Director of Product Management, Automation Solutions

Rite-Hite is the global leader in the manufacture and distribution of industrial loading dock and door equipment. Our innovative products and world class sales organization ensure solid, consistent growth, both for our company and our staff. We are always looking ahead to develop innovative new products and services to improve our customers' safety, security, and productivity.

Rite-Hite provides competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage along with life and paid medical leave. We also provide a retirement savings plan that combines 401(K) with company match and profit sharing. Paid holidays, vacation, and up to five paid personal/sick days per year round out the package.

Rite-Hite is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer offering a drug free workplace for our customers and employees.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The Director, Product Management is responsible for setting and implementing short- and long-term strategic plans for our automation solutions across the Business Unit portfolio. This leader will oversee the full product lifecycle, from opportunity identification through development, commercialization and end-of-life, ensuring financial and operational objectives are met. A strong background in automation systems, product strategy and cross-functional leadership is essential.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Market Insight

• Identify insights on customer pain points and opportunities, understanding product trends, the current and future needs of the market and the overall customer experience.
• Perform competitive analysis and identify gaps that exist within the operating company portfolio, including product positioning, design/cost-out opportunities, supplier changes, etc.
• Stay abreast of advancements in automation technologies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements, leveraging technical expertise to drive innovation and maintain competitive advantage.

Product/Portfolio Strategy

• Establish and communicate a compelling product vision and roadmap aligned with market insight, company and business unit growth goals and innovation priorities.
• Serve as a thought leader on automation trends, emerging technologies (e.g., AI, robotics, IoT) and industry challenges.
• Partner with executive leadership, engineering, manufacturing / operations, sales, service and marketing to align portfolio objectives across functions.

Portfolio Roadmap

• Translate strategic direction into actionable, integrated product development plans with clear milestones. Build and maintain a forward-looking 3+ year automation roadmap, identifying new product opportunities and market adjacencies.
• Lead portfolio investment decisions, ensuring business cases align with ROI, customer needs and market trends.
• Define product requirements incorporating customer and market insights from sales, service & marketing.
• Lead cross functional team to gain insights on product concepts and finalize roadmap decisions.
• Develop and manage business case for selected product investments.
• Determine product pricing & incorporate market/economic-based models from marketing.

Product Lifecycle

• Lead operating rhythms and collaboration with a cross-functional team to deliver innovative, high-impact automation products on time and on budget.
• Oversee the full product lifecycle, including introduction, growth, maturity and retirement phases to minimize portfolio complexity, maximize profitability and increase customer loyalty.
• Initiate and manage cost productivity, quality improvement and customer experience programs.
• Manage critical risks across the product development process and drive quick resolution to escalated customer challenges.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement:

• Lead cross-functional teams in annual planning cycles to drive cost productivity, quality improvements and operational efficiency.
• Manage portfolio complexity and streamline offerings to maximize profitability.
• Track and resolve escalated product risks and performance issues.

Product Marketing

• Support marketing team to generate the annual marketing plan including the product value proposition and positioning as well as launch and installed base strategies.
• Provide input on content for sales tools, promotions, ads and other marketing materials.
• Collaborate with marketing, business development and sales teams to deliver product training.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field required; Master's degree or MBA preferred.
• 6+ years of progressive product management experience in automation, controls or industrial systems.
• Demonstrated experience working with integrators and developing complex automation systems.
• Strong business acumen, analytical mindset and customer-centric approach.
• Excellent communication, influence and leadership skills.
• Familiarity with agile methodologies, digital twin technologies and data analytics tools a plus.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Ability to work and communicate with colleagues across business units and supporting functions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Aptitude in decision-making and problem-solving.
• Track record of progressing product through the complete product life cycle.
• Must be able to plan, organize and prioritize work. Must be able to meet deadlines.
• Up to 25% travel may be required.

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