Product Manager

YOUR BENEFITS

Our benefit package includes:

• Starting at 4 weeks PTO per year
• 401(k) and a company match
• Profit Sharing Medical + Company HSA contribution
• Wellness Program
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Disability
• 6 Weeks Parental Leave
• Long term care insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Resource Groups
• On-Site Café
• On-Site Gym

Pay: $105,000-130,000 + bonus program

Position Objective:

The Product Manager will work with the Product Segment leader to develop short-term and long-term product plans and roadmap for the relevant product categories. The PM is more specifically responsible for Product Life Cycle Management within their designated categories, focusing on the identification of new product opportunities, development of product plans and requirements, conducting field validation research and end-user feedback, and supporting market launch activities from a product management standpoint. This will require that the PM work closely with other key disciplines, including account management, channel marketing, and engineering, to deliver targeted objectives.

Responsibilities:

• In conjunction with Channel Marketing, Account Management, and Marketing Communications, the PM will manage the development and implementation of the entire product launch plan “from concept to consumer”, including some project management, leveraging as appropriate other functions to deliver critical elements of the plan/project.

• Using the Corporate Product Creation Process, the PM will develop product plans and roadmaps for their respective product categories, utilizing various “Voice of Customer” methods and elements to identify and specify relevant products that meet the needs of the global consumer base.

• Work with sales management and engineering departments in conducting field evaluation testing to ensure the visibility of new and existing products. Perform customer demonstrations. Conduct technical product training and provide sales tools to help sales/account managers and dealers to become more effective in selling products.
• The PM will be responsible for ensuring effective Product Life Cycle Management as it relates to inventory planning and phase-in / phase-out transitions for new products. In addition, PMs will monitor product return rates for their categories, gather feedback from online reviews, competitive reviews and technical support calls and incorporate these learning’s into design and other changes on current platforms, as well as leveraging them for future platforms and product evolutions.

• Work closely with International Decorative Finishing counterparts to ensure incorporation of international product and market requirements into the global product portfolio. Where possible and financially feasible, attempt to globally drive concurrent product design and market.
• Working with sales leadership, develop and maintain contacts with key customers to ensure input into our 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.

Relationship to Others:

Work in a team manner throughout the organization to accomplish category goals and objectives. Lead and champion implementation of category plans for their respective categories throughout the organization, with special attention to new product development and the Product Creation Process. This position will work closely as part of Product Strategy & Planning (PS&P), interacting with Operations, Quality, Technical Support, Marketing Communications and Customer Service to successfully perform these duties.

Dimensions of Position:

Work in direct communications with consumers/end-users, retail customers, sales organization, and vendors. The PM will work with confidential information, including company financials, and costing data.

Skills and Knowledge:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business management, marketing, engineering, or related field is required.  MBA or other Master’s level degree is a plus.

• Formal leadership and/or management training during professional career also a strong plus.

Experience

• Minimum of 4 (four) years of product management within a related consumer or contractor business.  In depth knowledge of the paint or paint application market is highly desirable.

• Sales and Marketing knowledge of principles for showing, promoting, and selling products is important and can include market strategy and tactics, product demonstration, and sales techniques. In depth knowledge of applicable product line is also highly desirable.
• Experience selling or marketing to and through big box DIY retailers, specialty hardware and paint channel outlets, and/or contractors preferred.
• Proven experience in driving profitability, cost savings and innovation.
• Demonstrable record of past success in product/engineering role.

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 CAD drawings and work with bill of materials a plus
• Strong initiative, energy, and positive attitude

Technology

• Working ability with Microsoft Office software to include intermediate/advanced level of Microsoft Outlook, Power Point, Word and Excel
• Proficiency in a Phase/Gate process desirable
• SAP experience desirable

Wagner is dedicated to the ongoing journey of equity, diversity and inclusion. We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and committed to building a workplace where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered to be themselves. We don’t discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage you to be your authentic self and share your unique perspectives. If you require any accommodation throughout the hiring process, please let us know how we can assist you.