Product Manager

Objective: The Product Manager leads the management of our product portfolio (lifecycle, stage-gate processes, etc.), develops segment strategies, and drives performance on strategic initiatives. Their focus is to advocate for the customer and guide the organization on portfolio strategy and tactics. This includes understanding and prioritizing customer and market needs, defining requirements, leading cross-functional teams, managing the product lifecycle, and ensuring our product meets both customer expectations and business objectives.

Core Responsibilities

Product Portfolio

• Translate customer and business needs into clear product requirements and specifications. Work closely with technology, operations, and other teams to ensure requirements are well understood and feasible.
• Guide product through its lifecycle, from ideation and development to launch and post-launch evaluation, and end-of-life decisions. Lead the product project priorities and a disciplined stage-gate process, in alignment with the company’s strategic goals and initiatives.
• Contribute to segment strategy, including market research/trends/assessments, customer feedback on demand/needs/success factors, and evaluating competitive alternatives to inform product positioning.
• Analyze portfolio for opportunities to remove inefficiencies, implement strategic pricing, and other benefits.
• Work closely with commercial and marketing teams to develop effective communication on product features and placements.
• Oversee project management aspects, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation, to ensure timely and successful product releases.

Reporting & Communication

• Prepare periodic reports on projects/initiatives, including results vs expected performance metrics.
• Communicate frequently with leadership on priorities and expectations.
• Provide collaboration with RPM businesses.

Knowledge

• Stay current with segment trends, emerging technologies, and customer needs.
• Contribute to improving profitability across all segments/portfolios.
• Develop knowledge and share best practices with leaders and functional teams.

Skills and Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in a scientific or technical field or equivalent experience.

Experience:

• 7+ years of experience in a product/portfolio manager role, preferably in the core company markets or a related sector.

Core Skills:

• Strong ability to communicate effectively across a range of stakeholders, including senior executives.
• Thorough knowledge of portfolio, value propositions, and product manager skills.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Proficiency in relevant software and product management tools.