Product Manager

Position Summary:

Responsible for strategic product planning and competitive differentiation as it relates to product category focus. (i.e. Regenerative, Mechanical, Contractor Sweepers & Road patching products). Portfolio management will emphasize new product design and application of sound analytical tools to improve manufacturability of existing products. This position will be responsible for creating and maintaining quality assurance standards; determines and documents quality plans for processes and product; implements quality plans into production; and determines process capability using statistical process control.

Essential Functions of the Job:

1. Directs and performs all aspects of product development including product development procedures, working with Supply Chain management in specifying components, working with Sales & Marketing in regards to product positioning and pricing.

2. Responsible for prioritizing resources and managing projects using the Schwarze Industries New Product Initiative (NPI) process and solid project management skills. This will include:

3. Detailed Product Requirements Document that encompasses feedback from customers(VOC), channels, suppliers, competition, and employees.

4. Work with various departments including the engineering team to deliver the best on-target , on-schedule product launches.

5. Represent product development in interdepartmental meetings concerned with new product feasibility and approval.

6. Develop and present to management request for capital funds to implement new products per the NPI process.

7. Coordinate efforts and resources of diverse functional groups to promote and support new and existing products.

8. Creates strategic plan to maintain and strengthen the Schwarze Industries market position to include:

9. Product Roadmap including Engineering release schedule with detailed features and timing.

10. Work with Sales and Marketing to perform pricing and competitive analysis by customer and other distribution channels and recommend strategies to improve the market position, improve quality or reduce costs.

11. Develop and maintain Product Value Analysis (PVA) for all products in the category

12. In conjunction with Supply Chain management establish and maintain relationships with suppliers/vendors to help facilitate the timely completion of product development projects.

13. Act as the liaison and/or manage supplier/vendor relationships with suppliers.

14. Work with other Product Manager(s) as needed.

15. Prototype program management including customer identification, product feedback, objectives, testing and resource coordination.

16. Generate sales matrix for online data book including average pricing and margin guidelines, by model.

17. Create and maintain option cost sheets.

18. Coordinate pricing and forecasting of new products.

19. Recommends Engineering Change Request (ECR's) to provide for better quality to the customer.

20. Primary contact and coordinator for product information and specifications between Sales and Marketing, Engineering and operations.

21. Conduct market research and analyzes market size, trends, scope for current products as well as potential future products through the voice of the customer (VOC) through personal visits and meetings.

22. Manage intellectual property (patents, trademarks, etc) for the company for all products; includes new technologies and protection and enforcement of current products.

23. Prepare competitive product comparisons to be used as sales and training aids for sales force, customer service and Schwarze Industries dealer network.

24. Provides content for sales literature and other marketing materials.

25. Utilize New Product Initiative (NPI) Gated process for all New Product Ideas and Development.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's):

5+ year's product development industry experience.

Track record of taking product through the complete life cycle

Knowledge of manufacturing operations, engineering and all support functions.

Computer literate with Microsoft office/project and other related programs.

Must be able to travel as needed.

Able to operate sales equipment. Good mechanical ability.

Willing to obtain CDL.

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written required.

Demonstrated ability to exhibit and model Alamo Group's Core Competencies :

• Leading Change/Change Management - Balance change and continually strive to improve business performance

• Leading People/Teamwork - Design and implement strategies that maximize employee's potential and foster high ethical standards

• Communication - Explain, advocate and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner and negotiate with individuals and groups

• Business Acumen - Understand and interprets business metrics and utilizes latest business strategies to focus on outcomes and create opportunities for success

• Results Driven/Process - Make timely and effective decisions and produce results through planning and implementation of processes, systems, and programs, stressing accountability and continuous improvement

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent industry experience; MBA preferable

Working Conditions:

Conditions will mainly be in an office setting.

Travel 25%

Alamo Group is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability or veteran status. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing (where permitted by law).