Product Manager, Linear Motion

Location: Charlotte, NC 28277

About the role

The Product Manager, Linear Motion will own and manage the linear motion product portfolio and strategy throughout its lifecycle. Key responsibilities include defining and communicating the Unique Value Proposition for existing and new products, understanding market trends, uncovering customer needs and willingness to pay, and setting pricing for new products. This role requires an intimate understanding of market drivers from the perspective of end-users and channel partners, with an emphasis on future industry trends.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize market opportunities to drive profitable growth; develop and implement strategic product initiatives and maintain a forward-looking 3 to 5-year product roadmap.
• Define, prioritize, and communicate requirements for new products and enhancements, including features, functionality, and cost targets; partner with Sales to develop revenue forecasts and drive new product development activities.
• Launch new products, incorporating appropriate marketing communication, advertising, promotional, and training activities.
• Establish and maintain appropriate pricing relationships (list prices) between products and product lines based on market value and positioning.
• Continually update the product portfolio and position products in support of the overall brand strategy.
• Analyze margins and initiate actions to improve them (e.g., VA/VE programs, cost reduction in manufacturing, alternative sourcing).
• Provide technical information and training for internal teams (training coordinators, outside sales, customer service) and external customers.
• Support geographic expansion by understanding local needs, technical specifications, competitors, and pricing.
• Work closely with manufacturing, purchasing, logistics, and other organizations to evaluate and provide direction on sourcing changes.
• Participate in technical committees and trade associations that establish technical, functional, and safety standards for products.
• Facilitate product-related communications between functions such as sales, customer service, pricing/quotations, engineering, manufacturing, and finance.
• Compile competitive data and work with marketing communications to create materials highlighting CMCO product features/benefits versus competitors (Unique Value Proposition).
• Systematically prune old/obsolete products, minimizing excess/obsolete inventory and maximizing conversion to newer products.
• Perform competition and position analysis at least twice per year.
• Meet regularly with customers to understand their values, needs, and willingness to pay.
• Manage Voice of Customer (VoC) methods to determine high-value problems using quantitative and qualitative approaches.
• Manage specification changes and renouncements.
• Participate in trade shows, customer training seminars, and other events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (required); MBA (preferred).
• 5+ years of relevant product marketing and product management experience, including Voice of Customer and Portfolio Management (Product Life Cycle Management).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• 30%+ travel across CMCO’s Americas footprint.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of product/program management, project execution, and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively with executives, cross-functional teams, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of products, programs, and projects, driving initiatives through to successful completion.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while meeting deadlines and achieving results.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Team-oriented mindset with a commitment to collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

About Columbus McKinnon

Columbus McKinnon is a leading worldwide designer, manufacturer, and marketer of intelligent motion solutions that move the world forward and improve lives. Key products include hoists, crane components, precision conveyor systems, rigging tools, light rail workstations, and digital power and motion control systems. The company focuses on commercial and industrial applications requiring safety and quality through superior design and engineering. Columbus McKinnon is a publicly traded company with nearly 150 years of history, committed to growth and innovation.