Product Manager

At Badger Meter, we're more than a leading global water technology company—we're innovators with a mission: to preserve and protect the world's most precious resource. For over 120 years, our trusted solutions have enabled customers to optimize the delivery and use of water, maximize revenue, and reduce waste. Every employee is an important part of our success. Here, your work doesn’t just move a business forward—it shapes a more sustainable future.

We are committed to building a workplace where we celebrate differences, empower voices, and encourage fresh ideas that drive innovation. When you join us, you'll find:

• Purpose-driven work that makes a real difference in communities around the globe.
• Career growth and development opportunities designed to help you achieve your potential.
• A supportive, inclusive culture where collaboration and creativity thrive.

About The Role

This position is responsible for managing the full product lifecycle of assigned product lines. The Product Manager will play a central role in new product development, product planning, pricing, competitive analysis, and go-to-market execution while collaborating closely with engineering, manufacturing, sales, supply chain, and marketing communications teams.

Responsibilities

• Support Product Line Strategy
  • Contribute to the strategic direction of the assigned business area, helping shape a competitive, cohesive portfolio.
  • Develop short- and long-range business plans for assigned product lines consistent with market needs and corporate strategic priorities.
  • Track portfolio performance and identify opportunities and gaps to support accelerated growth objectives.
• Own the New Product Development (NPD) Pipeline
  • Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and voice-of-customer (VOC) activities to identify future product needs.
  • Develop marketing specifications and product requirements to guide engineering and development teams.
  • Support business case development to justify investment and prioritize projects within the NPD pipeline.
• Manage Current Product Lines
  • Manage the lifecycle of existing products to ensure they remain competitive and aligned with customer expectations.
  • Evaluate product performance, identify underperforming areas, and define actions to strengthen the portfolio.
  • Guide product enhancements, updates, and lifecycle decisions in coordination with cross-functional teams.
• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)
  • Collaborate with Sales and Pricing Analysis teams to develop market-based pricing policies aligned with gross margin objectives.
  • Support margin improvement plans where necessary and maintain awareness of customer demand trends.
  • Assist in managing product improvements, change approvals, and product obsolescence in alignment with business plans via the Engineering Request process.
• Support Marketing Strategy for the Portfolio
  • Partner with MarCom to assist in developing and executing marketing strategies that drive awareness, interest, and adoption.
  • Support the development of promotional materials, trade show participation, product literature, training content, and distribution plans.
  • Ensure marketing efforts align with product strategy and business growth objectives.
• Represent the Company in the Market
  • Attend key industry trade shows, conferences, and technical exhibits to stay connected to market trends, competitive technology, and customer needs.
  • Present papers or seminars as appropriate to promote products and build market presence.
• Serve as an Internal Resource
  • Provide product training and technical guidance to sales, support, and cross-functional partners.
  • Ensure teams are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively position and support the product line.

Requirements

This role requires a blend of strategic thinking, technical fluency, and strong interpersonal skills. Successful candidates typically demonstrate:

• Strong project management—able to coordinate cross-functional teams and move initiatives forward.
• Customer-facing confidence—skilled at building relationships and understanding customer needs.
• Analytical mindset—comfortable with data-driven decision-making, competitive evaluation, and market analysis.
• Business acumen—understands pricing, margin dynamics, and portfolio performance.
• Collaboration—works effectively across teams to achieve shared objectives.
• Ability to execute—willingness to operate hands-on and directly contribute to deliverables.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Marketing, Business, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of product management experience in a technical, hardware-oriented field.
  • Demonstrated familiarity with hardware product development and product lifecycle management.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Background in water treatment, measurement, or distribution segments.
  • Experience in water or adjacent water technology markets.

15-20% travel required.

Core Competencies

• Work Standards: Sets high performance expectations for self; assumes accountability for completing assignments.
• Initiative: Takes prompt, proactive action to achieve results.
• Communication: Conveys information clearly and concisely; listens actively to others.
• Collaboration: Works effectively across teams to achieve shared goals.

Benefits

• Competitive pay with annual bonus eligibility and pay increases.
• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental coverage.
• 15 days Paid Time Off + 11 paid holidays.
• Two ways to save for retirement:
  • Badger Meter contributes 25 cents for every dollar you contribute to the plan, up to 7% of your eligible compensation.
  • The company also contributes 5% of your eligible compensation to your Defined Contribution account annually.
• Access to a certified financial planner at no cost.
• Employer-paid benefits including:
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Basic Group Life Insurance.
  • Short Term Disability.
• Educational Assistance—tuition reimbursement up to $5,250.
• Voluntary benefits including:
  • Additional Life Insurance.
  • Long Term Disability.
  • Accident and Critical Illness coverage.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.