Job Summary/OverviewThe Product Manager, Wireless Controls reports to the business Unit General Manager and is responsible for Radio Remote Controls and other wireless device product lines within Columbus McKinnon. These products are used to operate a variety of motion control equipment, including, but not limited to overhead material handling, mobile hydraulic, conveyance, linear motion, monitoring and diagnostics. The Product Manager is responsible for the assigned product line(s) from conceptual discussions, design specifications and requirements, product pricing and margins. The Product Manager oversees product introduction and phase out, evaluates competitive products, strategies and markets, ensuring the organization is progressive and competitive in the markets served. The Product Manager closely interacts with Sales, NPD, Operations, Marketing, and Supply Chain in the performance of their wireless controls products.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities- Competitive awareness with a clear understanding of external market forces, including technologies, that will impact the product line(s) both positively and negatively.
- Ownership of Product Roadmaps for product lines, current and future, for strategic growth.
- Coordinate with sales to understand customer needs, market requests/requirements, and translate those requests to product specifications for current and new products.
- Interact with channel partners and end users for VoC feedback regarding the requirements for wireless controls.
- Work closely with NPD regarding product designs and technology.
- Work closely with Operations / Supply Chain regarding demand planning, supplier relationships, quality and delivery of assigned products.
- Competence in the 80/20 process as it applies to product portfolio management. Particularly:
- Product Line Simplification (PLS)
- Customer List Simplification (CLS)
- Zero-up profitability analysis
- Submit Product Development Proposals (PDP), and Product Development Proposal Checklist (F-PDPC) considered feasible to the business unit leaders (President, General Manager) for consideration and allocation of funds during the strategic planning process. Prepare return on investment to justify product investment.
- Identify cost reduction opportunities in both materials and processes, and recommend course of action.
- Review and update product list pricing and implement changes in price, in coordination with strategic pricing objectives of the company.
- Establish market lead times for assigned products and assist internal processes to achieve such lead times.
- Act as a technical expert for the product, providing assistance to the sales organization, application engineers, aftermarket, operations, and quality assurance teams to address and resolve inquiries concerning the product(s).
- Support the training department, as required, in the development of materials for internal and external training.
- Ensure the completion of all sales/marketing materials and technical support documentation that support the product(s)
- Travel as needed to customer sites and other Columbus McKinnon facilities to ensure accurate and efficient support of the product.
Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities- Technical competence in wireless controls
- Analytical skills to review a variety of data and make recommendations
- Knowledge of financial reports and analysis as is needed, particularly Income Statements and Product Line P&L reports & Budgets
- Ability to bring together a variety of functions within the company to work as a team in support of objectives of the assigned product
- Possess adequate strategic thought processes to develop annual strategy for assigned product line(s) as well as assist the broader Columbus McKinnon product management team
Required Qualifications- BS preferred in a technical field such as Engineering
- 5+ years of experience in the role of Product Management
- 5+ years in the application of Material Handling Equipment
