Senior Manager, Product & Market Development - Building Systems Solutions

Knauf North America is the world's fastest-growing insulation manufacturer. We are wholly committed to the conservation of the environment while also sustainably developing and manufacturing a comprehensive line of acoustical fiberglass insulation for residential, commercial, industrial, marine, OEM and metal building applications, using post-consumer recycled materials.

We welcome passionate and creative individuals who thrive in an entrepreneurial, collaborative and ever-changing environment.

Our benefits go beyond just providing coverage.

We’re committed to the whole you – your health, wealth, peace of mind, self and community.

Our Benefits Include

• Medical, Dental, Vision – starting on day one!
• Virtual Medical Services
• Fertility and adoption benefits
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (earn 100% matching on your first 6% contribution and fully vested day one)
• Paid parental leave
• Paid family leave
• Company provided Salary Continuance (Short- term Disability)
• Company paid life insurance
• Paid Holidays
• Vacation
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Plus, more!
  
  

Growth opportunities available!

Apply online or contact us to hear why our employees appreciate being part of the Knauf family!

About The Role

The Building Systems Solutions Product and Market Development Manager will be responsible for building a $75 million dollar business leveraging proven building science principles and offering a portfolio of solutions, products, technology, and application training and education resources. This role will drive growth in a high margin adjacent business while protecting and growing Knauf’s core glass wool business.

• The position level may be adjusted based on the candidate’s knowledge, skill, and experience.
  
  

What You'll Do

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Air Sealing Solution

• Define Air Sealing Solution strategy and vision: Establish a clear vision and strategic roadmap aligned to our “Knauf Air Seals and Insulates” thesis.
• Market and Customer Research: Analyze market trends, customer needs, competitive dynamics and growth opportunities.
• Assess demand and market potential, including replacement risks and the serviceable available market.
• Map the air, water, and vapor sealant and membrane value chains, including target geographies, routes to market, strategic fit, customers, and end users.
• Develop a deep understanding of the needs of customers, influencers, and end users through primary and secondary research.
• Collect, evaluate, and manage ideas from internal stakeholders, business leaders, customers and end users.
• Develop product specifications, installation best practices, and value selling guides that apply building science expertise to practical, effective air sealing solutions.
• Monitor market developments and maintain competitive analysis, including SWOT assessments.
• Lead product development and execution
• Collaborate with product development and innovation teams to deliver successful launches aligned with the product strategy.
• Build a portfolio of internal and external building envelope air sealing solutions, including related products, tools, equipment, training and education.
• Evaluate product line extensions and enhancements that strengthen the value proposition of existing solutions such as EcoSeal .
• Establish performance threshold metrics aligned with current and future energy codes and retrofit market expectations.
• Translate product strategy into detailed product requirements, concepts, and prototypes.
• Measure performance and optimize the portfolio
• Define KPI’s, product development investments, and OPEX investment required for launch and to achieve target market penetration.
• Own the execution strategy, directing marketing, field and inside sales activities, and academy support while establishing and tracking milestones and success measures.
• Track product performance and use market data, customer feedback and business insights to optimize the portfolio.
• Manage critical linkages with the Front end and Product innovation process, Product Management, Product Development Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, S&OP, Sales Administration, Finance, and Strategy and Business Development.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
• Engage executives, sales teams and cross-functional stakeholders to align product initiatives with business priorities.
• Develop go-to-market strategies.
• Create launch plans, pricing strategies, positioning and commercial plans that maximize adoption, revenue growth, and profitability.
  

Air, Water, and Vapor Management Solutions

• Lead the assembly for resale strategy for a portfolio of accessories and tools that support the proper building science-based application of air, water, and vapor management systems.
• Conduct market and customer research.
• Select products and develop supplier and partnership relationships.
• Manage product performance, portfolio optimization, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop go-to-market strategies, including launch plans, pricing, and positioning
• Establish and deliver internal and external training, education, and certification programs.
  

Insulation Fabrication, Installation Tools, and Equipment Solutions

• Lead the assembly for resales strategy for value added fabrication, installation tools, and equipment solutions supporting Knauf’s insulation materials and accessories business.
• Conduct market and customer research.
• Select products and develop supplier and partnership relationships.
• Manage product performance, portfolio optimization, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop go-to-market strategies, including launch plans, pricing, and positioning
• Establish and deliver internal and external training, education, and certification programs.
  

