Product Manager

Product Manager - Fire Protection Products and Components

Direct Hire with excellent benefits, 401k, PTO etc.
Relocation assistance is provided.
Will entertain a hybrid schedule for the right person.

Salary: $140-175k + bonus

Summary:

The Product Manager role offers an exciting opportunity to drive the strategic direction and innovation of our fire protection product and system group, ensuring we maintain a competitive edge and deliver exceptional value to our customers. This position requires a strategic thinker with direct experience and an understanding of the fire protection and suppression systems, along with the components associated (sprinklers, hose fittings, valves, electronic devices, etc.) along with strong leadership skills and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally.

The Product Manager will own the business viability of a product throughout the entire lifecycle by comparing the actual financial and technical performance in a given market against the business projections.

Responsibilities:

1. Product Strategy and Development
   • Develop and execute a comprehensive product strategy for the portfolio, aligned with company and vertical market specific goals and market trends.
   • Conduct in-depth market research to identify gaps, competitor activities, and strategic opportunities.
   • Create and continuously update product roadmaps, outlining the vision, features, and timelines for new product development and enhancements to existing lines.
   • Lead alpha and beta testing phases, ensuring alignment with project timelines.
   • Actively participate in Core Team meetings.
   • Collaborate with finance and project management teams for accurate financial projections.
   • Develop and execute communication strategies, coordinating with marketing, sales, and operations teams.
   • Collaborate cross-functionally to define product specifications and features.
   • Craft compelling value propositions for each product, highlighting key features, benefits, and competitive advantages.
   • Foster close relationships with sales and marketing teams to gather customer feedback, insights, and pain points, ensuring fire protection products and systems remain competitive and relevant.
   • Regularly report out to business stakeholders and executives.
2. Support Existing Product Lines
   • Continuously analyze market trends, customer needs, competitive offerings, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for product enhancements, line extensions, and new product development within the fire protection portfolio.
   • Foster close relationships with sales and marketing teams to gather customer feedback, insights, and pain points, ensuring products remain competitive and relevant.
   • Stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes that may impact product development, positioning, or go-to-market strategies.
   • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to evaluate and prioritize product enhancement requests, ensuring alignment with the overall product strategy and roadmap.
   • Manage the product lifecycle, including retiring products as necessary, while ensuring a seamless transition for customers and minimizing disruptions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (engineering, business, or related discipline).
• 5+ years of experience in construction, engineering, product management or related field.
• Strong understanding the fire protection industry and potential business opportunities, and/or relevant systems (typically highly regulated industries similar to fire protection).
• Willingness and ability to travel - 25-30%.

Other Desirable Traits:

• Entrepreneurial mindset.
• Strategic thinker with an ability to analyze data, draw insights, make informed decisions and problem solve.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, tact, and professional appearance.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, work proactively, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated leadership and team collaboration skills.
• Experience working with industry professionals and customers.
• Natural tendency to be curious, creative, and a visionary.