Crucibles Product Manager-Foundry NAFTA

Vesuvius USA

Full-time - Mid Level

Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing

About the position

The Crucibles Product Manager for Foundry NAFTA is responsible for developing and implementing strategies for product growth within the NAFTA region. This role involves conducting market research, managing product life cycles, and ensuring customer-focused product development. The Product Manager will also oversee product profitability, support sales teams, and lead new product launches while maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the strategy for crucible growth in NAFTA.
• Conduct product line market research through customer and sales force interaction and external market data analysis.
• Develop sales tools and customer presentations, and perform competitive analysis.
• Position the product line and develop target marketing strategies, including digital marketing.
• Implement and monitor product profitability and perform monthly analysis of product line performance.
• Manage the product group life cycle/portfolio considering specific market requirements.
• Identify new product development opportunities and improvement avenues for existing products.
• Provide support, guidance, and training for Sales and Application Engineers.
• Define product specifications according to customer requirements and quality control procedures.
• Manage all SKUs to maximize manufacturing efficiency and eliminate unnecessary proliferation.
• Oversee JDE product codes, product patterns, and recipes.
• Lead new product development, including idea generation, screening, prioritization, and project plans.
• Develop and maintain product literature, publications, technical papers, and case studies.
• Control the M&T cost center expense to align with the budget.
• Interact with the Supply Chain to support capacity planning and anticipate future manufacturing requirements.
• Establish relationships with external institutes and third-party developers.

Requirements

• Relevant degree-level education in chemistry or material science.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in working in crucible applications.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interface with different cultures and management styles.
• Excellent negotiating skills and experience in selling value to the customer.
• Strong managerial experience with multiple direct reports.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Excel.

Nice-to-haves

• Emotional intelligence, self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.
• Initiative, drive, and energy to get tasks done independently.
• Growth mindset with a focus on improving intelligence and learning new skills.
• Ownership and commitment to accountability for work quality.