Product Manager- Chicago, IL
Job Overview
The Product Manager is responsible for the strategy, positioning, and lifecycle management of quarry / mining equipment, with a focus on hydraulic excavators 65 tons and up. This role combines product management and commercial execution to drive market success through data-driven insights, competitive analysis, and cross-functional alignment.
Key Job Responsibilities
Own product strategy and performance analysis
Support leadership by developing market analysis reports and product strategies, including a comprehensive analysis of sales performance, profitability, market dynamics, competitive landscape, and achievement against goals.
Translate insights into clear product roadmaps and prioritized initiatives for the upcoming year.
Drive competitive positioning and pricing strategy
Lead in-depth competitive analysis, including SWOT and pricing studies, to identify market gaps and opportunities.
Define and recommend strategic actions to strengthen product positioning, increase market share, and improve margin performance.
Lead cross-functional product launches and continuous feature improvements
Own the end-to-end execution of new product introductions, ensuring alignment across Sales, Engineering, Service, Parts, Training and distribution.
Drive launch readiness through clear positioning, messaging, sales enablement, and go-to-market planning to ensure successful adoption and sales performance, while continuously advancing product competitiveness through coordinated feature enhancements and improvements.
Act as the subject matter expert and provide technical sales support across the organization.
Deliver targeted product training and provide technical sales support to internal teams and distributor partners through demonstrations, customer engagement, and application guidance to drive sales effectiveness and profitability.
Develop and maintain effective sales tools and enablement content
Incorporate customer and market insights into product decisions
Lead structured customer feedback loops, including surveys, field visits, and usage analysis, to uncover unmet needs, emerging trends, and competitive threats.
Convert insights into actionable product improvements and innovation opportunities.
Identify and build business cases for product enhancements, cost optimizations, feature upgrades, or portfolio rationalization.
Prioritize initiatives based on ROI, customer impact, and strategic alignment.
Qualifications/Requirements
University degree (B.S./B.A.) in fields of Engineering, Technical discipline, or Business is required. Advanced degree (MBA) is beneficial but not required.
4-8 years of experience in product management / support, sales, or marketing in construction/mining industry, equipment supplier or dealer. Field experience will be considered a strong asset.
Demonstrated strong leadership skills with the ability to influence and align with cross-functional stakeholders.
Experience leading or supporting product launches, training initiatives, and strategic programs.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to deliver compelling presentations, product demonstrations, and training sessions to diverse audiences, including leadership, customers, and distributor partners.
Strong understanding of equipment applications and customer workflows, with the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and position product value effectively in real-world scenarios.
Highly organized and efficient time manager, especially relating to optimizing travel and customer/product visits with other work responsibilities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and relevant product or application tools.
Willingness and ability to travel (30%) to support customer visits, field validation, distributor engagement, product demonstrations, and internal collaboration.
Additional Information
Will consider candidates that have transferable skills that meets the requirements of a Product Specialist, or Product Marketing Manager level position.
Hiring Range
The actual offer will consider a wide range of factors, including experience and location.
Company Benefits
Health benefits: Medical, dental, vision, HSA, wellness programs, etc.
401k and/or employee savings programs
Employee time off (vacation and designated holidays)
Employee and family assistance programs
Disability benefits
Life insurance
Employee learning and development programs
Diversity & Inclusion Commitment
At Komatsu, we come from diverse backgrounds, with unique perspectives, experiences and contributions. We believe that our people are part of our shared purpose. Connected by our core values of ambition, perseverance, collaboration and authenticity, we are committed to continually advancing in our support of diversity and inclusion.
Company Information
Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry markets.
Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu employs more than 64,000 people worldwide, operating in more than 140 countries.
For more than a century, the company has been creating value for its customers through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering with others to empower a sustainable future where people, business and the planet thrive together.
Since the company’s founding in 1921, Komatsu has been committed to supporting individuals and communities through job training, skills development and giving back.
EEO Statement
Komatsu is an Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.