Product Manager

Classification:

Job Description:

Are you looking for a new challenge? Passionate about innovation? Want to work for a global company that values integrity, teamwork, and loyalty? 

At LATICRETE International, we aim to be the leading construction brand trusted globally for high-performance tile and stone installation systems and building finishing solutions. We’ve been in business for over 65 years, family-owned for three generations, and can be found in over 100 countries. The Hartford Business Journal even named us one of Connecticut’s top family-owned companies in 2017! 

We don't just make innovative, industry-leading products. Our purpose is to improve the built world and the lives of those who build it. We strive to connect with, engage with and improve the lives of our employees, our customers, our partners, and the global communities in which we operate. 

We are seeking passionate and ambitious employees who want to make a difference not just within our organization, but within their communities, our industry, and the world. If that sounds like you, then what are you waiting for? Join the family and expand your horizons! 

Just some of our benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k
• Tuition reimbursement
• 13 paid holidays, that includes 1 week of paid plant shutdown between the Christmas and New Year's Day holidays
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Flexible spending
• Life Insurance, AD&D and Supplemental Insurance

POSITION SUMMARY

Product development and product line management position for multinational construction materials manufacturer. Responsible for supporting the execution of the organization’s strategic product vision in support of the various business strategies and aligned with company brand promises and overarching company values. Works with product managers, cross-functional team members, and external vendors to manage assigned portfolio products’ lifecycles.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Market Research and Analytics (25%)

• Maintain expert-level knowledge of product applications through continuous research and analysis.
• Identify and capitalize on market trends and consumer needs using advanced market research methodologies.
• Leverage feedback from distributors, contractors, and dealers to inform strategic product decisions and enhancements.
• Conduct comprehensive competitive analysis, including pricing models, value propositions, and positioning strategies.
• Gather and analyze industry data, sales performance, and market insights to drive data-informed decisions.
• Develop and utilize robust feedback mechanisms to collect actionable insights from field sales teams.
• Lead individual and cross-functional research initiatives to identify growth opportunities and improve market positioning.

Product Development and Lifecycle Management (25%)

• Oversee and manage established product portfolios, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and market demands.
• Own revenue growth, market share expansion, and P&L performance for assigned product lines.
• Develop and implement a forward-looking 3-year product line strategy to sustain competitive advantage and drive innovation.
• Conduct in-depth market research using tools such as surveys, ethnographic studies, and focus groups to uncover and validate new product concepts and line extensions.
• Utilize the stage-gate process to ensure structured development and maintain meticulous documentation of product lifecycle activities.
•  Lead commercialization efforts for new products, including go-to-market strategies and promotional initiatives to maximize adoption and revenue impact.
• Drive product rationalization efforts through detailed data analysis, aligning portfolio offerings with market needs and growth objectives.
• Continuously improve processes, tools, and procedures to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and cross-functional collaboration.

Project Management (25%)

• Lead cross-functional teams through the complete product development lifecycle, from concept to commercialization, adhering to the stage-gate process to ensure successful project execution.
• Develop, manage, and update detailed project Gantt charts and timelines to systematically track progress, milestones, and deliverables across all project phases.
• Facilitate effective communication by delivering routine project status updates to stakeholders, ensuring alignment on objectives, risks, and key milestones.
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks while resolving roadblocks to maintain project momentum and achieve on-time delivery.
• Foster collaboration among departments, ensuring seamless coordination between R&D, marketing, operations, and sales to meet project goals.

Inventory Management (15%)

• Continuously monitor inventory performance, proactively identifying challenges and opportunities to ensure optimal stock levels and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with supply chain, sales, and operations teams to improve inventory turns and maintain appropriate inventory levels aligned with market demand and business objectives.
• Lead and support inventory reduction initiatives by utilizing data-driven analysis to identify excess or obsolete stock and implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Apply advanced forecasting techniques and inventory management tools to enhance accuracy, minimize risk, and align inventory with evolving market trends.

Product Strategy (10%)

• Develop and execute a comprehensive product strategy, aligned with company goals, to drive market growth, innovation, and profitability.
• Analyze market trends, customer insights, and competitive intelligence to identify opportunities for new products, enhancements, and strategic pivots.
• Define and manage the product roadmap, ensuring alignment with business objectives and prioritizing initiatives based on impact and feasibility.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, marketing, sales, and operations to ensure seamless execution of product initiatives and strategic goals.
• Monitor product performance, gather feedback, and adjust strategies to optimize lifecycle management and market success.

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business-related concentration, an MBA is a plus

Specialized Skills and Experience: 

• 5+ years product marketing experience in the building, construction or industrial products field.
• Proven experience in product development, strong understanding of product development stage gate process.
• Knowledge of construction materials and techniques.
• Strong leadership skills, proven ability & track record to lead cross functional teams.
• Excellent communications & presentation skills.
• Strong financial acumen.
• Solid understanding of common social media platforms (IG, FB, Tik Tok etc)
• Understanding of market research techniques, surveys etc.
• Strong presentation and written skills with technical understanding
• Solid understanding of cross functional operations (Sales, Marcom, Mfg, Procurement)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Teams).  Intermediate knowledge of and functional proficiency in ERP and CRM systems; Salesforce, Oracle EnterpriseOne and CRM OnDemand preferred.
• Understanding of and how to implement AI into day-to-day workflow.
• Physical strength to lift and carry minimum of 25 pounds.
• Second language a plus.

Travel requirement:  

• Up to 30%, domestic and international.
• Must have or be able to obtain a passport.