Illinois Tool Works

Product Manager - Continuous Inkjet Technologies

Illinois Tool Works$97K — $162K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in business or related field required; technical degree preferred; Master's preferred.
  • 5+ years of Product Management experience, preferably with a technical background.
  • Strong understanding of complex product functions and ability to convey them in business terms.
  • Excellent organizational skills with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
  • Demonstrated analytical skills with expertise in sales analysis and forecasting.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills tailored to diverse audiences.
  • Experience with project management tools and CRM/ERP systems.

Responsibilities

  • Define and execute the product line vision and strategy based on market research and customer insights.
  • Monitor market trends to inform target segments and core product value propositions.
  • Ensure comprehensive lifecycle management for products, tracking their introduction to end-of-life.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to align product strategy with broader company objectives.
  • Lead pricing strategies and maintain competitive positioning in the market.
  • Develop integrated go-to-market plans alongside Marketing and Sales teams for new initiatives.
  • Design and deliver product training programs to enhance team readiness and knowledge retention.

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment fostering teamwork and creative input.
  • Focus on personal and professional development opportunities.
  • Exposure to innovative product management methodologies.
  • Engagement in cross-functional leadership initiatives.
  • Contribution to impactful market strategies and product successes.
Full Job Description
Job Description:

Responsibilities

1. Competitive Landscape Analysis

  • Identify and continuously monitor competitive and alternative product offerings.


  • Assess competitor strengths, weaknesses, and differentiation points.


  • Develop strategies to position existing products effectively and defend/grow market share.


  • Identify product gaps and recommend innovation or enhancement opportunities.


2. Division Competency Assessment

  • Assess Division innovation and manufacturing competencies to align to innovation opportunities or determine competency gaps.


  • Use competency insights to guide product strategy, innovation paths, and strategic differentiation.


3. Customer Back Innovation Opportunity Management

  • Lead development of a Customer Back Innovation Opportunity List.


  • Collaborate with Marketing and Engineering to size markets, quantify incremental revenue/share potential, and prioritize opportunities based on impact and effort.


  • Ensure ongoing refinement of the innovation pipeline with clear, data driven screening criteria.


4. Product Innovation Leadership

  • Partner with Marketing and Engineering to advance innovation concepts through the stage gate process.


  • Ensure that all product requirements, technical specifications, and customer needs are met at each stage.


  • Drive cross functional alignment on scope, timelines, risks, and deliverables.


5. Product Requirements Definition

  • Identify and document detailed product requirements, including user personas, use cases, functional expectations, and quality standards.


  • Translate Voice of Customer (VOC) insights into actionable product requirements using tools such as QFD (Quality Function Deployment).


  • Capture the "whole product" requirements for the solution, including software, services, and training needs and how to cross-functionally support the product offering.


  • 6. Product Use Scenario Development


  • Create clear and relevant product use scenarios for each innovation opportunity.


  • Use scenarios to contextualize customer problems and support engineering, marketing, and executive decision making.


7. Stakeholder Communication

  • Provide proactive, consistent updates to stakeholders throughout strategy, development, and execution phases.


  • Communicate opportunity rationale, development progress, risks, and key decisions.


  • Establish clear expectations and maintain alignment across all functions.


Essential Qualifications

Education

  • A bachelor's degree in engineering or related field required.


Experience/Skills:

  • 5+ years of Product Management experience, preferably with a strong background in technical product management or managing engineering driven products.


  • High technical aptitude, with the ability to understand complex product architectures, technologies, and system interactions-and translate this knowledge into customer value and business impact.


  • Proven experience managing multiple projects simultaneously, including planning, prioritization, and delivery under tight timelines.


  • Strong analytical and statistical skills, with demonstrated ability to interpret data, perform sales and market analysis, develop business cases, and support revenue forecasting.


  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal; capable of presenting to senior leadership, facilitating cross functional discussions, training internal teams, and interacting directly with customers. functional discussions, training internal teams, and interacting directly with customers.


  • Strong collaboration and influencing skills, with the ability to lead without authority and drive alignment across Engineering, Marketing, Quality, Sales, Operations, and other partners.


  • Experience with CRM systems, ERP platforms, and business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI) is highly preferred.

Other Requirements & Conditions

Physical/Visual Activities or Demands: Physical/visual activities or demands that are commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to talk, hear, twist/turn, reach outward, handle/manipulate and grasp objects, stand, walk, and bend. Employee will frequently reach above shoulders and occasionally climb or squat. The employee must carry up to 50 pounds constantly and up to 100 pounds occasionally and push and pull up to 10 pounds constantly and up to 100 pounds occasionally. Specific vision abilities required by this job include concentrated attention, close vision, far vision, depth perception, color vision, and the ability to bring objects into sharp focus.

Working Conditions: Working conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids that may be representative but not all inclusive of those commonly associated with this position:

License(s)/Certification(s) Required: None

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws.

Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

"Commonly associated" is not intended to mean always or only. There are different experiences that suggest other ways or circumstances where reasonable changes or accommodations are appropriate.

All activities, demands, conditions, and requirements are linked to essential job functions.

Compensation Information:

The expected compensation range for this position is $97,500 to $162,500 annually. Actual compensation within this range will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, geographic location, and internal equity. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation such as bonuses, incentives, or benefits, as applicable.

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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