Product Manager

Roles and Responsibilities

• Translate customer and market needs into defined product specifications and material constructions
• Own product specifications, approved material selections, and construction standards
• Manage product line plan from product concept through ongoing maintenance and discontinuation, including product changes, enhancements, cost-optimized alternatives and other portfolio optimization initiatives
• Rationalize product lines to reduce complexity and improve profitability
• Lead cross-functional product development efforts within defined budget and timelines
• Support demand and product trend analysis for commercial and operations planning
• Monitor competitive offerings and communicate differentiators to Sales
• Evaluate and qualify new substrates, adhesives, liners, RFID components, and other raw materials supporting Heartland's product portfolio
• Develop and maintain technical relationships with key suppliers to support innovation, material qualification, cost optimization, and product performance
• Maintain product governance processes for specification changes, material substitutions, and product introductions in coordination with Quality Manager
• Drive new product commercialization, launch activities, and market adoption in partnership with Sales and Operations
• Lead the Label Support team responsible for quoting, samples, materials, and artwork flow
• Ensure accurate material selection, adhesive recommendations, and application suitability
• Lead the sample development and qualification process to support new business opportunities, customer trials, and successful commercialization efforts
• Partner with Sales to support customer evaluations, product trials, and conversion of sample opportunities into commercial business
• Oversee customer art setup, proofing standards, and approval timeliness
• Improve process reliability from quote through production handoff
• Provide manufacturability guidance to improve service, efficiency, consistency, and profitability
• Maintain pricing parameters and quoting accuracy standards
• Support Sales and Customer Service with product capability guidance
• Own product master data governance, including item creation, product specifications, material configurations, and change management processes within the ERP system
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of product, material, and configuration data to support quoting, purchasing, inventory management, production, and customer service activities
• Serve as a technical and product resource to Sales, Customer Service, Purchasing, and Operations
• Lead technical review of complex opportunities and support pricing, margin analysis, and product strategy decisions
• Aid in pricing strategy, deal analysis, and margin improvement initiatives
• Serve as the primary technical liaison between suppliers, commercial teams, and operations regarding product capabilities and material performance
• Support management of commercial operations through process improvement, reporting, and cross-functional coordination
• Provide tools, education, and training to Sales, Customer Service, and Operations
• Participate in strategic planning, forecasting, and business development initiatives

Requirements

• 5+ years experience in Product Management, Technical Services, Product Development, Label Support or related manufacturing field
• Experience leading teams and/or cross-functional initiatives
• Experience supporting commercial decision-making, product development, or technical customer solutions

Competencies

• Business Acumen
• Customer Oriented
• Initiative
• Problem Solving
• Project Management
• Relationship Building
• Strategic Planning

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain or related field preferred

Required Skills, Education and/ or Certifications

• Proficient in the use of a PC, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and CRM Systems