Product Manager - PPE, PAPR or Fall Protection Products
Chicago, IL, US
Apply to this Job

Product Manager

Founded in 1957, we have  a proven track record of success as a one-source supplier, known to Canadian wholesale and independent distributors for delivering high-quality tools, equipment and safety products and services and being the best-in-class supplier of professional tools and safety equipment to workers. This same commitment extends into the United States . We  offer an unparalleled access to its brands through its partner distributor network servicing the industrial, construction, safety, and automotive aftermarket in North America.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Product Manager, in our  Elgin, Illinois Head Office. The Product Manager 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 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, Sale and Supply Chain departments to develop and enhance our product lines through product line development, product line enhancement, supplier negotiations, supplier relationships, product training, offering, pricing and other product presentations. This position will report directly to the Director of Product Development PPE Brands.

Key Responsibilities:

  • 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 market-place
  • 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
  • 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

Education and Competencies:

  • A minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience in safety product development within one of our product lines and preferably in PPE, PAPR or Fall Protection
  • Product management experience in related safety product category preferably in personal protective equipment
  • Product marketing and promotions 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
  • Strong computer skills with an emphasis on MS Office – particularly Excel, Access and PowerPoint
  • Project management experience
  • Works well in a fast-paced and changing environment
  • Thirst for knowledge
  • Creative and progressive
  • Is gifted with the ability to clearly convey verbally or in writing technical jargon in a clear and concise fashion.

 

How to Apply:

We offer a competitive compensation and benefit package and are committed to providing our employees with work-life balance.  If you are interested in this opportunity, please forward your resume via e-mail complete with a cover letter . We thank all applicants for their interest in our company, however, only those who qualify will be contacted.

 

We are  committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at our company are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We  will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Apply to this Job