Product Manager at Kingspan Light + Air in Lake Forest, IL

Kingspan Light + Air is an award-winning innovator of daylighting and ventilation solutions for high-performance building envelopes, offering a wide range of high-quality solutions, including translucent daylighting systems, skylights, smoke, and natural ventilation products.

To help us continue to grow our business, we’re searching for a Product Manager, who will be responsible for managing and maintaining existing products, investigate opportunities for new products, and drive the stage gate product development process. They work closely with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Design, Marketing, Sales, Logistics and Operations to ensure the ongoing success of the product line.

Benefits include a competitive hourly rate, medical/dental/vision insurance with HSA plan, retirement plan with 4% company match, 13 days of Paid Time Off plus 10 paid company holidays, and upward advancement potential.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Market Awareness: monitor industry trends and technology developments by way of trade organization participation, trade show attendance, and continuing education
• Competitive Analysis: Stay informed competition and customer preferences. Conduct competitive analysis to identify opportunities for differentiation and areas where the product can be strengthened.
• Business Case Development:
  • Conduct customer visits and Voice of the Customer initiatives to uncover new opportunities, unmet needs, and validate products in development to ensure solutions are customer-centric
  • Analyze market sizing (TAM/SAM/SOM), competitive and pricing landscape
  • Define expected financial overview, inclusive of testing/regulatory expenditure, CAPEX, certifications, etc. and financial return inclusive of revenue, operating cost, gross margin, ROI, payback period, etc.
  • Define product regulatory and commercial viability requirements, aka product specifications
  • Present business case and recommendations to local senior leadership team
• Product Lifecycle Management: Oversee the product line from in creation and introduction to obsolesce. Develop and execute a roadmap for the product's ongoing maintenance, enhancements, and expansion.
  • Data Analysis: Leverage data analytics and user research to monitor product performance, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions. Use metrics and insights to measure the impact of product changes and inform future enhancements.
  • Product Enhancements: Collaborate with stakeholders to identify opportunities for product improvements and new features. Gather requirements, conduct market research, and prioritize enhancements based on customer feedback and business goals.
• Stage-Gate Leadership: own and enforce the Stage Gate process to ensure that priorities are maintained and progressed upon as scheduled. Manage
  • Project Management: Plan, prioritize, and manage projects, adhering to timelines, budgets, and scope.
  • Gate Review: assemble documentation for review and approval by leadership.
  • Risk Management: identify potential risks with mitigation strategies
  • Accountability: hold staff accountable to deadlines and deliverable quality.
  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely Engineering, Design, Marketing, Sales, Logistics and Operation teams to align on product priorities, timelines, and deliverables.
• Sales Enablement: support the commercial staff to ensure appropriate, robust, complete, and truthful communication about our products and their capabilities
  • Documentation: Create and maintain product literature, guides, and training materials for internal teams and customers.
  • Training: Conduct regularly scheduled training sessions to ensure stakeholders have a comprehensive understanding of the product's features and capabilities.
• Code Compliance: Assist and manage code compliance practices as it relates to product, ensuring that the product adheres to all relevant codes, regulations, and standards. Monitor regulatory bodies (e.g. ICC, NFRC, AMCA, etc) for code or standard advancement and impact on the product offering.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (such as business, computer science, or engineering)
• Five (5) years of experience as a Product Manager or similar role.
• Strong understanding of product lifecycle management, specifically product maintenance and enhancement processes. Proficiency in using product management tools (MS Project, Smart Sheet or similar), data analytics, and project management software.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to gather and interpret data, make data-driven decisions, and measure the impact of product changes.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of agile development methodologies and experience working in an agile product management environment.
• Familiarity with the market and industry trends related to the product's domain.

At Kingspan, we believe our employees are our greatest resource. Therefore, we offer a competitive salary, benefits, and vacation package for all full-time permanent positions. Kingspan is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.