The Director of Product Management, HVAC Solutions is responsible for defining and executing the strategic direction, growth, and lifecycle management of Rite-Hite's HVAC product portfolio. This role leads the development and implementation of short- and long-term product strategies that drive profitable growth, innovation, and differentiated customer value.
This leader owns the global HVAC product portfolio end-to-end - from market insight and opportunity identification through product development, commercialization, and lifecycle optimization - ensuring alignment with Business Unit objectives, global product strategies, and regional market needs.
The role partners cross-functionally with engineering, operations, sales, service, marketing and IT to deliver high-impact solutions that improve energy efficiency, environmental control, and overall customer experience in industrial and warehouse environments.
This role is a key member of the Business Unit leadership team, influencing portfolio investment decisions and guiding global HVAC strategy.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESMarket Insight & Strategy- Lead voice-of-customer and market analysis to identify unmet needs, emerging trends, and growth opportunities within HVAC and environmental control solutions.
- Develop a deep understanding of regulatory requirements, energy efficiency trends, and sustainability drivers impacting global HVAC markets.
- Define competitive positioning and differentiation strategies to expand market share.
- Translate insights into actionable product strategies, investment priorities, and business cases.
- Identify adjacent opportunities (e.g., smart building integration, IoT-enabled HVAC, energy optimization solutions) and the appropriate strategy (build, acquire, partner).
Product & Portfolio Strategy- Establish and communicate a clear product vision and multi-year strategy aligned with Business Unit growth and innovation objectives.
- Own the HVAC portfolio strategy, balancing customer value, financial performance, and operational feasibility.
- Prioritize initiatives using data-driven analysis and strategic alignment.
- Collaborate with global teams to ensure alignment across regions and platforms.
Portfolio Roadmap- Develop and maintain a forward-looking 3+ year product roadmap that enables the business strategy and delivers key financial objectives.
- Lead cross-functional prioritization and trade-off decisions across scope, cost, and timing.
- Define product requirements incorporating customer, sales, service, and market inputs.
- Build and manage business cases and financial models for new product investments and major continuous improvement projects.
- Partner with engineering, operations, sales, service, marketing and IT to ensure successful execution of the roadmap.
Product Lifecycle Management- Lead new product development from concept through commercialization and post-launch support and performance tracking to ensure ROI success.
- Own pricing strategy and margin targets in partnership with sales and finance.
- Drive lifecycle decisions including product enhancements, cost reduction, rationalization, and end-of-life planning.
- Monitor portfolio performance (revenue, margin, quality, adoption) and take corrective actions as needed to achieve business performance objectives.
- Identify and mitigate product and execution risks.
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement- Lead initiatives to improve product cost, manufacturability, installation, serviceability, and customer experience.
- Simplify portfolio complexity to maximize profitability and operational efficiency while providing the required customer experience
- Align product strategy with manufacturing capabilities, supply chain, and service models.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across quality, delivery, and cost.
- Leverage Stage Gate product launch methodology to deliver on time and on budget new product development launches.
Go-to-Market & Commercial Enablement- Partner with marketing and sales to define value propositions, positioning, and launch strategies.
- Support development of sales tools, pricing guidance, and training programs.
- Enable distribution and sales teams to effectively position HVAC solutions in the market.
- Provide subject matter expertise for key customers and strategic opportunities.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE- Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or related field required.
- MBA or advanced degree preferred.
- 8-12+ years of progressive product management experience, including portfolio leadership.
- Experience in HVAC, industrial equipment, building systems, or related technical products strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated success managing products through the full lifecycle.
- Skilled at partner and market access development. M&A experience preferred.
KNOWLEDGE / SKILL REQUIREMENTSThe ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong strategic thinking and market insight capabilities.
- Technical aptitude in HVAC systems, environmental control, or related technologies (preferred).
- Financial acumen, including pricing strategy and business case development.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority.
- Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to balance customer needs, technical feasibility, and business outcomes.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Travel up to 25% may be required.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES- May lead and develop a team of product managers and/or specialists.
What We OfferAt Rite-Hite, we take care of our people - because when you're supported, you can do your best work. Our benefits are designed to support your health, your future and your life outside of work:
- Health & Well-being: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus life and disability insurance. A robust well-being program with an opportunity to receive an extra day off and more.
- Financial Security: A strong retirement savings program with 401(k), company match, and profit sharing.
- Time for You: Paid holidays, vacation time, and personal/sick days each year.
Join us and build a career where you're supported - at work and beyond.
