Product Manager, Engines Reports To: Sr. Director, Vendor Relations and OEM SalesFLSA Status: ExemptLocation: Columbus, OH (Hybrid) or Greensboro, NC (Hybrid)Position Summary: The Product Manager leads strategy, execution, and performance management for Gardner's engine product portfolio. This role develops product line plans, manages vendor relationships, supports category marketing, and partners cross-functionally to drive profitable growth.
The Product Manager must have a strong understanding of pricing, cost, margins, inventory planning, competitive positioning, and product line profitability while serving as a trusted resource for customers, dealers, sales teams, and internal departments.
Job Role/Responsibilities:Product Expertise & Portfolio Management- Serve as Gardner's subject matter expert for the Rehlko small gasoline engine product line.
- Maintain strong knowledge of engine specifications, applications, emissions requirements, accessories, and competitive offerings.
- Manage product pricing, positioning, lifecycle planning, profitability, and portfolio growth.
- Lead product launches, transitions, discontinuations, training materials, and sales tools.
OEM & Dealers & Technical Support- Partner with OEM Account Managers to identify engine placement opportunities and support customer visits, demonstrations, and technical discussions.
- Collaborate with Technical Team to evaluate customer applications, recommend appropriate Rehlko engine solutions, and support prototype testing and validation.
- Coordinate with Rehlko engineering and product management to resolve technical issues and application questions.
- Support Gardner's independent dealer network through product training, technical assistance, application support, and program promotion.
- Identify repower opportunities where Rehlko engines can replace competitive products.
- Develop cross-reference guides, repower recommendations, competitive strategies, and dealer sales tools.
Business Planning & Market Development- Develop annual product line strategies, growth plans, product roadmaps, and market expansion initiatives.
- Identify portfolio gaps, recommend new products, and evaluate emerging technologies, alternative fuels, electrification, and competitive trends.
- Lead annual business planning with Rehlko and identify joint growth opportunities.
Financial, Inventory & Supply Chain Management- Own revenue, margin, growth objectives, forecasts, pricing actions, and product line performance tracking.
- Partner with supply chain and Rehlko to forecast demand, optimize inventory, monitor backlog and fill rates, and support allocation decisions.
Marketing, CRM & Sales Analytics- Develop go-to-market strategies, launch plans, messaging, value propositions, promotions, and digital lead-generation support.
- Maintain pipeline visibility, track competitive conversions and repower opportunities, analyze sales trends and market share, and use CRM tools to identify growth opportunities.
- Participate in trade shows, customer events, and regular business reviews with Rehlko.
Communication & Execution- Communicate technical and commercial information clearly to customers, dealers, engineers, sales teams, and internal departments.
- Manage multiple priorities and projects independently while applying strong analytical, communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills.
- Maintain an entrepreneurial mindset, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
Education and Experience:- Bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, supply chain, or a related field required; master's degree preferred.
- Minimum of five years of industry experience in distribution, technical sales, supplier management and negotiations, business development, product management, marketing, merchandising, or related functions required.
- Experience supporting OEM customers or distributor/dealer networks preferred.
- Ability to manage cross-functional initiatives required.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office required; strong mechanical and technical aptitude preferred.
Other Requirements:- A valid driver's license and the ability to travel up to 25% of the time may be required
