Product Manager - Components

Company / Location Information

We are one of the world’s leading manufacturers of water heating and water treatment technologies in the world. We are a $3.5 billion company with 140+ years history and we employ more than 12,000 individuals globally who pride themselves on providing the world with innovative water technology. We are committed to Continuous Improvement, not just in our factories or processes, but in our people.

Primary Function

As the Product Manager - Components, you will be part of the Product Management team whose primary focus is on managing key components and technologies that integrate with our core products.  You will uniquely interact with our NAWT sales channel leaders and each of the platform Product Managers to identify component or technology needs and drive the integration or additions to each product portfolio. 

Expectations

• Help drive double digit growth across NAWT business units
• Deliver consistent product improvement and innovation by pursuing iterative upgrades between large scale new product offerings
• Build “best in-class” core component offerings developed in tandem with primary vendors
• Create and manage a roadmap and strategy for component/technology improvements that ties with the core platform roadmaps (POU, POE, Softeners, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Research and investigate new or existing component/technologies to drive product innovation
• Drive AOSNPD process for component/technology development that provides one or more of the following benefits:
  • Development of unique and proprietary functionality within our markets
  • Adds to the Customer Value Proposition for our existing products
  • Allows A.O. Smith to have full ownership of designs or other intellectual property for key components currently sourced externally
• Work with platform Product Managers to integrate new components and technologies into the product lines
• Create an intake process/strategy for new ideas or technology improvements
• Leverage a committee of representatives from NAWT business units to gain insight into market/business product needs
• Lead vetting and prioritizing of new component projects prior to NPD launch
• Participate in cost-down/improvement activities representing “Voice of Customer”
• Define metrics/KPIs for individual projects
• Translate business needs and technical specifications between Sales and Engineering during product development

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field such as business, engineering, or marketing
• Experience working with Operations and Supply Chain functions
• Minimum 5+ years of related experience in product management
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills to identify market trends, customer needs, and competitive insights
• Strong leadership skills integrating independent teams to pursue common objectives
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines
• Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies

We Offer

Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plans which include medical and dental insurance, company-sponsored life insurance, retirement security savings plan, short- and long-term disability programs and tuition assistance.  This role is eligible for a remote work schedule of up to two days remote work per week. New employees are eligible to apply after successfully completing their initial 90 days of employment and training.

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