Product Associate Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois

At Klein Tools, curiosity powers discovery, ownership inspires excellence, and urgency means we run towards opportunities. We deliver quality and innovation in everything we do, designing and launching hundreds of groundbreaking products each year. Join us and be part of a legacy built to last.

Perks for you include:

• Paid Vacations & Holidays
• Profit Sharing & Matching 401(k)
• Health Insurance (Medical, Vision, & Dental)
• Discounts on Klein Tools products
• Education and Professional Development Assistance

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Product Manager is responsible for developing and executing product strategy plans, including 3 year life-cycle plans that fit the company's selling tactics, distribution channels, strategy, and financial goals on the large volume, strategically important product categories. This position ensures timely execution of marketing plans and effectively communicates critical information. This position will supply market and product data, analysis, and recommendations as needed. This position is responsible for understanding competitive product lines and can compare and contrast product features and benefits with a compelling selling story. This position is also responsible for understanding, initiating, and utilizing all tactical business drivers to obtain financial objectives.

• Develop short- and long-term product plans designed to deliver growth and profit performance that aligns with the overall goals of the organization.
• Prepare annual plans for each major product line. Responsible for achieving plans for each major product line.
• Provide strategic, specific, and targeted recommendations for growth as the recognized expert in the competitive environment, existing internal capabilities, and potential new capabilities. Seek out, evaluate, and prioritize opportunities for product improvements, product line additions, new markets, improved merchandising, promotions, and other growth prospects.
• Responsible for maintaining a product line portfolio strategy that includes a 3 year product life-cycle plan that will include new product launches, product modifications, promotions, and end of life discontinuations.
• Provide direction and ensure timely execution of marketing plans including product launches, product modifications, and promotions to drive sales of products.
• Display leadership qualities when working with cross-functional teams and internal departments. Drives effective communication and collaboration within the organization. Foster good working relationships among team members and other functional contacts. Mentor less experienced Product Management personnel.
• Market & end user expert through interaction with sales people, distributors, and end users through a variety of venues. Collect and maintain market information. Conduct market research as necessary. Spend 10% of time in the field and document this time and how and where it is spent learning about customer needs.
• Serve as the product expert on performance, functionality, pricing, packaging, merchandising, and value propositions to internal and external customers. Provide product-related assistance to other areas of the company as needed.
• Provide monthly narrative on major product line performance to plan focusing on product lines that are significantly above or below plan along with corrective actions. Provide recommendations for delivering growth.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in business or related technical field and five (3) years relevant experience in consumer goods product management or a minimum of three (3) years product management combined with five (3) years of other relevant business experience.
• Must possess knowledge managing budgets, forecasts, and business plans to achieve financial objectives.
• Must possess knowledge in identifying plus justifying a growth opportunity, then launching new product lines and working with a stage-gate development process.
• Demonstrate strong communications skills, verbal and written. Demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word).
• Ability to understand basic financial calculations, simple market research techniques, basic implementation of marketing activities (PR, Advertising, Promotions, POP, Packaging), developing strategic plans (pricing strategy, brand positioning, competitive analysis) with limited assistance, exposure to various manufacturing/sourcing supply chains, and a basic project management proficiency.
• Ability to be an effective team player that takes initiative and ownership, while influencing cross-functional teams.

Travel Requirements

This role requires international travel; candidates must be willing and able to travel internationally as needed.

COMPENSATION

• Salary: This role has an annual salary range of $73,000 - $92,000. In addition to salary, you’re eligible for competitive benefits that support you and your family as part of your total rewards package at Klein Tools Inc. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors, including, but not limited to, skills, experience, and location.

Your main focus:

• Quality
• Customer Obsession
• Innovation
• Ownership
• Teamwork

Klein Tools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. For candidates with disabilities and needing assistance, please email us at hr@kleintools.com.