Product Manager

This position will work closely with the ASSA ABLOY Architectural Door Accessories’ business unit teams on research, new product development, product life cycle management, product launches, and sales opportunities. 

Close cross-functional collaboration within the Pemko business teams will be required.  This person will drive the development of category product road maps, marketing strategy, competitive pricing, positioning and messaging of all products.  They will be expected to learn the new product development (NPD) process, move fast and lead projects from inception to launch and use data analytics to develop sound recommendations.  The right candidate will be hands on and will develop a keen understanding of their products, where they are used, how they are installed, and how they could be improved. 

Position Focus / Responsibilities

New Product Development:  Direct rapid NPD / branding efforts for products from Pemko from concept definition through product launch.  This will involve product line analysis, trend analysis, Voice of Customer research, design activities, and managing the project though the stage gate process.

• Assist in the development of product road maps in line with the ASSA ABLOY strategy of innovation and market leadership.  Work with the Pemko Product Team to evaluate different product category segments to identify new product opportunities.  Analyze product category life cycle including continuous analysis of portfolio performance and profitability and recommend appropriate actions including cost reduction through outsourcing or VA/VE, price adjustment, rationalization, etc.  Collaborate with Brand Management, Engineering, Supply Chain and Manufacturing to execute. 
• Develop an expert understanding of the competition, their product offering, programs, pricing and overall strategy. Maintain robust competitive database including detailed competitive product comparison including features, performance data and pricing.
• Manage product development timelines by creating and monitoring project timelines.  Lead team meetings as required and maintain NPD gateway documentation.

Marketing:  Collaborate closely with Marketing Communications and Brand Management in the development of technical marketing materials including product catalogs, price books, instruction sheets, product presentations, advertisements, press releases, etc.

• Assist in product and catalog branding efforts.
• Create product information on new and existing products to be used by the Marketing Communications team.
•  Determine white space within channels and or verticals and develop / execute plan to gain share.

Business Analysis: Market trends analysis regarding competitive activity & threats, business climate and potential company opportunities.

• Manage the list and net pricing structure through product introductions, deletions and price changes.
• Build and maintain a product category monthly report to analyze product performance.  Research trends that will enable ASSA ABLOY to increase sales by spotting negative developments and work with supply chain to increase inventory positions on products experiencing above normal growth.
• Manage product life cycles, SKU rationalization and product portfolio decisions.
• Research and document areas for future new product introductions. Collaborate with Architectural Door Accessories Group Price Management and Product Management to enact appropriate pricing actions in order to maximize market share and profitability.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform other related duties for the efficient and effective functioning of the working unit, includes working with quality, warehouse, plant supervisors/leads, engineering, supply chain, and customer service
• Willingness to travel as needed (5% Estimate)
• Perform all other duties as assigned.
• Treat employees equally without regard to race, religion, handicap, and veteran status, sex, national origin or age in accordance with all local, state, and federal, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Plan regulations.

Qualifications / Experience:

• BA/BS degree in Business Management, Marketing, Engineering or other (combined with experience); MBA Preferred
• 2-3 years product management or technical commercial hardware product experience
• Experience in commercial door hardware preferred
• Roll-up your sleeves mindset with drive to perform and get results
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to influence and work through cross-functional teams without formal authority
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively and influence at all levels of an organization
• Strong communication and presentation skills (verbal and written)
• Excellent project management and analytical skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) & Project (or other project management, Gantt chart software)

We are the ASSA ABLOY Group
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As an employer, we value results – not titles, or backgrounds. We empower our people to build their career around their aspirations and our ambitions – supporting them with regular feedback, training, and development opportunities. Our colleagues think broadly about where they can make the most impact, and we encourage them to grow their role locally, regionally, or even internationally.

As we welcome new people on board, it’s important to us to have diverse, inclusive teams, and we value different perspectives and experiences.