Product Line Manager - New Product Development (OPE)

Arrowhead Electrical Products - Portland, TN

Full-time - Mid Level

Portland, TN

Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods

About the position

The Product Line Manager for New Product Development (OPE) is responsible for managing and growing product lines within the Outdoor Power Equipment sector. This role focuses on enhancing the profitability of existing products, developing new products, and overseeing their lifecycle. The manager will blend business acumen with technical knowledge to align product strategies with corporate goals and customer needs.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain the long-term strategic plan for the product lines, aligning with corporate goals and focusing on customer needs.
• Develop and execute strategies for channels, products, and pricing to enhance market position and profitability.
• Manage and track market conditions, competitive analysis, and overall product research.
• Lead the development of new products and enhancements, ensuring they align with business and market needs.
• Plan and conduct market research on existing and new product categories to identify growth opportunities.
• Use Voice-of-the-Customer (VOC) to understand customer needs, validate ideas, and drive product development.
• Communicate and collaborate with various company departments, including Sales, Marketing, Ecommerce, Supply Chain, and Operations to achieve cohesive product strategies and customer engagement.
• Lead and motivate cross-functional teams, balancing workload to meet group and individual objectives.
• Work with Marketing and Sales teams to define and execute go-to-market strategies.
• Lead efforts with Marketing for demand generation tools such as videos, case studies, and white papers.
• Provide product training, consultation, and support to sales, marketing, and customer support departments.
• Monitor and analyze product performance and lifecycles, recommending actions to minimize inventory build-up and maximize profit opportunities.
• Evaluate and make recommendations on products, designs, vendors, and cost improvements.
• Support technical services and quality departments in resolving customer or product issues.
• Develop product qualifications guidelines for new product introductions and validation.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Operations to achieve revenue and profitability goals for the product line.
• Identify and recommend supplier relationships to maximize revenue and offer complete solutions.

Requirements

• Minimum of three years of product management experience in a B2B environment.
• Experience in new product development, including multiple product launches.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to execute plans successfully.
• Customer-focused approach with a knack for understanding market demands.
• Innovative mindset, open to exploring new ideas and solutions.
• Effective leadership and team management capabilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to multitask and adapt in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Independent working capability with minimal supervision.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Marketing, IT, or a related field.
• Comprehensive understanding of the replacement parts market, including its structure, key players, competitors, and supply chain dynamics.
• Strong mechanical or technical aptitude, preferably with knowledge in OPE, Power Sports, Marine Equipment, and Automotive parts.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical drawings, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Prior experience with the 80/20 operating model.
• Familiarity with Product Information Management (PIM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance