Product Line Manager - Franklin, KY

Geoquest USA, Inc. (formerly The Reinforced Earth Company) is recognized as the inventor and market leader of the MSE (Mechanically Stabilized Earth) retaining wall industry. The company provides the design and supply of materials of proprietary retaining wall systems and earth related technologies to contractors and owners for use in civil engineering. Our company works as a sub-contractor/material supplier on DOT and privately owned projects. We perform all duties associated with our jobs from sales, marketing, civil engineering/design, supply, and construction support.

Summary:

The Product Line Manager (PLM) reports to the CEO or VP, Commercial Sales and is responsible for the marketing strategy, product development, pricing, material availability of a designated product.  The PLM will work with Engineering on Research and Development, direct the sales team on target market and market strategy and pricing and will work with the manufacturing team to determines where and how the product is produced.

Responsibilities Include but are not limited to:

• Leads product development, strategy, and redesign from concept through development and manufacturing to market launch.
• Develops products by identifying potential products, conducting market research, generating product requirements, developing marketing strategies, and determining specifications, production timetables, pricing, and time-integrated plans for product introduction
• Determines customers’ needs and desires by specifying the research needed to obtain market information
• Recommends the nature and scope of present and future product lines by reviewing product specifications and requirements, appraising new product ideas and/or product changes
• Assesses market competition by comparing the company’s product to competitors’ products
• Provides source data for product line communications by defining product marketing communication objectives
• Obtains product market share by working with VP, Sales to develop product sales strategies
• Assesses product market data by calling on customers with field salespeople and evaluating sales call results
• Provides information for management by preparing short-term and long-term product sales forecasts and special reports and analyses, and answering questions and requests
• Facilitates inventory turnover and product availability by reviewing and adjusting inventory levels and production schedules
• Brings new products to market by analyzing proposed product requirements and product development programs, preparing return-on-investment analyses, and establishing time schedules with engineering and manufacturing
• Introduces and markets new products by developing time-integrated plans with sales, advertising, and production
• Determines product pricing by utilizing market research data, reviewing production and sales costs, anticipating volume, and costing special and customized orders
• Works with marketing and sales departments to ensure product success and market growth
• Identifies and manages new and existing product partnerships
• Liaison to Universities to expand knowledge, develop innovations and participate in research
• Present White Papers as part of marketing, industry visibility and technical development
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications and content, and participating in professional societies
• Recruits, trains, and manages product team by planning, monitoring, and appraising job results
• Completes operational requirements and meets product development deadlines by scheduling and assigning employees, and following up on work results, including quality control and testing

Education/Skill/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, industrial engineering, or a field tied to the product’s sector (tech, finance, etc.) required, master’s in engineering or MBA a plus
• 2-3 years relevant work experience, including project management experience
• Prior management experience a plus
• Certified Product Manager (CPM) or New Product Development (NPD) Professional Certification a plus
• Experience using Agile/Scrum methodology and/or workflow management tools
• Subject Matter Expert (SME)
• Product innovation and development track record
• Project management skills
• Customer focus
• Budgeting and purchasing
• Understanding of the marketplace
• Technical and manufacturing know how
• Leadership and team management
• Data analytics and metrics management skills
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Strong communication, presentation and public speaking skills
• Organizational, planning and documentation skills
• Ability to work on multiple projects in various stage simultaneously
• Experience drafting Product and Market requirement documents
• Familiarity with Agile work management and/or the ability to effectively communicate complex processes within and across teams
• Experience using computer aided design (CAD) platforms
• Experience using System Applications and Products (SAP) software

Work Environment:

• Responsibilities will be carried out in both a traditional office environment under traditional office conditions and indoor and outdoor manufacturing facilities.
• Must be able to coordinate or lead employees among different levels of the organization.
• Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, standing, walking, and driving.
• May be exposed to uncomfortable or distracting sounds or noise levels in facilities being managed or coordinated.
• Able to wear personal protective clothing for prolonged periods; Safety helmet with chinstrap, safety shoes, eye protection, hand protection and hearing protection (as required).

Geoquest USA, Inc. offers commensurate salaries and a strong Benefit Package including:

• 11 days paid Vacation to start, increasing to 16 days at 5 years, and 21 days at 10 years.
• 11 paid Holidays
• 401(k) with Company Contribution
• Medical, Dental (with Orthodontia for children up to age 26), and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending
• Wellness Program with Incentives
• Free Parking

For more information about our Company, please visit us online at https://www.geoquest-group.us/

Geoquest USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.