Product Manager, Linear Motion

Charlotte, NC, US, 28277

Job Summary/Overview

The Product Manager, Linear Motion will be responsible for owning and managing the linear motion product portfolio and the product Strategy throughout its life cycle. The Product Manager, Linear Motion’s main responsibilities include the definition and communication of the Unique Value Proposition for existing and new products; Understanding the trends of the targeted segments; Uncovering customer’s needs and the customer willingness to pay; Pricing of the new products. The Product Manager, Linear Motion will have an intimate understanding of market drivers from the perspective of the end-user and channel partner with an emphasis on future trends in the industry.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize market opportunities to drive profitable growth; develop and implement strategic product initiatives and maintain a forward-looking 3 to 5-year product roadmap.
• Define, prioritize, and communicate requirements for new products and enhancements, including features, functionality, and cost targets; partner with Sales to develop revenue forecasts and drive new product development activities.
• Launch new products, incorporating appropriate marketing communication, advertising, promotional, and training activities.
• Establish and maintain appropriate pricing relationships (list prices) between products and product lines based on market value and positioning.
• Continually update the product portfolio and position products in support of the overall brand strategy.
• Analyze margins and initiate appropriate actions to improve as required (Drive a strong VA/VE program, cost reduction in manufacturing, alternative sourcing, etc.).
• Provide technical information/training for internal (training coordinator, outside sales, customer service, etc.) and external customers.
• Support geographic expansion by understanding local needs, technical specifications, competitors, pricing, etc.
• Work closely with manufacturing, purchasing, logistics, and other organizations to evaluate and provide direction on sourcing changes.
• Participate in technical committees and trade associations that establish technical, functional and safety standards for the corresponding products.
• Facilitate product-related communications between functions such as sales, customer service, pricing/quotations, engineering, manufacturing, and finance.
• Compile competitive data and work with marketing communications to create materials that highlight features/benefits of CMCO products versus the competition (Unique Value Proposition).
• Systematically prune old/obsolete products, incorporating activities to minimize excess/obsolete inventory and maximize conversion to newer products.
• Perform competition and position analysis at least two times per year.
• Meet regularly with customers to understand the customers' values and the value chain.
• Reveal the customers' needs and the customers' willingness to pay.
• Manage VoC methods to determine high-value problems to be solved: Quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Manage the specification’s changes and renouncements.
• Participate in trade shows, customer training seminars, etc.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of product/program management, project execution, and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively with executives, cross-functional teams, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of products, programs, and projects, driving initiatives through to successful completion.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while meeting deadlines and achieving results.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Team-oriented mindset with a commitment to collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required; MBA preferred
• 5 years of relevant product marketing and product management experience required, including experience in Voice of the Customer and Portfolio Management (Product Life Cycle Management)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• 30%+ travel across CMCO’s Americas footprint.

About Columbus McKinnon:

Columbus McKinnon is a leading worldwide designer, manufacturer and marketer of intelligent motion solutions that move the world forward and improve lives by efficiently and ergonomically moving, lifting, positioning and securing materials.  Key products include hoists, crane components, precision conveyor systems, rigging tools, light rail workstations and digital power and motion control systems.  We are focused on commercial and industrial applications that require the safety and quality provided by our superior design and engineering know-how.  Columbus McKinnon is a publicly traded company that has been in business for almost 150 years – proud of our heritage, where we come from, and where we’re going. As Columbus McKinnon grows globally, so does our need for driven and inspired employees. Join our winning team!

Columbus McKinnon Corporation promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other Federal or State legally-protected classes.  We also value the safety of all associates and work hard to maintain a Drug Free Workplace.

Nearest Major Market: Charlotte

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