Product Line Manager

Company Overview

Geoquest USA, Inc., formerly The Reinforced Earth Company, leads the market as the pioneer of Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) retaining wall systems. The company specializes in designing and supplying proprietary retaining wall solutions and related earth technologies to contractors and project owners in civil engineering. Operating as a subcontractor and material supplier on both Department of Transportation and private projects, Geoquest manages functions spanning sales, marketing, civil engineering/design, supply, and construction support.

Role Summary

The Product Line Manager (PLM) is accountable to the CEO or VP of Commercial Sales and oversees the marketing strategies, product development, pricing, and material supply for a specific product line. Collaborating closely with Engineering for R&D, guiding the sales team in targeting markets and pricing, and coordinating with manufacturing on production logistics, the PLM ensures the product's success from concept to market launch.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead product development and strategy from initial concept through manufacturing to market introduction.
• Identify potential products through market research and create detailed product requirements, marketing strategies, pricing schemes, and production timelines.
• Determine customer needs via targeted research and market data analysis.
• Evaluate and recommend current and future product line directions by reviewing specifications, assessing new product ideas, and proposing modifications.
• Analyze competitors' offerings to gauge market position.
• Formulate product marketing communication objectives to support line communications.
• Collaborate with VP Sales to devise sales strategies aimed at increasing product market share.
• Engage with customers alongside sales staff to assess market feedback and sales effectiveness.
• Prepare sales forecasts, special reports, and analyses to inform management decisions.
• Optimize inventory turnover and product availability by adjusting inventory and production schedules accordingly.
• Facilitate new product introductions by managing development programs, conducting ROI analyses, and coordinating schedules with engineering and manufacturing.
• Design time-sensitive marketing and sales plans for product launches.
• Set product pricing considering market research, production costs, sales volume forecasts, and special order costs.
• Partner with marketing and sales departments to secure product growth and market success.
• Identify and manage product partnerships, fostering collaboration for mutual benefit.
• Serve as a liaison with universities to expand knowledge, encourage innovation, and participate in research initiatives.
• Present technical white papers to enhance marketing presence, industry reputation, and showcase technical expertise.
• Maintain up-to-date professional knowledge through workshops, publications, and membership in professional societies.
• Recruit, train, and lead the product team, overseeing job performance, quality control, and testing compliance.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in business, industrial engineering, or a relevant sector; Master's or MBA preferred.
• 2-3 years of applicable work experience including project management; prior leadership experience advantageous.
• Certifications such as Certified Product Manager (CPM) or New Product Development (NPD) Professional Certification are a plus.
• Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies and workflow tools.
• Recognized subject matter expert with a proven record of product innovation and development.
• Strong project management capability and customer-focused mindset.
• Expertise in budgeting, purchasing, and market understanding.
• Technical knowledge of manufacturing processes and product design.
• Leadership and team management skills complemented by analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication, presentation, public speaking, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in different phases simultaneously.
• Experience writing product and market requirement documents.
• Familiarity with CAD software and SAP systems.

Work Environment

• Work will occur in an office setting as well as indoor and outdoor manufacturing facilities.
• Role demands coordination and leadership across different organizational levels.
• Physical activities include sitting, standing, walking, and driving.
• Exposure to noise and distracting environmental factors is possible.
• Compliance with safety protocols requiring personal protective equipment such as helmets, safety shoes, eye and hand protection, and hearing protection when necessary.

Benefits

• Starting with 11 paid vacation days, increasing to 16 days after 5 years and 21 days after 10 years of employment.
• 11 paid holidays annually.
• 401(k) with company contribution.
• Medical, dental (including orthodontics for dependents up to age 26), and vision insurance coverage.
• Flexible spending account options.
• Incentive-based wellness program.
• Complimentary parking facilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Geoquest USA is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees.