Product Manager - Ball Bearings

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Position Purpose:

The Product Manager - Ball Bearings is responsible for leading a global product portfolio generating approximately $120M in annual revenue. This role drives profitable growth across both distribution and OEM channels through the development and execution of product, market, and commercialization strategies.

The successful candidate will own the long-term vision and strategic direction of the Ball Bearing product portfolio, ensuring competitiveness, market relevance, and sustainable growth. This individual will work cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Customer Engineering, Finance, and R&D to develop and execute initiatives that improve revenue, profitability, product performance, and customer value. As the leader for the product line, the Product Manager will influence key decisions related to product strategy, pricing, new product development, lifecycle management, and operational optimization.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and Execute Product Strategy

• Define and lead the product strategy to achieve profitable growth and increase market share.
• Analyze market trends, customer requirements, competitive positioning, and industry dynamics to identify growth opportunities.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive product roadmap aligned with business objectives and market needs.
• Drive portfolio optimization through product lifecycle management, using an 80/20 mindset, including product introductions, enhancements, rationalization, and obsolescence planning.
• Establish and execute pricing strategies that maximize profitability while maintaining market competitiveness.

Drive Business Growth

• Identify and lead initiatives that accelerate revenue growth in OEM and distribution channels.
• Partner with Sales and Marketing to develop market penetration plans, promotional strategies, and commercialization programs.
• Support business planning, forecasting, and long-range growth strategies for the product portfolio.
• Monitor portfolio performance and implement corrective actions to achieve financial and operational targets.
• Review/ disposition new product requests from Sales

Lead Cross-Functional Execution

• Lead the development, launch, and commercialization of new products and product enhancements.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to execute strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment across key stakeholders.
• Partner with Manufacturing and Supply Chain teams to evaluate and optimize global manufacturing footprint and sourcing strategies.
• Support cost reduction, inventory optimization, and margin improvement initiatives across the value chain.

Product and Market Analysis

• Conduct competitive benchmarking, including product performance, manufacturing footprint, cost structures, and pricing dynamics.
• Analyze product lifecycle metrics, market trends, and customer feedback to guide investment decisions.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and industry developments to maintain a competitive product offering.

Influence and Project Leadership

• Lead complex projects and strategic initiatives through collaboration and influence rather than direct authority.
• Build alignment across functions and regions to achieve business objectives.
• Serve as the product management representative in key business processes, including pricing reviews, inventory management, business planning, and operational decision-making forums.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business or Marketing and 8-12 years of progressive experience in product management, engineering, marketing, operations, finance, or a related business function.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing product strategies that drive revenue growth and profitability.
• Experience working in a cross-functional, global manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and business decision-making capabilities.
• Proven ability to lead initiatives and influence stakeholders across all levels of an organization.
• Advanced project management and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) or Engineering.
• Experience managing industrial, engineered, or technical product portfolios.
• Strong understanding of pricing strategy, market analysis, product commercialization, and lifecycle management.
• Experience with P&L ownership, financial planning, and business case development.

All qualified applicants shall be treated equally according to their individual qualifications, abilities, experiences and other employment standards. There will be no discrimination due to gender or gender identity, race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran/military status or any other basis protected by applicable law.