Strategic Business Unit Manager- Inspection

Rice Lake Weighing Systems•Rice Lake, WI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Rice Lake Weighing Systems (RLWS) is seeking an entrepreneurial, market-driven leader to manage and grow its Inspection product segment. This role is responsible for driving sales growth, market share, profitability, product strategy, and customer relationships within the Inspection business. The ideal candidate will possess strong business leadership skills, technical knowledge of inspection and weighing solutions, and a proven track record in identifying market opportunities, building strategic relationships, and leading cross-functional teams. As the leader of the Inspection Strategic Business Unit (SBU), you will collaborate with Product Management, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Operations, and other internal teams to bring innovative solutions to market and ensure an exceptional customer experience.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field; or five or more years of relevant industry experience.
Five or more years of experience in the inspection and/or weighing/scale industry.
Two or more years of management or supervisory experience.
Demonstrated success in sales growth, business development, product management, or strategic business leadership.
Strong understanding of inspection technologies, weighing systems, and related applications.
Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
Strong business acumen with the ability to understand P&L performance, market dynamics, and financial drivers.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Working knowledge of AI fundamentals and emerging technology trends.
Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout North America.
Valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of electronics, software, POS systems, and communications protocols is desirable.

Responsibilities

Provide entrepreneurial, growth-oriented leadership for the Inspection Strategic Business Unit.
Have full P&L responsibility for the Inspection product segment, including sales, profitability, annual goals, and ongoing performance.
Develop and execute short- and long-term business strategies based on market intelligence, customer needs, competitive activity, and company objectives.
Identify and pursue opportunities for market expansion, new products, new applications, strategic partnerships, and growth through Rice Lake's global network.
Monitor industry trends, legislative and regulatory developments, and other external factors that may affect business opportunities.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with key customers, dealers, suppliers, strategic partners, and industry leaders.
Expand the customer and dealer base, particularly organizations capable of selling and supporting Inspection solutions.
Identify opportunities for national service contracts and develop relationships with dealers and qualified factory installation partners.
Partner with Sales, Marketing, and Product Management to develop and execute effective North American sales and marketing strategies.
Analyze monthly sales performance by dealer and region and adjust strategies as needed to achieve goals.
Monitor sales opportunities and customer visits to identify opportunities to promote Inspection products and solutions.
Develop and manage sales campaigns and go-to-market initiatives.
Represent Rice Lake and the Inspection product line at industry trade shows, customer events, and other industry functions.
Initiate and participate in dealer and end-user training programs, both at Rice Lake and at customer locations.
Aggressively travel as needed to support customers, dealers, sales growth, product development, and business opportunities.
Provide market and technical direction for the Inspection team and mentor Product Management and Engineering personnel.
Partner closely with Product Management and Engineering to conceptualize, develop, and launch innovative and reliable products.
Provide leadership in defining overall product architecture, security, certifications, and technology direction.
Review and approve Product Definitions for Inspection products.
Ensure appropriate resources are secured and allocated to successfully develop and launch new products and pursue new business opportunities.
Coordinate and manage Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) events to ensure customer requirements are met and customer satisfaction is achieved prior to installation.
Work cross-functionally to maintain competitive lead times and ensure products are brought to market efficiently.
Develop a thorough understanding of the Inspection product portfolio through formal training and ongoing self-directed learning.
Foster a collaborative, customer-focused culture built around the principles of "Customer First" and "Never say No without exhausting all options."
Work across departments to negotiate and secure the resources necessary to support business objectives.
Build consensus among Product Management, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Operations, and other stakeholders.
Ensure company policies and business practices are applied consistently and fairly.
Provide coaching, mentoring, and technical and market direction to team members.
Review and adjust business unit travel plans to maximize customer coverage and business impact.
Serve as a senior point of contact for key Inspection customers, dealers, and industry partners.
Conduct customer and dealer visits to understand business needs, resolve issues, and identify growth opportunities.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all customer and business relationships.
Communicate customer action items and market intelligence through regular travel and contact reports.
Escalate critical customer issues promptly with the goal of providing same-day response to standard inquiries and support needs.
Seek strategic partnerships with companies providing ancillary or complementary products and technologies.