Director of Product Management
Summary
Founded in 1983, Kele Inc. is a leading distribution and solutions partner with national reach and a global presence. We provide millions of in-stock parts from over 300 brands to drive automation and efficiency in various facilities. Our goal is to empower progress for maintenance managers, engineers, contractors, and others building the future. We achieve this by delivering parts quickly, offering custom assemblies, and providing unmatched support to minimize downtime.
About the Role
The Director of Product Management leads the development and execution of a multi-year product roadmap with a focus on New Product Introduction (NPI) and private-label expansion. They identify gaps, new technologies, regulatory shifts, and customer needs, driving cross-functional NPI processes from concept validation to commercialization. They also oversee the full lifecycle of products, analyze performance, and develop strategies to optimize market share and improve product line performance.
Responsibilities
Lead the development and execution of a multi-year product roadmap with a core focus on NPI and private-label expansion.
Identify category gaps, new technologies, regulatory shifts, and customer needs that present opportunities for differentiated product launches.
Drive cross-functional NPI processes, from concept validation through commercialization, ensuring speed-to-market and strong adoption.
Align product portfolio with Kele’s offerings and value propositions to the marketplace.
Support unique growth initiatives with strategies for proactive offer management.
Evaluate opportunities for private-label products, including sourcing strategy, supplier capabilities, competitive positioning, and margin impact.
Develop business cases, product briefs, and launch plans that support investment decisions and go-to-market execution.
Oversee the full lifecycle of BAS, components, parts, and accessory products.
Analyze product performance, pricing, mix, and lifecycle stage to drive optimization and proactive improvements.
Drive strategies to support appropriate market share for Kele in key strategic areas of offer.
Lead SKU rationalization and quality enhancement initiatives to strengthen product-line performance.
Ensure private-label offerings maintain competitive quality and comply with safety and regulatory standards.
Build strategic relationships with suppliers, private-label manufacturers, and emerging technology partners.
Lead negotiations around cost, terms, rebates, exclusivity, supply continuity, and co-marketing programs.
Assess supplier capabilities and capacity for supporting private-label development, including tooling, packaging, and quality requirements.
Partner with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Finance to ensure successful execution of NPIs and private-label launches.
Drive associated processes.
Develop product positioning, value propositions, training materials, and competitive differentiation assets.
Support field sales teams with technical expertise, product insights, and promotional strategy.
Monitor industry trends, competitive offerings, regulatory changes, and customer feedback to refine product strategy.
Own pricing and margin performance across the product portfolio, with specific targets for private-label profitability.
Conduct cost analysis, competitive benchmarking, and market-based price positioning.
Collaborate with Finance to forecast revenue, manage rebates, and evaluate cost-reduction opportunities.
Lead and mentor a team of product managers and analysts responsible for category execution and market success.
Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and data-driven decision-making.
Guide cross-functional teams through structured NPI processes and disciplined product management practices.
Supervise product management team.
Qualifications
Minimum of five years of related work experience.
Undergraduate or bachelor’s degree.
Benefits
Medical, vision, and dental insurance
HSA FSA (medical and dependent care)
401(k) with employer match up to 4%
Employer-paid short- and long-term disability coverage
Employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; supplemental life for employees and dependents available
Paid time off and paid holidays