Illinois Tool Works

Chemical Manufacturing Product Manager

Illinois Tool Works$95K — $115K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
  • 3 to 7 years of product management or technical marketing experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Deep understanding of industrial sales with a B2B focus.
  • Strong analytical skills for evaluating profit and loss statements and business trends.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills to drive cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement marketing and strategic product plans to meet revenue goals.
  • Conduct ongoing Voice of the Customer research to identify portfolio gaps.
  • Act as the technical authority for cleaning mechanisms and substrate compatibility.
  • Ensure products comply with industry standards and environmental regulations.
  • Set pricing and define global sales policies, creating impactful marketing tools.
  • Use the ITW Business Model for optimizing decisions and cost savings.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to affect product line financial success directly.
  • Dynamic, enthusiastic, and diverse team environment.
  • Potential for up to 20% travel, both domestic and international.
  • Commitment to equal opportunity and diversity.
  • Professional environment focused on innovation and career development.
Full Job Description
Job Description:

The Opportunity: Market-Driven Growth & Product Leadership

You will own the outbound product strategy and full product lifecycle, with a strong emphasis on:
  • Identifying and developing new markets and applications
  • Expanding existing products into new segments and geographies
  • Shaping the innovation roadmap through Voice of Customer and market intelligence
  • Delivering compelling technical positioning, messaging, and sales enablement

You will serve as both:
  • The voice of the market, translating insights into growth strategy
  • A de facto Technical Product Manager, influencing R&D and product direction
Key Responsibilities
Market Strategy & Growth Development
  • Identify and evaluate new market opportunities across industries, applications, and regions
  • Drive expansion of existing products into adjacent markets and untapped customer segments
  • Build and execute market-driven growth strategies aligned with revenue and margin goals
Innovation & Product Strategy
  • Own and execute a market-backed innovation roadmap for cleaning chemistries (e.g., defluxers, aqueous cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners, vapor-degreasing fluids, maintenance cleaners)
  • Partner with Lab, Operations, Sales, and Marketing to develop differentiated, commercially viable solutions
  • Lead stage-gate processes to ensure speed to market and competitive advantage
Market Intelligence & Voice of Customer (VOC)
  • Lead structured VOC initiatives, customer interviews, and innovation sessions
  • Conduct deep market research, segmentation, and competitive analysis
  • Identify trends, whitespace opportunities, and unmet needs to inform strategy
Data-Driven Decision Making
  • Utilize analytics tools (Power BI, Salesforce) to track market performance, adoption, pricing effectiveness, and profitability
  • Translate data into actionable insights to guide portfolio optimization and investment decisions
  • Monitor unit volumes, revenue, and margins to refine product direction
Go-to-Market & Commercial Execution
  • Develop and execute comprehensive go-to-market strategies, including:
    • Pricing strategy and policy
    • Positioning and messaging
    • Channel and segment targeting
  • Partner with Sales to drive pipeline growth, specification wins, and revenue conversion
Technical Product Marketing & Sales Enablement
  • Translate complex chemistry into clear, compelling technical value propositions
  • Develop a full suite of sales enablement tools, including:
    • Technical data sheets and application notes
    • Competitive battlecards and ROI calculators
    • Case studies, specification guides, and qualification documentation
  • Deliver technical training programs for sales teams, distributors, and channel partners
  • Support customer trials, audits, and strategic account engagements
Technical & Channel Leadership
  • Serve as the technical authority for internal and external stakeholders
  • Enable channel partners with market insights and product expertise to drive adoption
Regulatory & Market Access
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards and environmental regulations to support global market access
ITW Business Model
  • Apply 80/20, USa, and PLS principles to focus on high-impact opportunities and profitable growth segments
What You Bring to the Team
Technical & Commercial Foundation
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
Market & Product Experience
  • 3-7 years in product marketing, technical marketing, product management, or applications engineering
  • Preferred experience in specialty chemicals, electronics materials, precision cleaning, or industrial manufacturing
Market Insight & Content Development
  • Demonstrated ability to create technical marketing content that influences engineering and procurement audiences:
    • White papers, application notes, competitive comparisons
    • Webinars, case studies, and trade publications
Data & Digital Proficiency
  • Experience with CRM, analytics tools, and digital marketing platforms
  • Strong ability to leverage data to drive strategy and measure performance
Strategic & Commercial Acumen
  • Proven success in market analysis, segmentation, pricing strategy, and portfolio profitability
  • Ability to analyze segmented P&L performance and drive financial outcomes
Leadership & Influence
  • Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
  • Ability to operate independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment
Working Conditions & Travel

This role offers a dynamic and collaborative environment with direct exposure to customers and markets. Travel is required 20-25% (domestic and international), including customer visits, trials, and industry engagement.

About Illinois Tool Works

ITW is an industrial manufacturing company that specializes in the fields of industrial machinery, engineering, operations, sales, marketing, finance, and accounting. It's in deep-sea oil rigs, aerospace technology, bridges and wind turbines, healthcare, the spaces in which they live and work, the cars they drive, and the mobile devices they rely on. It was founded in 1912 and headquartered in Glenview Nas, Illinois.

Illinois Tool Works Careers

Join the dynamic team at Illinois Tool Works (ITW), a global leader in diversified manufacturing, where innovation and excellence drive us forward. ITW offers unparalleled job opportunities, fostering a culture of growth and leadership in the industry.

Work You’ll Do

At Illinois Tool Works, you will be part of a professional community that thrives on creativity and innovation. Our employees are equipped with the skills needed to succeed and are provided with endless opportunities for professional growth. Engage in work that matters, with projects that transform industries and enhance futures.

Explore Career Paths

Whether you're seeking an internship, a graduate opportunity, or a seasoned professional position, ITW offers a range of career paths across various departments. Our team benefits from a supportive and diverse working environment where every member’s contribution is valued.

Innovate and Lead

Join a team where innovation leads to revolutionary solutions in industries worldwide. At ITW, you will work alongside industry experts to develop new ideas and strategies that keep us at the forefront of technological advancements. Your career at ITW will be marked by a continuous journey of growth and leadership.

Develop Your Skills

With ITW’s commitment to professional development and diversity training, you will enhance your skills through targeted training programs and workshops. These opportunities not only boost your career but also ensure you stay competitive in the job market.

Be Part of Our Culture

ITW is dedicated to building a culture that respects and embraces diversity, encourages innovation, and fosters leadership. Our team is our greatest asset, and we believe in providing them with the benefits and resources they need to succeed both professionally and personally.

Networking and Professional Growth

Expand your professional network through ITW’s global presence and collaborative work environment. Engage with professionals across different sectors, gaining insights that can lead to significant career advancements. Our networking events and professional groups help you connect with key industry leaders and peers.

Join Our Team

Search for open positions that match your skills and interests on the ITW Careers page. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to the next level.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest industry trends, company news, and career tips by following our careers blog. Personalize your experience by subscribing to job alert emails, tailored to your preferences and career goals. Explore the opportunities at Illinois Tool Works today and discover how your expertise can help shape the future of our company and the industries we serve. Join us in our mission to achieve excellence through innovation and leadership.
Learn more about Illinois Tool Works
Size
45,000 employees
Market Cap
$68.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.1 billion
Founded
1912
5 Year Trend
+1.2%
Revenue
$12.5 billion
NASDAQ

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