Product Manager

Product Manager

Industry: Construction Equipment / Heavy Machinery | Job Category: Product Management

Position Overview

A global construction equipment manufacturer with a rapidly expanding Americas business is seeking a driven, forward-thinking Product Manager to lead product strategy and lifecycle execution for its asphalt paving machine and roller portfolio. This role is critical to delivering competitive, customer-focused products that support long-term market growth across the Americas.

The Product Manager is responsible for end-to-end product management — including strategy, application requirements, development, launch, marketing support, and lifecycle management — and partners closely with sales, dealers, customers, engineering, product marketing, and product support teams.

Key Responsibilities

Product Strategy & Planning

• Develop and execute product and program strategy for asphalt paving machines and rollers, aligned with overall business objectives.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify customer needs, market opportunities, and technology trends.
• Define product vision, roadmap, value proposition, and technical specifications.

Product Development

• Collaborate with engineering, design, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure development aligns with market requirements, cost targets, and timelines.
• Manage the product development lifecycle from concept through launch, ensuring performance, reliability, and quality standards are met.
• Oversee prototype development, testing, validation, and field evaluation activities.

Product Launch & Marketing

• Develop and execute go-to-market strategies for new product introductions (NPI).
• Partner with marketing and sales teams to create product literature, training programs, competitive positioning, and sales tools.
• Support product demonstrations and provide technical expertise to sales teams, dealers, and customers.

Customer Engagement

• Actively engage customers to capture Voice of Customer (VoC) feedback and identify product improvement opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, dealers, and industry partners.
• Address customer inquiries, escalations, and concerns in a timely and professional manner.

Product Lifecycle Management

• Monitor product performance, market trends, and competitive positioning to ensure profitability and relevance.
• Provide pricing analysis, profitability studies, and sales targets aligned with marketing strategies.
• Lead continuous product improvement (CPI) initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction.
• Manage product updates, transitions, and end-of-life planning.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with supply chain, finance, and operations teams to support product availability, cost management, and forecasting.
• Coordinate with regulatory and compliance teams to ensure products meet applicable standards and regulations.
• Collaborate with international teams to align global product strategies and development initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in product or program management within paving products, construction equipment, or heavy machinery.
• Strong technical background with knowledge of asphalt paving machines and related equipment.
• Proven track record of managing products from concept through launch.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work across cross-functional teams and with customers.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced technical degree.
• OEM experience within asphalt paving or road construction equipment.
• Experience supporting dealer networks and global product platforms.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic product planning and execution.
• Strong project and program management skills.
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to translate needs into product features.
• Innovative thinking and continuous improvement orientation.
• Leadership skills with the ability to influence without direct authority.
• Financial and commercial acumen related to pricing, margins, and lifecycle profitability.

Work Environment & Travel

• Hybrid role combining office-based work with time in operational or customer-facing environments.
• Travel requirement: moderate (25–50%), domestic and international.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary plus annual performance bonus, commensurate with experience.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• 401(k) savings plan.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• Company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD/LTD).
• Life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).