The Technical Product Manager, Compu-Spread provides comprehensive leadership across the entire product lifecycle, combining technical management with strategic product ownership. This role leads the technical team in the development and production of Compu-Spread products (hydraulic, mechanical, electrical/electronic, software, and IoT designs) while defining the product vision, strategy, and roadmap based on market needs, customer insights, and business objectives. The manager will ensure product alignment with market price, profitability objectives, and strategic growth in the North American Snow & Ice Control market, working closely with Sales and Marketing.
Key Responsibilities:
- Product Strategy & Roadmap:
- Define and champion the long-term product vision and strategy for the Compu-Spread portfolio, aligning with business goals and market opportunities.
- Develop and manage the product roadmap, prioritizing features, enhancements, and new product development initiatives based on market analysis, customer feedback, and competitive landscape.
- Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and customer segmentation to identify unfulfilled needs and growth areas.
- Establish clear product requirements and specifications, translating customer and business needs into actionable engineering tasks.
- Drive product innovation and identify new market opportunities within the Snow & Ice Control sector.
- Technical Team Leadership:
- Lead and supervise the Compu-Spread technical team, deploying resources effectively to execute the product roadmap and deliver high-quality solutions.
- Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and foster a culture of innovation and excellence within the engineering team.
- Manage product development projects, ensuring timely delivery within budget and scope.
- Identify growth opportunities for team members and ensure resource sufficiency.
- Product Lifecycle Management:
- Oversee the entire product lifecycle from concept to launch and end-of-life, including market validation, feature definition, development oversight, and go-to-market strategies.
- Develop and implement comprehensive product manufacturing strategies, including decisions on make-or-buy, supply chain optimization, and production scalability to meet market demand and cost targets.
- Collaborate closely with Marketing and Sales to develop product positioning, messaging, and sales enablement tools.
- Monitor product performance, customer satisfaction, and market share, implementing improvements as needed.
- Sales & Market Enablement:
- Develop relationships with key accounts, support Technical Sales Consultants (TSCs), and channel partners (Dealers/Upfitters, etc.), providing deep product expertise.
- Act as the primary product evangelist, training sales teams and engaging with customers to gather feedback and promote product value.
- Create and distribute compelling technical product information and sales collateral.
- Business & Financial Acumen:
- Manage departmental budgets and product development costs, ensuring profitability targets are met.
- Conduct pricing analysis and develop pricing strategies for new and existing products.
- Monitor market trends, competitive landscape, and regulatory changes, adapting product strategy accordingly.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Act as the key interface between Engineering, Sales, Marketing, and Operations to ensure alignment and successful product delivery.
- Facilitate effective communication and problem-solving across departments.