Essential Duties/Principal Responsibilities:Defining the product strategy
- Develops the global solutions roadmap including business case covering product positioning, value proposition per product line, volume and price to serve as input into product development, and marketing
- Manages the execution of the multi-year roadmap for the global product line including; new product development, value improvements, product introductions, phase outs and product training.
- Collaborate effectively with Vertical Marketing team to develop regional- and local launch plans that will empower and enable sales (product launches, application areas, product brand thought leadership). This role is also instrumental in providing content development
- Assigns and take ownership of the XPD process by actively driving and participating in the tollgate process: by developing the business case, product requirements etc. with the understanding of customer and market needs
- Understands and specifies market requirements, competition, market and technology trends for current and future products. Conducting product related market research, Voice of Customer, customer visits and close collaboration with local-regional product managers and vertical marketing.
- Develop appealing, and when possible a quantified, value proposition which is validated through market research, voice of the customer, and other data inputs.
- Framing the vertical offer, in a collaborative way with key stakeholders, by packaging the product, solutions and services e.g. developing offer per application and framing applicable value propositions.
- Monitors competition with respect to market performance, product portfolio and product performance
Sales and Profitability
- Understanding and providing data for the S&OP forecast, ownership of global product sales and margin plan. If targets are not meet execute on the countermeasures
- Follow up sales, orders and standard margin with the aim to reach targets, identify gaps and raise the need for countermeasures to close the gap
- Provide strategic pricing guidelines across markets. Being responsible for updating and distributing International Price List (IPL).
Lifecycle Management
- Manage the solution life cycle (launch to end-of-life) strategy and execution including identifying "sweet spot" applications in the market verticals by ensuring competitiveness of solutions (costs, features, price) by developing relevant business cases for decisions making
- Manage the entire product life cycle through phase-out and being responsible for keeping its assortment competitive and give ideas for technology development and Value Engineering initiatives
- Having a broad understating of the competitors in the industry e.g. offering, pricing, and markets. Drive and execute product launches according to the product marketing launch process in close collaboration with the Vertical Marketing, Commercial Teams and Communications. Being responsible for resource allocation, keeping the time line and all preparation to do a proper launch in time e.g. strategic pricing, product availability, training material and plan, information in product selection and configuration programs, communications material etc.
Guardianship & Support
- Product, solution, technology and application content development
- Participates in technical meetings, conferences, workshops, industry days, trade shows and association events
- Accountability for the technical performance of the products as defined in the product specifications
Branding
- Ensure the product offering mirrors the product brand values
- Thought leadership activities (e.g. white papers) by developing content and/or presenting
- Develop appealing, and when possible a quantified, value proposition which is validated through market research, voice of the customer, and other data inputs
- Collaborates with Communications, Vertical Marketing, and R&D to drive next generation value propositions by a rigorously understanding of the VOC
Leadership & People/Team Development
- Development of an employee-oriented company culture that emphasizes quality, continuous improvement, key employee retention and development, and high performance.
- Hiring the right team, providing development opportunities
- Develop and execute on robust succession plans
- Role model superior coaching & mentoring capabilities
- Health and safety of the workforce.
- Develop a culture customer centric organization and behavior
- Personal ongoing development.
Key Competencies
- Please refer to Career Framework 'Marketing and Product Management'. Career Stage 2-4 depending on level of responsibility
Key Relationships
- Consultants, Contractor, Plant Manager, End users, Service Workshops, Design Engineers, Director Utilities, Distributors and Developers
- Operations, R&D, Legal, Finance, Strategy, Regional- and Local Product Managers, Communications, Vertical Marketing, Managing Directors, Sales, Technical/Applications Support
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science degree in Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution, or equivalent. MBA preferred
- A higher degree in Business Administration is preferred. Masters degree in Business Administration is desirable
- A minimum of 5 to 10 years previous experience in product management in an industrial environment with at least $25M responsibility.
- Demonstrated experience working in a matrix organization
- Demonstrate excellent computer, communication, presentation, management and analytical skills. Be able to resolve difficult technical and business issues. Be a self-starter with high motivation to achieve goals.
- Strong interpersonal, teamwork and problem-solving skills in order to effectively work with customers, business partners, staff and management from a variety of skill levels as well as different authority levels.
- Ability to understand technical issues and understand impact on projects, and effectively communicate these issues and impact to direct reports as well as other project stakeholders.
- Flexibility in terms of dealing with changing priorities and dealing with multiple projects simultaneously.
Preferred Qualifications
- Green Belt Certification
- Fluent in English; multi-lingual capabilities desirable
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong project management skills with proven ability to influence cross-functional teams without formal authority
- Be a self-starter with high motivation skills
Additional Information
- As required to fulfill the duties listed above. Other travel as needed or required by the company
- Travel: International and Domestic travel required, up to 50%
- Misc: Exposure to undesirable field elements at industrial facilities or contractors site when travelling
The estimated salary range for this position is $170,000 to $200,000 plus bonus. Starting pay is dependent on multiple factors, such as skills, experience and work location, and is not typically at the top of the range. At Xylem we offer a competitive compensation package with a generous benefit package, including Medical, Dental, Vision plans, 401(k) with company contribution, paid time off, paid parental leave and tuition reimbursement.
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Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.
