Product Manager - Small Paints

Tremco Construction Products Group•Vernon Hills, IL

2d•$85,000 - $125,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Rust-Oleum Corporation is seeking a Product Manager for its Small Project Paints segment, based in Vernon Hills, Illinois, in a hybrid work arrangement. Reporting to the Director of Product Marketing, this role develops and executes product innovation and commercialization strategies, manages the product portfolio, and supports the growth and positioning of new and existing products. The Product Manager works cross-functionally with teams including Research & Development, Sales, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, and Customer Service, and partners with the Creative department on product experiences and materials. The role includes approximately 5% annual travel for customer presentations, trade shows, and similar activities. The position requires a bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field and at least six years of relevant product, product development, or brand experience. Strong new product development experience is required. Consumer packaged goods experience is preferred. The salary range is $85,000–$125,000, with bonus eligibility. Benefits described include medical, dental, life, disability, and business travel insurance; flexible spending accounts; an employee assistance program; stock purchases; vacation, sick days, and parental leave; a 401(k) plan with company match; participation in the RPM Pension plan with vesting after five years of service; nine paid holidays and two floating holidays per year; and the opportunity to earn three weeks of vacation on an annualized basis.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field.
At least 6 years of relevant Product, Product Development, or Brand experience.
Strong new product development experience.
Understanding of product commercialization processes, documentation, and information-sharing needs and protocols.
Understanding of retail, independent paint and hardware, and distribution business models.
Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Problem-solving and creative-thinking skills; ability to propose new ideas and accept feedback.
Analytical and strategic thinking skills, including ability to digest complex information and make data-driven decisions.
Ability to work effectively on cross-functional teams, including Operations, Finance, Sales, Research & Development, and Customer Service.
Confident public speaking and ability to influence senior-level management.
Willingness to travel approximately 5% annually for customer presentations, trade shows, and similar activities.

Nice To Haves

Consumer packaged goods experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement an innovation strategy for the segment, identifying product development and market expansion opportunities.
Provide Sales teams with tools and information to sell innovative spray paint products; develop sales materials, presentations, and training programs.
Collaborate with Research & Development, Sales, Supply Chain, and other departments to align and execute innovation initiatives.
Prioritize, strategize, design, develop, launch, and support product campaigns.
Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities and threats.
Work with the Creative department to create visually appealing user experiences and interfaces for the target audience.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators to measure product success.
Direct market research and market intelligence gathering to understand applications, users, competition, and market trends.
Analyze and use data and insights to develop category and product recommendations.
Assess early-stage opportunities and develop ideas and concepts for new products from ideation through market launch.
Manage the product portfolio, promote new products, and optimize and grow existing product lines.
Monitor competitors, business developments, and market trends to identify strategic opportunities and ensure products are positioned appropriately.
Develop strategic plans and innovation roadmaps for key product segments.
Drive new product development through Stage-Gate product management and market research.
Support product commercialization and ensure profitability within assigned market segments.
Define product positioning, messaging, feature specifications, unique selling propositions, and pricing strategies.