Product Manager, Fabrication, Americas

at  Franke

ABOUT FRANKE

We, the Franke company with its three divisions, are a world’s leading supplier of products and services for domestic kitchens, the professional foodservice systems and the convenience store sector as well as for professional coffee making. With around 60 companies, we are at home on five continents. Over 8,000 employees constantly take on new perspectives to identify opportunities and turn them into inspiring, innovative solutions for tomorrow’s demands.
The Franke Foodservice Systems division is a world-leading supplier of kitchen facilities, equipment and supplies solutions. As a full system manufacturer, distributor and program management partner, we supply global chains in the quick-service restaurant, convenience store and supermarket segments, helping to manage unit growth and upgrade their facilities.

SUMMARY

Product Management will work with a team of other product managers to oversee Franke Foodservice Systems global fabrication portfolio. Reporting to the Global Head of Product Management, Fabrication & Equipment, responsibilities include defining vision, strategy, and roadmap, managing trade-offs, conducting strategic assessments, driving product life cycle management, optimizing pricing, and supporting sales enablement programs. This role can be based in Smyrna, Tennessee or San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

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, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Management-Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Engineering and Technology-Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

• Production and Processing-Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• High Language Skills-Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• High Mathematical Skills-Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Very High Reasoning Skills-Ability to define problems collects data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Computer Skills: Word Processing software, Spreadsheet software, Design related software, 3-D Design Software, Internet software, Manufacturing software, Database software.
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple workloads from a department level, assigning projects based on team members skill level and area of expertise.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 7+ years’ experience with at least 2 years in product management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

• Own strategic assessment work including trends analysis, VOC/customer needs, competitive landscape, routes-to-market, and internal capabilities audits.
• Own development, cascade, and adoption of product vision, strategy, and roadmap development.
• Create value and lead product life cycle management and prioritization by driving NPD, improving product profitability, and sustaining the value and relevance of existing product portfolio.
• Use and leverage portfolio analysis methodologies.
• Help drive strategic and transactional pricing activities to maximize value capture.
• Act as product expert, developing, and supporting sales enablement programs related to the assigned product lines.
• Aids in decision making across a team of sales, engineers, and developers by identifying customer pain points, sizing up their impact, and leading the team towards a product or portfolio solution.
• Oversee product commercialization and release management including costing, value pricing, field service requirements and spare parts, and marketing materials.
• Support Sales by delivering sales enablement tools and liaising directly with key customers as the product expert.
• Work with external third parties to assess potential distribution partnerships and licensing opportunities.
• Actively lead and support stage gate process and lead beta and pilot programs with early-stage products and samples.
• Maintains knowledge base on current and trending technology.
• Travel, including internationally as required to support customer and company requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Does not directly supervise staff but must be able to exert influence within other departments to communicate and champion product development priorities and deadlines.

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, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Management-Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources