Job Location : Owatonna,MN, USA
Viracon LLC Job Summary: The Market and Product Development Manager will play an important role in driving the growth and success of Architectural Glass business overseeing both market development and product management. The role will identify and capitalize on new market opportunities, developing strategic business plans to enter and establish presence in these markets, and manage the lifecycle of our product portfolio to ensure alignment with market demands. The Manager will conduct market research, gather voice of the customer and related insights, analyze industry trends, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to drive innovative product development and product rationalization. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of strategic vision, analytical skills, market engagement and leadership capabilities to define and execute growth initiatives and maintain our competitive edge. Key Responsibilities: Market Development (70%): Market Research and Analysis: Conduct comprehensive voice of customer and market research to identify new market opportunities, customer needs, and industry trends. Analyze competitive landscape, market trends and market dynamics to develop strategic insights and recommendations. Strategic Planning: Develop and implement strategic business cases and thorough plans for entering and establishing new markets. Create detailed market entry plans, including market segmentation and positioning. Business Development: Identify and establish relationships with key stakeholders, including potential clients, partners, and industry influencers. Collaborate with the sales team to develop and execute sales strategies for new markets. Customer Engagement and Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with new and existing customers and partners. Ensure a high level of customer satisfaction and address any issues or concerns promptly. Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Monitor and analyze the performance of market and product development initiatives. Provide regular reports and updates to senior management on progress and performance metrics. Product Development (30%): Team Leadership and Management: Manage and mentor a team of product managers and market development professionals, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities. Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture. Product Lifecycle Management: Manage the lifecycle of existing products, including updates, enhancements, and end-of-life decisions. Ensure products continue to meet customer needs and perform well in the market throughout their lifecycle. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, sales, and customer service teams to ensure successful product launches and ongoing market success. Coordinate with operations and supply chain teams to ensure efficient production, quality control, and timely delivery of products. Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Continuously seek out and evaluate new ideas, technologies, and trends to drive innovation in product development and market strategies. Implement processes and practices that promote continuous improvement and efficiency in market and product development activities. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in business administration, product management, or a related field. Minimum of 5-8 years of experience in market development, business development, product management or related roles, preferably in a manufacturing industry. Strong understanding of market research methodologies and data analysis. Proven track record of successfully entering and developing new markets. Excellent strategic planning, project management, and organizational skills. Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively in a leadership role with cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Self-motivated, results-oriented, and capable of working independently. Willingness to travel as re uired. Viracon is an Equal Opportunity Employer Apogee and our brands are 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 or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. Apogee Enterprises, Inc. 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.