Product Manager

RBC•Oxford, CT

About The Position

RBC Bearings is seeking an outgoing and driven Product Manager to lead the business management and profitable growth of an assigned portfolio of engineered and specialty bearing product lines within RBC’s Industrial business unit. The role covers product strategy, pricing, forecasting, margin analysis, lifecycle management, and new product commercialization across OEM and distribution channels. The Product Manager works closely with Sales, Engineering, and Manufacturing to identify growth opportunities, expand into new applications and markets, strengthen customer relationships, and grow the business profitably. The position is based in Oxford, Connecticut, though strong candidates in other U.S. locations may be considered. Travel to customers, distributor locations, trade shows, and RBC facilities is required as needed.

Requirements

Business management experience with a mechanical or engineered industrial product, with direct responsibility for growing revenue and margin.
Demonstrated success developing and executing product line strategy, pricing, and lifecycle decisions.
Experience in a manufacturing environment working closely with Engineering, Operations, and Sales.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with customers, distributors, and company functions.
Self-driven, with a strong focus and drive to meet targets.
Ability to influence and lead without formal authority.
Strategic thinking and analytical skills, including pricing, market segmentation, business cases, and margin and mix analysis.
Strong mechanical aptitude.
Excellent computer skills, including Excel and ERP/CRM systems.
Ability to travel to customers and distributor locations, trade shows, and RBC facilities as required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in engineering is preferred; a degree in a related science or technical field will also be considered.
Experience with bearings, power transmission products, or precision components.
Experience with industrial OEMs, industrial distribution, and P&L ownership.
Familiarity with AS400.
Connecticut-based candidates are preferred; strong candidates in other U.S. locations will also be considered.

Responsibilities

Develop, communicate, and execute strategies for assigned product lines to achieve profitable year-over-year sales growth and increased market share.
Develop, communicate, and execute the product line strategy and multi-year roadmap in line with Industrial business unit objectives.
Identify and size growth opportunities in new markets, applications, and customers, and present business cases with recommendations to leadership.
Manage product line pricing, including pricing strategies and policies for OEM, distribution, and quoted business.
Develop and track the product line plan and forecast, including gap analysis, top-20 (Pareto) analysis, and performance against plan; take corrective action when results fall short.
Share responsibility with plants for driving product line margin improvement, including cost reduction, sourcing, and inventory initiatives.
Manage the full product lifecycle, including introduction, enhancement, rationalization, and obsolescence, using an 80/20 approach.
Review and disposition special and new product requests from Sales, considering volume, margin, and capacity impact.
Manage the new product launch process, from customer requirements and business case through positioning, pricing, literature, and sales training.
Monitor and track industry, technology, and competitive trends; benchmark competitors on performance, price, lead time, and channel position.
Spend time in the field with customers, OEM engineers, and distributors to understand applications and unmet needs and develop customer relationships.
Build go-to-market plans for OEM and distribution channels, and equip sales and distribution partners with training, competitive cross-references, and selling tools.
Act as the interface between customers and RBC Sales, Engineering, and the plant.
Lead cross-functional initiatives without formal authority and promote the product line internally and externally.
Support integration of acquired product lines into the portfolio as opportunities arise.
Perform other duties as assigned.