Education

What You'll Need:

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, building science, engineering, or related field
  
  

Experience

• Minimum (7-10) years of experience in building and construction industry.
• Experience in the insulation industry preferred
• Experience with Planisware, SAP, or similar business systems preferred
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of building science principles and applications
• Knowledge of product management and construction
• Knowledge of KPI development, benchmarking, and performance measurement
• Ability to make timely, informed decisions by balancing available information, risk, and business priorities
• Ability to communicate effectively throughout the organization
• Ability to motivate and energize a team to produce winning solutions
• Ability to partner with and support colleagues both internally and externally
• Ability to work hands-on in an industrial manufacturing environment, as well as in a corporate environment
• Ability to deliver effective presentations and communicate confidently with diverse audiences, including executive leadership
• Ability to encourage innovation, continuous learning, and knowledge sharing to improve team and organizational performance
• Ability to take ownership, focus on solutions and act with the customer in mind to drive long-lasting results
• Ability to embrace change, question status quo to drive continuous improvement
• Ability to encourage diverse ideas, share knowledge, build networks to shape an environment of belonging
• Effective negotiation skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Follow-up skills
• Computer skills in MS Windows environment; proficient in Word, PowerPoint and Excel
  
  

Leadership

Emotional Intelligence

• Self-awareness, active listening, empathy, positive communication, self-regulation, social awareness, relationship management
• Manage team dynamics, conflict resolution, team building, give feedback, and navigate complex emotions
  
  

Drive Engagement

• Clearly communicate shared goals and outline how team members contribute to the big picture
• Understand others’ strengths and skills and support their career development
• Psychological Safety - create a safe space for others to voice their opinion and take calculated risks
• Give recognition and celebrate others’ successes
  
  

Shape Direction

• Anticipate and seize opportunity, provide a compelling purpose, and lead by example to shape a successful future
  
  

Business Acumen

Market Analysis

• Understand market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive dynamics
• Identify opportunities and threats in the marketplace
  
  

Strategic Thinking

• Navigate complex business environments and create strategies to reach company goals
• Envision future scenarios, evaluate competitive advantages, and make decisions that align with the company’s overall objectives
• Prioritize and adapt to meet goals and execute strategic action plans
  
  

Problem-Solving

• Develop practical solutions to solve complex problems
• Handle unexpected or challenging situations in an effective way
• Determine the source of an issue and come to a viable solution
  
  

Analytical Thinking

• Gather, collect, and analyze data and form connections and make decisions
• See problems or scenarios from different perspectives to better devise strategies to deal with these situations or issues
  
  

Leadership

• Guide team, making pivotal decisions, and fostering a productive work environment
• Inspire and motivate employees, improve team performance, and ensure alignment with the company’s vision and values
• Lead change by creating plans, managing resistance, and communicating the need for change
  
  

Effective Communication

• Articulate ideas, collaborate with stakeholders, and facilitate clear and concise exchanges of information
• Build relationships, manage conflicts, and ensure that all team members are aligned with the business’s goals
  
  

Financial Acumen

• Understand financial concepts and processes, including what drives cash flow into and out of the organizations, and make informed decisions to maximize profits and decrease loss
• Understand financial performance metrics such as EBITDA
• Analyze and interpret financial reports and statements
• Prepare, implement, and manage budgets and make informed financial decisions
• Manage financial indicators related to stakeholders, resources, goals, and market success
• Determine whether cost or investments are worth pursuing and influence approval based on the benefits it would bring to the company
  
  

It is the policy of Knauf Insulation to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic prohibited by applicable law.

About Knauf North America

Knauf North America represents one of the most respected and progressive names in insulation worldwide. Though operations first began throughout Europe, Knauf Insulation manufacturing started here in the United States in 1978. Having since pioneered many sustainable insulation manufacturing practices, we are one of the fastest growing insulation manufacturers in the world.

Become part of the family you can trust — built on solid values and a diverse culture. At Knauf, you’re more than an employee. You’re part of the family. Part of something bigger. So we invest in you. Because you don’t just play a role in the building you’re in. You play a key role in impacting buildings globally. Doing good for the people within them and to make tomorrow a home for all of us.