JOB SUMMARY:

The Product Manager – Automation Solutions is responsible for leading the development and delivery of both standard and custom automation solutions. This role requires a blend of technical expertise and business acumen to ensure that automation products meet customer requirements, are cost-effective, and delivered on schedule. The Product Manager will build strong relationships with OEMs and customers, manage the full product lifecycle, and align product offerings with market demand and company capabilities. This individual will play a key role in translating customer needs into actionable product plans, supporting sales, and driving business growth through innovative automation solutions.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Conduct market research to identify target segments, understand automation trends, assess customer needs, and analyze competitive positioning.
• Develop product roadmaps, pricing strategies, and go-to-market plans for automation solutions.
• Build business cases for new automation features, applications, and custom solutions, ensuring alignment with company goals and ROI targets.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Design, Service, and Production teams to deliver customer-focused automation products from concept to deployment.
• Identify and evaluate market opportunities, translating them into product requirements and supporting successful launches.
• Prepare and deliver product presentations, competitive analyses, and value propositions tailored to automation markets.
• Forecast demand, manage inventory, and analyze product line profitability for automation solutions.
• Oversee product and project budgets, ensuring profitability and effective resource allocation.
• Partner with engineering, sales, and OEM teams to integrate customer requirements into automation product design and delivery schedules.
• Monitor and measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and product launches.
• Ensure a customer-first mindset by promptly addressing issues related to quality, delivery, and satisfaction.
• Prepare detailed quote templates for standard and custom automation solutions, requiring a clear understanding of technical specifications.
• Contribute to resource planning, policy development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Foster a collaborative team environment to drive innovation in automation solutions.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business or marketing preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of product management or technical sales experience within the machine-tool industry.
  Management has the discretion of substituting relevant work experience for a degree and/or making exceptions to the years of experience requirement

Requirements:

• Demonstrated success defining, launching, and managing automation products or solutions, with measurable business impact.
• Proven ability to develop and execute business strategies that drive revenue growth, profitability, and market share in automation or related industries.
• Experience building and presenting business cases for new automation solutions, including financial modeling, ROI analysis, and risk assessment.
• Strong budgeting and financial management skills, with a track record of managing product or project P&L, forecasting, and cost control.
• Deep understanding of pricing strategies, product positioning, and market segmentation specific to automation solutions.
• Knowledge and experience in selling intelligent automation or AI-powered manufacturing solutions, with the ability to understand customer requirements and effectively demonstrate solution value.
• Familiarity with sales cycles, licensing models, and integration of advanced manufacturing software—including AI and Industry 4.0 technologies—within automation systems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and models and translate them into actionable manufacturing steps and quotes.
• Ability to analyze market trends, customer data, and competitive intelligence to inform business decisions and product direction.
• Proficient in contract negotiation, vendor management, and partnership development with OEMs and key stakeholders.
• Experience developing and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure product and business success.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to influence and align cross-functional teams with business objectives.
• High attention to detail, especially in the development of BOMs, routings, and quotes for automation solutions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point); ERP experience preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to achieve customer satisfaction and project goals.
• Strong influence and relationship management skills for working with internal teams, OEMs, and customers

• Engage with production, service, and parts teams to resolve issues impacting automation project schedules and customer satisfaction.
• Work closely with executive, engineering, sales, and supply chain leaders to forecast customer activity and manage resources for automation projects.
• Conduct manufacturing reviews, ensuring drawings and production processes align with automation product requirements.
• Prepare and maintain Bills of Material (BOM) and routings for automation solutions, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Monitor standard costs, labor hours, and production performance for automation projects; update BOMs and routings as needed.
• Ensure accurate entry and maintenance of new part numbers and routings in the ERP system.
• Review job costs and continuously update BOMs and routings to reflect current standards and costs.

Requirements:

• Demonstrated success defining, launching, and managing automation products or solutions, with measurable business impact.
• Proven ability to develop and execute business strategies that drive revenue growth, profitability, and market share in automation or related industries.
• Experience building and presenting business cases for new automation solutions, including financial modeling, ROI analysis, and risk assessment.
• Strong budgeting and financial management skills, with a track record of managing product or project P&L, forecasting, and cost control.
• Deep understanding of pricing strategies, product positioning, and market segmentation specific to automation solutions.
• Knowledge and experience in selling intelligent automation or AI-powered manufacturing solutions, with the ability to understand customer requirements and effectively demonstrate solution value.
• Familiarity with sales cycles, licensing models, and integration of advanced manufacturing software—including AI and Industry 4.0 technologies—within automation systems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and models and translate them into actionable manufacturing steps and quotes.
• Ability to analyze market trends, customer data, and competitive intelligence to inform business decisions and product direction.
• Proficient in contract negotiation, vendor management, and partnership development with OEMs and key stakeholders.
• Experience developing and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure product and business success.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to influence and align cross-functional teams with business objectives.
• High attention to detail, especially in the development of BOMs, routings, and quotes for automation solutions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point); ERP experience preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to achieve customer satisfaction and project goals.
• Strong influence and relationship management skills for working with internal teams, OEMs, and customers.