Market & Product Development Manager

Viracon - Owatonna, MN

Full-time - Mid Level

Owatonna, MN

Specialty Trade Contractors

About the position

The Market and Product Development Manager at Viracon LLC will play a pivotal role in driving the growth and success of the Architectural Glass business. This position encompasses both market development and product management, focusing on identifying and capitalizing on new market opportunities. The Manager will be responsible for developing strategic business plans to enter and establish a presence in these markets while managing the lifecycle of the product portfolio to ensure alignment with market demands. In this role, the Manager will conduct comprehensive market research, gather the voice of the customer, and analyze industry trends. This will involve collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to drive innovative product development and product rationalization. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of strategic vision, analytical skills, market engagement, and leadership capabilities to define and execute growth initiatives, thereby maintaining the company's competitive edge. Key responsibilities include conducting market research and analysis to identify new market opportunities and customer needs, developing strategic business cases for entering new markets, and building relationships with key stakeholders. The Manager will also be tasked with monitoring and analyzing the performance of market and product development initiatives, providing regular updates to senior management. Additionally, the role involves managing a team of product managers, overseeing product lifecycle management, and fostering a collaborative team culture to drive innovation and continuous improvement in market strategies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive voice of customer and market research to identify new market opportunities, customer needs, and industry trends.
• Analyze competitive landscape, market trends, and market dynamics to develop strategic insights and recommendations.
• Develop and implement strategic business cases and thorough plans for entering and establishing new markets.
• Create detailed market entry plans, including market segmentation and positioning.
• Identify and establish relationships with key stakeholders, including potential clients, partners, and industry influencers.
• Collaborate with the sales team to develop and execute sales strategies for new markets.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with new and existing customers and partners.
• Ensure a high level of customer satisfaction and address any issues or concerns promptly.
• Monitor and analyze the performance of market and product development initiatives.
• Provide regular reports and updates to senior management on progress and performance metrics.
• Manage and mentor a team of product managers and market development professionals, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture.
• Manage the lifecycle of existing products, including updates, enhancements, and end-of-life decisions.
• Ensure products continue to meet customer needs and perform well in the market throughout their lifecycle.
• Work closely with marketing, sales, and customer service teams to ensure successful product launches and ongoing market success.
• Coordinate with operations and supply chain teams to ensure efficient production, quality control, and timely delivery of products.
• Continuously seek out and evaluate new ideas, technologies, and trends to drive innovation in product development and market strategies.
• Implement processes and practices that promote continuous improvement and efficiency in market and product development activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, product management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-8 years of experience in market development, business development, product management, or related roles, preferably in a manufacturing industry.
• Strong understanding of market research methodologies and data analysis.
• Proven track record of successfully entering and developing new markets.
• Excellent strategic planning, project management, and organizational skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a leadership role with cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Self-motivated, results-oriented, and capable of working independently.
• Willingness to travel as required.