Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced and customer-focused Product Line Manager to lead high-temperature processing operations for carbon and ceramic materials. This role involves managing key customer relationships, ensuring high-quality standards, and driving operational excellence. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including planning, production, quality, and engineering, to deliver high-value solutions and foster continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Customer Management
- Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned customers, understanding their needs, priorities, and specifications.
- Ensure customer satisfaction through effective communication, timely issue resolution, and regular updates.
2. Sales Budget & Strategy
- Manage and meet the annual sales budget for furnace services.
- Prepare bids, pricing strategies, and customer proposals.
- Provide technical expertise during customer visits to align expectations and drive business growth.
3. Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning (SIOP)
- Lead the SIOP process and manage Product Line review meetings.
- Enhance product line forecasting using statistical models, AI tools, and market trends.
- Collaborate with sales and marketing to incorporate customer activities into forecasts.
- Optimize furnace capacity by balancing production and development needs.
- Coordinate production schedules with inventory levels and ensure timely communication of changes.
4. Inventory Management
- Coordinate with planning, receiving, and shipping to optimize inventory levels.
- Implement strategies to improve lead times and customer fulfillment rates.
- Identify and mitigate risks associated with slow-moving or obsolete inventory.
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work with finance, marketing, and operations teams for cohesive planning.
- Provide analytical support for decision-making in production planning and product lifecycle management.
6. Data Analysis & Reporting
- Analyze sales data, market trends, and customer insights to refine forecasting models.
- Present insights to senior management to guide strategic decision-making.
- Leverage ERP software for efficient planning, reporting, and tracking of key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery, customer satisfaction, and defect rates.
7. Market Insights & Trade Shows
- Stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies in high-temperature material processing.
- Attend industry trade shows to promote the company, build relationships, and generate business opportunities.
8. Technical Coordination
- Collaborate with engineering and production teams to optimize furnace configurations and temperature cycles.
- Oversee customer projects from initiation to final delivery, ensuring timely execution and customer satisfaction.
9. Quality Assurance
- Partner with quality teams to implement and maintain high-quality standards.
- Ensure processed materials meet or exceed customer requirements.
10. Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities for operational improvements and cost reductions.
- Work with operations and engineering to implement best practices and process improvements.
Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Engineering, or a related field. MBA or relevant master’s degree is a plus.
Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years in product line management, customer account management, or related roles (preferably in industrial or manufacturing settings such as aerospace or automotive).
Technical Expertise:
- Strong understanding of high-temperature processing, furnaces, and materials science, particularly with carbon and ceramic materials.
Customer Management:
- Proven experience managing high-value customer accounts, preferably in a B2B industrial environment.
Collaboration:
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across functions to drive projects forward and meet customer expectations.
Skills:
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in MS Office and ERP systems; familiarity with project management tools is a plus.
- Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
Other:
- U.S. Citizenship required.
Key Competencies:
- Customer-Focused: Ability to engage directly with customers in Purchasing, Engineering, and Operations.
- Forecasting & Analytical Skills: Expertise in statistical methods and tools for accurate forecasting.
- Communication & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to work across functions in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Project Management: Ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
- Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to identifying issues and creating solutions within the product line planning process.
- Attention to Detail: Highly organized, with a focus on ensuring data accuracy and consistency.
