The KNIPEX Tools, LP (KTLP) Product Manager, will play an integral and strategic role within the organization. The Product Manager acts as a focal point for market knowledge, market research, product information, forecasts, commercialization, and planning. The Product Manager is responsible for developing product positioning and messaging that successfully and positively differentiates our products in the market.

This position is located onsite in Buffalo Grove, IL.

Position Overview

This position will report directly to the Senior Product Manager. This position will partner with the product development department in Germany, to ensure new products meet the USA market requirements. The Product Manager will manage products throughout the entire product lifecycle, gathering and prioritizing product, market and customer requirements, and defining the product vision. This position will work closely with Customer Service, Sales, Finance, Operations, and senior management to ensure revenue and sales goals are met.

The Product Manager will develop and execute the launch of new products which includes cross-functional implementation, market research, forecast planning and product knowledge training of the sales team and support departments. A product launch typically includes; market and application research, datasheets, product data content, training documents, videos, packaging, launch packets for salesforce, promotions and more.

The Product Manager will be involved in providing content for the database of product attributes and graphics to support all sales and e-commerce requests. Excellent Microsoft Excel skills are required.

The Product Manager will be involved in developing marketing support materials and documentation to assist the sales team as needed. Interaction with the sales force and customers will be an essential part in providing all pertinent information to the customers in marketing collateral, graphics, displays, etc. Additional responsibilities include helping the marketing department on other projects as needed, such as; customer advertising, product advertising and tradeshow support, etc.

Position Responsibilities

1. Product management – manage the entire product lifecycle for assigned product categories in the USA including market/application research with end users.
2. Responsible for supporting comprehensive marketing plans and initiatives designed to achieve product category goals including promotions, incentives, PR, education and training, trade shows and catalogs.
3. Continuously reviews and watches market changes, competitor’s product assortments and disseminates this information to the company as needed.
4. Develops product positioning and messaging that differentiates our products in the market.
5. Post-launch visibility and oversight – ensure we are delivering on forecasted profitability and volume expectations.
6. Supports the KTLP sales department with the technical expertise, product data and graphical information to present KNIPEX products the best possible way.
7. Maintains diligent attention to detail and an eye for quality.
8. Reviews and approves packaging designs and layouts as needed.
9. Supports the Marketing Manager in various marketing projects as needed.
10. Maintains professional internal and external relationships that meet company core values.
11. Supports the Brand Communications Manager with social media suggestions and ideas, ensuring that posts and contests maintain the proper company image and message.
12. Other responsibilities as assigned.

Position Requirements

Knowledge

• A Bachelor's Degree in business, product management, marketing, or communications or equivalent experience.
• At least 7 years of proven successful experience in product management or related fields.
• Experience in a distribution industry a plus. Experience in a manufacturing environment such as forging, milling, CNC is a plus.
• Knowledge of the industrial MRO, electrical, HVACR, construction or automotive tools and equipment distribution channels is a plus.
• A basic understanding of hand tools such as pliers, cable cutters, wire strippers, screwdrivers; what they do and how to use them is a plus.
• Packaging design experience not required, but a plus.
• Demonstrable writing and marketing experience.
• A thorough understanding of the B2B selling process.
• Knowledge and/or experience in marketing collateral development.
• Knowledge of SAP helpful.
• Knowledge of the Engineering Change Notice (ECN) process is a plus.
• Experience with project management programs a plus.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Skills

• Proven analytical skills.
• Demonstrated skills to handle a variety of assignments simultaneously.
• Ability to work under deadline pressure and extra hours if needed on assignments.
• Great verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability and confidence to communicate at all levels with internal and external clients in a professional manner by phone, email and face to face contact.
• Good follow through on all projects.

Personal Attributes

• Flexible work attitude: ability to learn new things quickly.
• Sense of urgency mindset with an assertive “let’s get it done” attitude.
• Creative, innovative and resourceful.
• Positive attitude and trustworthy character.
• Enjoys multitasking.
• Dynamic friendly personality.
• Desire to work in a global team of professionals.
• 30% travel as necessary which could include international travel, if needed.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Continuous keyboard and screen usage for several hours a day.
• Capable of standing or sitting for several hours a day.
• Position requires periodic walking, stooping, bending, reaching, and ability to push, pull, and grasp required
• Some heavy lifting may be required, up to 40 lbs (utilizing safe lifting techniques, assisted lifting, and/or team lifts).
• Regular, reliable and predictable onsite attendance necessary.

The annualized base salary range for this position is: $83,600 - $125,400. Please note that the specific compensation for this role will be determined based on experience, qualifications, location, and internal equity considerations.

We have other benefits associated with this position which include: Bonus eligibility, medical, dental, and vision insurance, company funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement Plan (HRA), generous paid time off, 401K, etc. For more detailed information on our complete benefit package, see

Company Values

Knowledge :

• Improvement is GREAT. Change is GREAT. Wanting to be better is GREAT.
• Innovate; take initiative and be curious. Learn from mistakes.
• Continue to develop our skills; challenge ourselves and others to achieve possibilities.

Teamwork :

• First and foremost, we are a team. Our competition is outside these walls.
• We are all role models and lead by good example.
• Our cooperation and communication is characterized by kindness, openness, honesty, and valuing each other’s contributions.

Loyalty :

• Demonstrate reliability, responsibility, and ownership – not just through words, but through actions.
• Keep commitments; say what you will do and do what you say.
• Trust each other and continue to earn that trust every day.

Passion :

• Strive to achieve consistently superior quality, service, performance, productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Take pride in our product, our company, and our people.
• Embrace sustainable initiatives and give back to the community.