The Product Manager is responsible for the strategic development, regulatory compliance, and lifecycle management of the company's First Aid and Emergency Eyewash product portfolio across the United States and Canada. This role leads category strategy, identifies market opportunities, drives product innovation, and ensures alignment with applicable regulatory requirements, including FDA standards. The Product Manager collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, operations, quality, regulatory affairs, and supply chain, to deliver high-quality safety solutions that meet customer and market needs. This position requires strong product management expertise and a solid understanding of first aid, emergency response equipment, industrial safety products, or related markets.
Job ResponsibilitiesProduct Strategy & Category Leadership Define and execute strategic plans for First Aid and Eyewash categories, incorporating customer insights, regulatory requirements, competitive intelligence, and market trends to drive profitable growth across North America.
New Product Development Lead development of new first aid kits, emergency eyewash stations, refill systems, and related safety solutions. Partner with suppliers, engineering, and regulatory teams to translate market needs into compliant, manufacturable products.
Regulatory, FDA & Compliance Oversight Ensure all products meet applicable U.S. and Canadian standards, including:
- ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 (First Aid)
- ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 (Eyewash)
- FDA OTC requirements for first aid components (e.g., antiseptics, medications, medical devices)
- Health Canada regulations for first aid and emergency response products
Coordinate testing, documentation, labeling, and certification activities. Maintain awareness of regulatory changes and proactively adjust product strategy.
Lifecycle Management Own the full lifecycle of assigned products-from concept through end-of-life-ensuring timely execution of development, sourcing, commercialization, and rationalization initiatives.
Sales & Marketing Collaboration Partner with Sales and Marketing to develop go-to-market strategies, promotional campaigns, training materials, and product messaging tailored to industrial distributors, safety managers, and end-users.
Supplier & Inventory Management Collaborate with global sourcing teams and suppliers to ensure product quality, cost competitiveness, and reliable availability. Manage excess/obsolete inventory and drive SKU optimization.
Data Analysis & Reporting Analyze sales trends, margin performance, inventory levels, and market data to guide forecasting, pricing decisions, and category strategy.
Cross-Functional Leadership Serve as the internal advocate for First Aid & Eyewash, aligning Sales, Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain around shared business goals and product initiatives.
Customer & Market Engagement Support Voice of Customer (VoC) programs, attend industry trade shows, conduct field visits, and partner with distributor sales teams to gather market feedback and strengthen product adoption.
Travel Up to 25% travel within the U.S. and Canada for field sales support, distributor meetings, and industry events. Occasional international travel to suppliers or sourcing partners may be required.
Core Skills & Competency Requirements- Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Engineering, or related field.
- 3+ years of Product Management experience, ideally within first aid, emergency response, industrial safety, or PPE categories.
- Experience with FDA OTC compliance, medical device classification, or first aid regulatory requirements strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with ANSI/ISEA Z308.1, ANSI/ISEA Z358.1, Health Canada regulations, or comparable compliance frameworks.
- Strong financial and analytical skills with the ability to drive category profitability and long-term growth.
- Proven ability to collaborate across Sales, Marketing, Operations, Engineering, and Quality.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with comfort engaging stakeholders at all levels.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with PLM or ERP systems (e.g., SAP) preferred.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, work independently, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
