Senior Product Line Manager - High Hazard Apparel

Mechanix Wear• IL, US, IL

65d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Product Line Manager for High Hazard Apparel is responsible for the strategic leadership, development, and lifecycle management of a portfolio of protective garments designed for use in high‑risk industrial environments. This role ensures that all products meet rigorous safety standards, align with market needs, and support the organization’s long‑term growth objectives. The Senior Product Line Manager serves as the primary business owner for the apparel category and collaborates closely with cross‑functional teams to deliver innovative, compliant, and commercially successful solutions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, textiles, product design, business, or a related technical field.
7–10+ years of product management experience within high hazard (Flame resistant, Arc resistant, High Heat) technical apparel or materials.
Experience working with domestic and international factories.
Demonstrated success managing complex product portfolios and leading cross‑functional teams.
Strong technical understanding of protective materials, garment engineering, and performance testing.
Proven ability to develop strategy, influence senior stakeholders, and deliver measurable business results.

Nice To Haves

Preferred MBA or advanced technical degree.
Experience in high‑hazard industries such as oil and gas, utilities, chemical processing, or emergency response.
Familiarity with standards such as NFPA 2112, NFPA 70E, ASTM F1506, or equivalent.
Experience with global supply chains and international regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the multi‑year product strategy for the high‑hazard apparel portfolio.
Lead portfolio planning, prioritization, and lifecycle management across multiple product categories.
Develop product positioning, pricing strategies, and value propositions.
Identify new market opportunities, emerging hazards, and technology advancements to support long‑term growth.
Lead cross‑functional teams (R&D, design, sourcing, quality, operations) through all phases of product development.
Translate customer requirements, regulatory standards, and market insights into detailed product specifications.
Oversee field evaluations, performance testing, and validation processes to ensure product compliance and durability.
Drive innovation initiatives, including new materials, construction techniques, and performance enhancements.
Conduct comprehensive market research, competitive assessments, and trend analysis to inform product decisions.
Engage with key customers, industry partners, and regulatory bodies to gather insights and strengthen product positioning.
Serve as the internal subject‑matter expert for high‑hazard protective apparel.
Own financial performance for the product line, including revenue, margin, pricing, and cost optimization.
Own the analysis of the product line including revenue generated from new products, margin hurdle rates, new product pricing and cost optimization of new and existing items to drive growth.
Drive revenue growth and margin expansion for product lines.
Develop business cases for new product introductions and portfolio investments.
Monitor product performance metrics and adjust strategy to achieve financial targets.
Maintain expert knowledge of relevant safety standards (e.g., NFPA, ASTM, ISO, OSHA).
Ensure all products meet or exceed applicable regulatory and compliance requirements.
Anticipate regulatory changes and proactively adjust product strategy.
Partner with marketing and sales to develop product positioning, messaging, and launch plans.
Partner with Sales to support key accounts, channel strategies, and forecasts.
Provide advanced product training and support to sales teams and key accounts.
Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and standards committees.