Sheet Metal: welding, machining, fabrication, press brake operation, punch press, turret press, laser, shear & powder coating
• Must have strong decision-making skills that are supported by data collection, data analysis, and statistical process control expertise 
• Must have good mechanical knowledge, hands-on skills and computer skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to train and mentor
• Experience with Oracle preferred 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:  The physical demands and working conditions requirement indicated below are examples of the demands that must be performed in carrying out the essential job functions.

Physical Demands:  Sitting, standing, and walking (up to continuously); air travel; frequent use of computer and telephone requiring finger, hand, and arm movement; occasionally carry office supplies and other miscellaneous items up to 50 pounds. Continuous use of seeing, hearing, verbal communication.

Working Conditions:  Work indoors and outdoors; exposure to temperatures commensurate with outdoor seasonal temperatures.