Product Manager - Commercial Solutions Division

Company Description

Miller® is about building things that matter. We lead the welding industry in building advanced, solution-focused products and meeting crucial needs for welding safety and health.

We’re about the partnership and the work. Our products are designed with our users for manufacturing, fabrication, construction, aviation, motorsports, education, agriculture and marine applications.

Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, is headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, and wholly owned by Illinois Tool Works (NYSE: ITW). The company maintains its industry leadership by setting the standard for reliability, quality and responsiveness. Our tagline, “The Power of Blue®,” is inspired by the blue color of Miller equipment.

The company began with an innovation that responded to customer needs, growing from a one-man operation in 1929, to the world’s largest manufacturer of arc welding products. Miller keeps the tradition alive by focusing on its top priority: people.

Job Description

The Product Manager is responsible for life-cycle management of a critical portfolio of welding product offerings while implementing growth plans through the sales team and distributors. The successful individual will be part of an existing team that will include product development resources, as well as marketing personnel who will assist with go-to-market strategy and implementation. This individual will be responsible for the growth and market performance of these product platforms through several key objectives.

Essential Functions:

  • Develop and execute and strategic growth plans for assigned product platforms to grow the business.
  • Improve product profitability and deliver growth through cost reductions and recommends pricing adjustments. Optimize value proposition of assigned category.
  • Direct and perform market research to define market size, growth and trends including pricing, competition & opportunity.
  • Create and deliver clear, concise value propositions for each proposed product, as well as estimated market potential.
  • Collect and synthesize customer insights (VOC) and competitive intelligence through customer interviews, market research, and channel knowledge. Make pricing recommendations that position the products to win in the market while maximizing margin potential for the business.
  • Responsible for successful launch and commercialization of new products.
  • Evaluate and report on product performance – sales volume, margins, and market share.
  • Develop a deep understanding of the end-user’s business and their unmet needs.
  • Use creative tactics to communicate and promote new products to both end users and distributors.
  • Act as a liaison with sales, engineering, manufacturing and appropriate division personnel to communicate and deliver product solutions that maintain market leadership.
  • Investigate and understand customer/market expectations; define product strategy that meets expectations of customers, distributors, sales and the division.
  • Contribute to long range and annual planning process

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
  • Strong business acumen. Proven history of successful business cases.
  • 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in a product based, business to business environment.
  • Must possess technical aptitude to understand product capabilities and consumer needs.
  • Understanding of and experience with welding processes strongly recommended.
  • Proven ability to analyze current business issues, end-user needs.
  • Demonstrated success in leading high-level projects & cross-functional teams from start to completion.
  • Ability to build relationships among employees, distributors, and key end-users.
  • Demonstrated ability to present and facilitate in front of groups.
  • Must be a team player with a positive attitude, high motivation, and solid decision-making abilities.
  • Well organized, aggressive self-starter with the willingness to learn and grow.
  • Ability to establish plans independently with limited direction or supervision.
  • Ability to succeed in a fast-paced environment that values an entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Up to 25% travel required.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Organisation: 
Miller