Associate Product Manager

Rust-Oleum•Vernon Hills, IL

2h•$75,000 - $95,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and make an impact? At Rust-Oleum, we don’t just make paint—we create solutions that transform spaces, spark creativity, and empower DIYers and pros alike. As an Associate Product Manager in our Small Project Paints segment, you’ll be at the heart of innovation and growth, helping to shape the future of one of our most dynamic and fast-moving product categories. In this role, you’ll be both a strategic partner and a hands-on doer. You’ll support the product management team with critical day-to-day operations, while also owning and driving your own projects from concept to shelf. Whether it’s launching a new color line, analyzing market trends, or collaborating with cross-functional teams on packaging updates, your work will directly influence how our products show up in the world.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related field.
This is an entry level role.
3+ years of relevant Brand or Product experience (consumer packaged goods preferred).
Exhibit understanding of the product commercialization process, stage-gate governance and documentation and information sharing needs and protocols.
Exhibit understanding of retail, independent paint/hardware, and distribution business models.
Team player who will work well on cross-functional teams including Operations, Finance, Sales, Research & Development, Insights, etc.
Experience using Power BI and other reporting tools to analyze data, track performance, and communicate actionable insights.
Self-starter looking to grow their career and further the business.
Exceptional communication, organization, prioritization, presentation and interpersonal skills.
Passionate problem solver and creative thinker, with ability to learn quickly and work in a fast-paced environment.
Analytic and strategic thinking skills, with ability to digest complex information.

Responsibilities

Support the product management team as well as lead your own projects; including product enhancements, competitive research, and go-to-market initiatives.
Assist in managing the product lifecycle—from ideation and development to launch and post-launch analysis.
Driving new product development activities and collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring new ideas to life.
Strategize, design, develop, launch, and support product campaigns.
Work with our Creative department to create visually appealing interfaces.
Participate in market research and market intelligence gathering to ensure understanding of applications, users, competition and market trends. Analyze and leverage data and insights to develop and formulate product recommendations.
Evaluate new product opportunities through the stage-gate process, from ideation and concept development through market launch.
Manage product portfolio to develop and promote new products and optimize and grow existing product lines.
Monitor and analyze the competitive landscape, business developments and market trends to identify strategic opportunities and ensure product offering is properly positioned.
Ensuring profitability within the assigned market segments, including supporting the product commercialization process
Define and develop product positioning, feature specifications, unique selling proposition and pricing strategies.
Travel is approximately 5% annually for customer presentations, trade shows, etc.