Product Line Manager - Protective Fabrics

Milliken and Company

37d

About The Position

The Product Line Manager for Protective Fabrics will lead portfolio management for flame‑resistant, fire service, and workwear fabric product lines, ensuring alignment with market needs and business growth goals. This role drives cross‑functional collaboration to execute product launches, manage innovation pipelines, optimize costs, and strengthen customer and industry relationships. They also oversee market analysis, pricing strategy, product positioning, and performance metrics to maximize revenue and profitability. This position requires up to 25% travel domestically and internationally.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
10+ years in sales, manufacturing or strategy execution
5+ years experience in Flame Resistant and Workwear Markets
Proven experience in managing complex product portfolios and leading cross-functional teams.
Strong analytical skills, with expertise in market research, financial analysis, and strategic decision-making.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategies that achieve business objectives.
Strong acumen for translating customer into market and product opportunities

Nice To Haves

Deep understanding of workwear and flame retardant garment markets.
Familiarity with global market dynamics, including regulatory and compliance considerations.
Experience in sustainability initiatives related to product design and lifecycle management.
Strategic mindset with a focus on innovation and customer-centric solutions.

Responsibilities

Lead the strategic planning and full lifecycle management for assigned product lines, ensuring alignment with market needs and long-term business growth objectives.
Manage the innovation and new product development pipeline with R&D, guiding ideation through commercialization and end-of-life transitions.
Conduct market research, VOC programs, and competitive analysis to identify customer needs, trends, and opportunities for new products or enhancements.
Develop pricing strategies, value propositions, and product positioning to drive profitable growth and marketplace differentiation.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Operations, R&D, and Sales Excellence to deliver seamless product launches, customer support, and ongoing product performance improvements
Partner with internal teams to lead cost optimization and value engineering initiatives that enhance product competitiveness and profitability.
Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and industry stakeholders to understand market dynamics and strengthen collaboration.
Develop business cases for new products and business opportunities, including financial models, market sizing, and risk analyses.
Monitor key product performance metrics and ensure alignment with revenue, margin, strategic goals, resolve product issues and implement design changes.
Ensure all products meet required testing, quality, and regulatory compliance standards across the portfolio.