Senior Product Manager

Position Objective:

The Senior Product Manager will be responsible for the development and management of short-term and long-term product plans and global roadmap focused on product extensions for the Wagner brand. The roadmap creation will take into consideration product positioning and product/technology roadmaps that target identified consumer needs with new and existing product types. This position is a working manager that will be involved in all aspects of the product lifecycle from ideation to launch, with sustaining work and end of product life execution. The Sr. Product Manager will also guide cross functional teams to bring products to life that lead to the fulfillment of strategic goals. The relevant KPI’s for this work include time to market, target costing, and product acceptance and competitiveness.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead the creation of a product roadmap and market entrance plan for the interior and exterior surface cleaning and caring segment. To steer this development the Sr. Product Manager will evaluate international market dynamics, competitive positioning, and consumer needs, both unmet or underdelivered. Metrics for measurement include time to market for new products, specification generation, product acceptance and competitiveness, and usage of the phase gate process to deliver defined revenue and profitability goals.

• Work closely with cross functional teams to develop new products identified in the roadmap and strategy. This will include working with nearly all functions in the organization throughout the NPD process with a shifting emphasis in each stage of the project. The Sr. Product Manager and their team will be representing the consumer to assure the product delivers unique benefits prioritized by VOC research and other data collection. They will also be responsible for being the communication conduit between project team and sales, marketing, and the customer

• Work with direct report to assist in their management of assigned products and implementation of roadmap strategy. Provide communication of organizational strategies and goals and how they apply to the product portfolio managed by the reporting product managers. Guide prioritization of key projects as well as daily work to assure the PM’s are driving towards the strategies and timelines needed for the business. Develop the product managers’ abilities and skills to link to the dynamic direction of Wagner’s business.

• Contribute direction and execution of full product lifecycle management. Ensuring the product line(s) are appropriately rationalized, refreshed, and supported with advanced technology development to deliver on current and future requirements for the segment. This will include regular maintenance working activities including updates, corrections, and bill of material changes. It will also include working with manufacturing and procurement to ensure competitive product cost and a continuing focus on maintaining targeted cost/quality objectives to ensure competitiveness and customer satisfaction

• Working with international sales leadership, develop and maintain contacts with key customers to ensure input into Product Creation Process. As appropriate, use these customers as a sounding board for new concepts and product ideas throughout the process. Leverage these relationships during and after product launch to secure feedback on product and process effectiveness and areas for improvement. Drive/challenge sales as necessary related to product portfolio.

• Other duties as assigned.

Relationship To Others:

Supervision and leadership of Product Manager. Work globally in a team manner throughout the organization to accomplish segment goals and objectives. Lead and champion implementation of product plans for their respective portfolio. This position will work closely with Account Management, Channel Marketing, Marketing Communications, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Quality, and Finance to perform these duties.

Dimensions of Position:

Work in direct communications with consumers, retail customers, sales organization, and vendors. The Sr. PM will work with confidential information, including company financials, costing data, and salary/benefits data. They will also lead global project teams consisting of interdisciplinary members.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business management, marketing, engineering, operations, or related field or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience as determined by the hiring manager and Human Resources.

• MBA or other Master’s level degree is greatly preferred.

• Formal leadership and/or management training during professional career also preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Experience

• Working history within specific categories including manufactured goods for home owners sold through retail distribution.
• Minimum of six years of marketing/product management/sales within a consumer durables business.
• Experience selling or marketing to and through mass merchant, discount department stores, or club stores is required.
• Demonstrable record of past success in product management.
• Prior experience utilizing a phase gate process for product creation.
• Direct management of team members for minimum of 2 years.

Skills

• Project management - having a detail orientation in order to complete projects on time and within budget. Ability to handle multiple projects at same time in a fast pace work environment.
• Cultural Sensitivity – understanding how to work globally
• Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively and presenting materials effectively and professionally
• Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Active learning – Understand the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Ability to read blueprints and shop drawings a plus.
• Strong initiative, energy, and positive attitude.

Technology

• Working ability with Microsoft Office software to include intermediate level of Microsoft Outlook and PowerPoint and advanced level of Microsoft Word and Excel.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard or home office environment which requires occasionally lifting articles such as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with long periods of computer work and phone usage. This position is hybrid, averaging 2 days per week in the office.