Product Manager, Hardware/Tools

Key Responsibilities

• Fully owns product development projects from ideation through launch using the approved NPD/Stage Gate process.
• Leads all Stage Gate meetings, ensures cross-functional alignment, and maintains project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Develops clear, consumer-backed product specifications and requirements.

• Conducts market research, competitive assessments, and comp shop analyses to identify category gaps, line extension opportunities, and “blue ocean” growth areas.
• Gathers and synthesizes Voice of Customer (VOC) insights to validate concepts and shape product direction.
• Performs market viability assessments and establishes product positioning strategies.

• Creates detailed financial models, including CAPEX, pro-forma P&Ls, cost targets, and ROI analysis to guide go/no-go decisions.
• Ensures all projects are grounded in strong business cases and support broader portfolio and margin goals.

• Works closely with engineering, supply chain, sourcing, and manufacturing teams—both domestic and international—to meet cost, quality, and feasibility requirements.
• Influences cross-functional partners and manages project roadblocks while fostering strong relationships.

• Develops and executes launch plans, ensuring seamless handoff to the existing product lines team post-launch.
• Achieves on-time, on-budget launches that meet performance, quality, and sales expectations.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of Product Management experience, preferably in Hand Tools, Construction, Hardware, or Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG).
• Direct experience working with global sourcing and manufacturing, particularly Asia.
• Proven experience conducting VOC studies, market research, and competitive analysis.
• Strong project management skills and demonstrated success leading NPD programs.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, remove roadblocks, and influence cross-functional teams without formal authority.
• Strong analytical skills; ability to interpret data and financial models to drive decision-making.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Marketing, Business, or related discipline.
• Ability to travel internationally as needed.
• Big Box retail experience (Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, etc.) is strongly preferred.
• Highly collaborative, proactive, and comfortable balancing strategy with hands-on execution.