About the Role:The Building Systems Solutions Product and Market Development Manager will be responsible for building a $75 million dollar business leveraging proven building science principles and offering a portfolio of solutions, products, technology, and application training and education resources. This role will drive growth in a high margin adjacent business while protecting and growing Knauf's core glass wool business.
*The position level may be adjusted based on the candidate's knowledge, skill, and experience.
What You'll Do:Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Air Sealing Solution- Define Air Sealing Solution strategy and vision: Establish a clear vision and strategic roadmap aligned to our "Knauf Air Seals and Insulates" thesis.
- Market and Customer Research: Analyze market trends, customer needs, competitive dynamics and growth opportunities.
- Assess demand and market potential, including replacement risks and the serviceable available market.
- Map the air, water, and vapor sealant and membrane value chains, including target geographies, routes to market, strategic fit, customers, and end users.
- Develop a deep understanding of the needs of customers, influencers, and end users through primary and secondary research.
- Collect, evaluate, and manage ideas from internal stakeholders, business leaders, customers and end users.
- Develop product specifications, installation best practices, and value selling guides that apply building science expertise to practical, effective air sealing solutions.
- Monitor market developments and maintain competitive analysis, including SWOT assessments.
- Lead product development and execution
- Collaborate with product development and innovation teams to deliver successful launches aligned with the product strategy.
- Build a portfolio of internal and external building envelope air sealing solutions, including related products, tools, equipment, training and education.
- Evaluate product line extensions and enhancements that strengthen the value proposition of existing solutions such as EcoSeal+.
- Establish performance threshold metrics aligned with current and future energy codes and retrofit market expectations.
- Translate product strategy into detailed product requirements, concepts, and prototypes.
- Measure performance and optimize the portfolio
- Define KPI's, product development investments, and OPEX investment required for launch and to achieve target market penetration.
- Own the execution strategy, directing marketing, field and inside sales activities, and academy support while establishing and tracking milestones and success measures.
- Track product performance and use market data, customer feedback and business insights to optimize the portfolio.
- Manage critical linkages with the Front end and Product innovation process, Product Management, Product Development Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, S&OP, Sales Administration, Finance, and Strategy and Business Development.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
- Engage executives, sales teams and cross-functional stakeholders to align product initiatives with business priorities.
- Develop go-to-market strategies.
- Create launch plans, pricing strategies, positioning and commercial plans that maximize adoption, revenue growth, and profitability.
Air, Water, and Vapor Management Solutions- Lead the assembly for resale strategy for a portfolio of accessories and tools that support the proper building science-based application of air, water, and vapor management systems.
- Conduct market and customer research.
- Select products and develop supplier and partnership relationships.
- Manage product performance, portfolio optimization, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
- Develop go-to-market strategies, including launch plans, pricing, and positioning
- Establish and deliver internal and external training, education, and certification programs.
Insulation Fabrication, Installation Tools, and Equipment Solutions- Lead the assembly for resales strategy for value added fabrication, installation tools, and equipment solutions supporting Knauf's insulation materials and accessories business.
- Conduct market and customer research.
- Select products and develop supplier and partnership relationships.
- Manage product performance, portfolio optimization, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
- Develop go-to-market strategies, including launch plans, pricing, and positioning
- Establish and deliver internal and external training, education, and certification programs.
What You'll Need:Education:
- Bachelor's degree in construction management, building science, engineering, or related field
Experience:- Minimum (7-10) years of experience in building and construction industry.
- Experience in the insulation industry preferred
- Experience with Planisware, SAP, or similar business systems preferred
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:- Knowledge of building science principles and applications
- Knowledge of product management and construction
- Knowledge of KPI development, benchmarking, and performance measurement
- Ability to make timely, informed decisions by balancing available information, risk, and business priorities
- Ability to communicate effectively throughout the organization
- Ability to motivate and energize a team to produce winning solutions
- Ability to partner with and support colleagues both internally and externally
- Ability to work hands-on in an industrial manufacturing environment, as well as in a corporate environment
- Ability to deliver effective presentations and communicate confidently with diverse audiences, including executive leadership
- Ability to encourage innovation, continuous learning, and knowledge sharing to improve team and organizational performance
- Ability to take ownership, focus on solutions and act with the customer in mind to drive long-lasting results
- Ability to embrace change, question status quo to drive continuous improvement
- Ability to encourage diverse ideas, share knowledge, build networks to shape an environment of belonging
- Effective negotiation skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Follow-up skills
- Computer skills in MS Windows environment; proficient in Word, PowerPoint and Excel
LeadershipEmotional Intelligence
- Self-awareness, active listening, empathy, positive communication, self-regulation, social awareness, relationship management
- Manage team dynamics, conflict resolution, team building, give feedback, and navigate complex emotions
Drive Engagement
- Clearly communicate shared goals and outline how team members contribute to the big picture
- Understand others' strengths and skills and support their career development
- Psychological Safety - create a safe space for others to voice their opinion and take calculated risks
- Give recognition and celebrate others' successes
Shape Direction
- Anticipate and seize opportunity, provide a compelling purpose, and lead by example to shape a successful future
Business AcumenMarket Analysis
- Understand market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive dynamics
- Identify opportunities and threats in the marketplace
Strategic Thinking
- Navigate complex business environments and create strategies to reach company goals
- Envision future scenarios, evaluate competitive advantages, and make decisions that align with the company's overall objectives
- Prioritize and adapt to meet goals and execute strategic action plans
Problem-Solving
- Develop practical solutions to solve complex problems
- Handle unexpected or challenging situations in an effective way
- Determine the source of an issue and come to a viable solution
Analytical Thinking
- Gather, collect, and analyze data and form connections and make decisions
- See problems or scenarios from different perspectives to better devise strategies to deal with these situations or issues
Leadership
- Guide team, making pivotal decisions, and fostering a productive work environment
- Inspire and motivate employees, improve team performance, and ensure alignment with the company's vision and values
- Lead change by creating plans, managing resistance, and communicating the need for change
Effective Communication
- Articulate ideas, collaborate with stakeholders, and facilitate clear and concise exchanges of information
- Build relationships, manage conflicts, and ensure that all team members are aligned with the business's goals
Financial Acumen- Understand financial concepts and processes, including what drives cash flow into and out of the organizations, and make informed decisions to maximize profits and decrease loss
- Understand financial performance metrics such as EBITDA
- Analyze and interpret financial reports and statements
- Prepare, implement, and manage budgets and make informed financial decisions
- Manage financial indicators related to stakeholders, resources, goals, and market success
- Determine whether cost or investments are worth pursuing and influence approval based on the benefits it would bring to the company
