Product Manager - Braided Industrial Hose at Continental in Fairlawn, Ohio, United States

Job description

• The Product Manager – Braided Industrial Hose is responsible for developing and executing product strategies that support company objectives, market opportunities, and customer needs. This position oversees the product lifecycle—from market analysis and product planning through development, launch, performance evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• The Product Manager works closely with Research and Development, Business Development, Marketing Communications, Supply Chain, Operations, Sales, and other cross-functional stakeholders to successfully bring high-quality products and programs to market. The role requires strategic thinking, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to influence and motivate teams without direct reporting authority.

Responsibilities

• Product Strategy and Planning
• Develop and execute product strategies aligned with company goals, customer requirements, and market trends.
• Conduct market research, competitive assessments, and product analyses to identify opportunities and support informed business decisions.
• Define and prioritize product features, enhancements, unique selling propositions, and product releases based on customer needs and business objectives.
• Develop and maintain product roadmaps.
• Manage the product lifecycle to ensure alignment with the company’s overall strategy and financial objectives.
• Collaborate with Research and Development, Business Development, Innovation Management, Marketing Communications, Supply Chain, Operations, and commercial teams.
• Product Development and Launch
• Oversee the end-to-end product development process, from concept development and requirements definition through testing, sales and operations planning, and market launch.
• Partner with Innovation Management, Research and Development, and Marketing Communications to deliver high-quality products and programs.
• Develop go-to-market strategies, product positioning, and messaging in partnership with Business Development, Marketing Communications, Sales, and segment teams.
• Coordinate cross-functional launch activities and ensure stakeholders are prepared to support new product introductions.
• Monitor product performance, gather customer feedback, and analyze relevant data to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Recommend and implement changes that strengthen the product portfolio and improve market performance.
• Stakeholder Management
• Develop compelling business cases for product initiatives using market research, customer insights, financial information, and supporting data.
• Clearly communicate the value of product initiatives to customers, leadership, and other key stakeholders.
• Provide regular updates regarding product roadmaps, priorities, milestones, progress, risks, and challenges.
• Build effective working relationships across functions and influence stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
• Maintain transparency regarding product risks and establish appropriate plans to address them.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, engineering, finance, or a related field required.
• 5+ years of professional experience in business-to-business sales, marketing, engineering, or product management in an industrial product environment
• Experience developing or supporting product strategies and product lifecycle activities.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse, global, and cross-functional teams.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects or participating in process, product, or marketing improvement initiatives.
• Strong strategic planning and analytical skills.
• Advanced communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of industrial products, technologies, solutions, customers, and markets.
• Understanding of product development, product positioning, and go-to-market practices.
• Strong project-management and organizational skills.
• Ability to develop business cases and translate complex information into clear recommendations.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive results without direct authority.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Ability to work effectively across cultures, functions, and geographic regions.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas now or in the future for this job posting.
• Experience in product management with braided hoses and / or rubber hoses

Skills

Required

• Strategic planning and analytical skills
• Fluent written and spoken English

Benefits

• · Immediate Benefits
• · Paid Time Off
• · Tuition Assistance & Employee Discounts
• · Employer 401(k) Match
• · Competitive Bonus Programs
• · Employee Assistance Program
• · Future Growth Opportunities, including personal and professional
• · And many more benefits that come with working for a global industry leader!