Product Manager - Braided Industrial Hose

Continental Group Sector ContiTech•Fairlawn, OH

About The Position

The Product Manager – Braided Industrial Hose develops and executes product strategies that support company objectives, market opportunities, and customer needs. The role oversees the product lifecycle, from market analysis and product planning through development, launch, performance evaluation, and continuous improvement. The Product Manager works with Research and Development, Business Development, Marketing Communications, Supply Chain, Operations, Sales, and other cross-functional stakeholders to bring high-quality products and programs to market. The position calls for strategic thinking, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to influence and motivate teams without direct reporting authority.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, engineering, finance, or a related field, or 10 years of experience in lieu of a degree.
At least 5 years of professional experience in B2B sales, marketing, engineering, or product management in an industrial product environment, or 10 years in lieu of a degree.
Experience developing or supporting product strategies and product lifecycle activities.
Ability to work effectively with diverse, global, and cross-functional teams.
Experience managing cross-functional projects or participating in process, product, or marketing improvement initiatives.
Strong strategic planning and analytical skills.
Advanced communication and presentation skills.
Knowledge of industrial products, technologies, solutions, customers, and markets.
Understanding of product development, product positioning, and go-to-market practices.
Strong project-management and organizational skills.
Ability to develop business cases and translate complex information into clear recommendations.
Ability to influence stakeholders and drive results without direct authority.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Fluent written and spoken English.
Ability to work effectively across cultures, functions, and geographic regions.
Legal authorization to work in the U.S.; employment visa sponsorship is not available now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Experience in product management with braided hoses and/or rubber hoses.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute product strategies aligned with company goals, customer requirements, and market trends.
Conduct market research, competitive assessments, and product analyses to identify opportunities and inform business decisions.
Define and prioritize product features, enhancements, unique selling propositions, and releases based on customer needs and business objectives.
Develop and maintain product roadmaps and manage the product lifecycle in alignment with company strategy and financial objectives.
Collaborate with Research and Development, Business Development, Innovation Management, Marketing Communications, Supply Chain, Operations, and commercial teams.
Oversee product development from concept and requirements definition through testing, sales and operations planning, and market launch.
Develop go-to-market strategies, product positioning, and messaging with Business Development, Marketing Communications, Sales, and segment teams.
Coordinate cross-functional launch activities and ensure stakeholders are prepared for new product introductions.
Monitor product performance, gather customer feedback, and analyze data to identify improvement opportunities.
Recommend and implement changes to strengthen the product portfolio and improve market performance.
Develop business cases for product initiatives using market research, customer insights, financial information, and supporting data.
Communicate the value of product initiatives to customers, leadership, and other stakeholders.
Provide updates on product roadmaps, priorities, milestones, progress, risks, and challenges.
Build cross-functional relationships and influence stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
Maintain transparency about product risks and establish plans to address them.