Product Manager

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Product Manager, PPE Products in our Elgin, Illinois Headquarter Office. The Product Manager, PPE serves as the subject expert in all matters pertaining to any one of our existing product categories, its competition, and the marketplace. The Product Manager, PPE takes ownership of all inbound (product development, supplier management, product category development, product inventory, obsolesce, margin maintenance) and liaising with marketing on outbound product marketing activities for the product category including product branding, positioning, pricing, messaging/packaging, and competitive analysis. The Product Manager will be responsible for continued development, enhancement, and product training within their product category for internal and external clients.

• This position will work closely with the Marketing, Sales, and Supply Chain departments to develop and enhance our PPE product lines through product line development, product line enhancement, supplier negotiations, supplier relationships, product training, offering, pricing, marketing programs and other product presentations. This position will report directly to the Director of Product Development PPE Brands.
• Product management for one of our existing product categories, including line and program development, researching product offering opportunities, factory correspondence, product testing, pricing, communication strategy, etc.
• Manage the product life cycle process.
• Support the development & implementation of planning strategies that grow profit and volume based on category direction, new product development, product entry into new market segments, pricing, and merchandising.
• Development of presentations for the new products introduced and rolling out these training programs by conducting training sessions.
• Work in conjunction with the marketing team, to determine placement, product introduction and promotion strategy.
• Develop clear product “core” messaging and provide clear value distinction in the marketplace.
• Develop and mentor direct reports through on-boarding, open communication, training and development opportunities and performance management processes.
• Understand, define, and communicate the competitive landscape for the product category, define target markets and determine key market messages.
• Develop product specifications, packaging ideas and technical information for the graphics department.
• Combine creativity and out-of-the box thinking in marketing and introducing new products to the market, seasonal promotions, advertising opportunities, new product launches etc.
• Fielding troubleshooting calls from users and distributors, product and safety training development and delivery.
• Provide certification and re-certification training.
• Support trade shows and other company-sponsored events as required.
• Respond to questions and concerns from customers and sales and service staff.
• Other duties and projects will be assigned as required.A minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience in safety product development within one of our product lines safety and/or PPE.
• Product marketing and promotions experience.
• Project management experience.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships.
• Ability to understand, work with and relay technical product specifications.
• Highly organized and detail oriented.
• Strong research, analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent computer skills with an emphasis on MS Office – particularly Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Works well in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Thirst for knowledge.
• Creative and progressive.
• Gifted with the ability to clearly convey verbally or in writing technical jargon in a clear and concise fashion.
• Collegial with a good sense of humor.