Product Manager

Reporting to the Director of Product Management, this role is responsible for developing and executing the strategic direction of assigned product lines to maximize sales and profitability. Success in this position requires a deep understanding of market dynamics, including industry trends, competitive landscape, technological advancements, and customer needs. The role also involves leading by example as the primary advocate for key product lines and aftermarket opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for assigned product lines that exceed market performance.
• Conduct regular assessments of the company's competitive position and provide strategic recommendations to meet business unit objectives.
• Create product roadmaps and strategies that address emerging aftermarket technologies introduced by OEMs, using insights from industry and market research.
• Maintain a dynamic pipeline of potential new products and part numbers to drive growth and profitability, ensuring optimal product availability.
• Evaluate new product opportunities using a structured launch process, considering market demand, pricing, and competitive offerings; coordinate sample procurement for R&D.
• Collaborate with engineering, sales, and category management to manage product lifecycles from introduction to end-of-life.
• Partner with engineering to deliver high-quality, differentiated products that enhance competitive positioning.
• Ensure accuracy and consistency in competitive part number interchanges.
• Serve as a liaison among cross-functional teams including sales, pricing, engineering, content, technical service, and customer service.
• Work with commercial teams to develop business cases for customer opportunities and support strategies to secure new business.
• Demonstrate strong forecasting skills, understanding key drivers and business impacts to ensure accuracy.
• Support data maintenance activities related to the company's ERP system.
• Assist marketing teams in crafting messaging for end users, buyers, and commercial stakeholders.
• Represent the company at trade shows, providing product knowledge and customer support.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment aligned with organizational goals.
• Exhibit strong problem-solving skills and the ability to propose effective solutions based on current and emerging technologies.
• Travel up to 15% for factory visits, trade shows, and commercial support.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product management, preferably in the automotive aftermarket or a related field.
• Familiarity with industry research firms and data providers relevant to the automotive sector.
• Experience working with OEMs or in a B2B environment, with a focus on product line management and customer engagement.
• Willingness to travel up to 15% for business-related activities.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex strategies to diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a customer-focused mindset, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships across teams and with external partners.