Product Manager

15000 Valmont Plaza Omaha Nebraska 68154 Why Valmont We’re Here to Move the World Forward. Valmont impacts millions of people around the world every day, yet they might not realize the many ways. Our technology is helping feed the growing population, supplying the world with more reliable energy and access to renewables, enhancing connectivity in remote and urban locations to create a sustainable future and so much more. Simply put, Valmont is advancing agricultural productivity and reimagining vital infrastructure to make life better. Join a Fortune 1000 company that respects hard work, honors diversity and invests in our employees as we focus on creating the world of tomorrow, today. We are the modern workforce. Are you ready to move the world forward? A Brief Summary Of This Position The Product Manager is responsible for setting the strategic direction and managing the growth, profitability, and lifecycle of their product portfolio within Valmont’s Lighting & Transportation (L&T) business. This role serves as the primary voice of the customer and the market, translating customer needs, market insights, and competitive intelligence into clear product strategies and execution plans. The Product Manager provides overall coordination and leadership of the product line, including product stewardship, market and competitive analysis, and the development of strategic responses to emerging market opportunities. This role balances long-term portfolio strategy with disciplined tactical execution to ensure products are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with customer and financial expectations. In addition to product portfolio planning, the Product Manager leads cross-functional product and project teams to drive new product development and continuous improvement initiatives. The role works closely with Sales, Engineering, and Operations to develop new products and manage enhancements to the existing products. A deep understanding of customer needs and applications, as well as strong knowledge of competitive offerings, is essential, as the Product Manager is regarded as the internal expert their products and market dynamics. Essential Functions Provide strategic and tactical leadership to ensure the growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction of their product line Own product line stewardship, including product strategic framework, roadmap development, and lifecycle management Define market requirements for both existing and new products based on customer, agent, and end-user insights Collect and analyze market data, including infrastructure and transportation trends, customer expectations, and regulatory considerations Develop multi-year product plans and roadmaps aligned with L&T strategy Lead cross-functional product development teams to deliver new products and enhancements on time and within budget Partner with Engineering and Operations to ensure product designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and scalable Maintain deep knowledge of competitive offerings and deliver actionable competitive analysis to sales and leadership Recommend product line extensions, rationalization, or eliminations to optimize portfolio performance Support pricing strategy by monitoring costs, margins, and market positioning in collaboration with Sales and Finance Assist with S&OP to support operations planning Collaborate with Marketing on product positioning, value propositions, and launch readiness Support product launches by ensuring sales tools, training, and communications are developed and delivered on time Provide product management support for international markets, ensuring global alignment and awareness of portfolio decisions Monitor quality, warranty, and reliability trends and work with cross-functional teams to develop corrective actions Other Important Details About The Role Responsible for one-to-three-year strategic and tactical planning for the product line Acts as the internal subject matter expert for their products, applications, and market dynamics Works closely with agents, customers, and internal stakeholders to ensure product solutions meet market needs Travel up to 20% domestically, including overnight stays, to support industry trade shows, key customer engagements, Valmont facility visits, and vendor site visits. This position reports to the Product Management Director No direct reports initially; potential for future team leadership as the product line grows Required Qualifications of Every Candidate (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities): Preferred Bachelors with 6+ years relevant experience or Associates Degree with 8+ years relevant experience or 10+ years of relevant experience Demonstrated experience in product management, including product planning, development, and launch Experience defining product requirements through market research and customer engagement Proven ability to create and execute business plans and deliver financial results Strong cross-functional leadership skills with the ability to influence without direct authority Experience working closely with Engineering, Sales, Marketing, and Operations Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills Effective written and verbal communication skills Strategic thinker with strong attention to detail and execution discipline Willingness and ability to travel up to 20% Highly Qualified Candidates Will Also Possess These Qualifications Advanced degree (MBA, MS, or Engineering-related discipline) Product management experience with hard goods, infrastructure, or lighting products Experience working with agent-based or two-step distribution models Knowledge of the lighting and transportation market International product management experience Familiarity with emerging lighting technologies, controls, and smart infrastructure trends Working Environment And Physical Efforts Work is typically performed within an office environment with some work being done in the off-site sales meetings, and out in the field. While visiting the manufacturing areas of the plant, use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is required at all times. The work environment can be demanding at times especially during the busy sales season or prior to new product launches. Domestic travel represents up to 20% of the work schedule and includes transportation by vehicle and by air. This position requires movement around the office and fields as well as the ability to drive a vehicle to and from the various work sites including the occasional transportation of other team members. This position may require lifting, carrying, bending, kneeling, pivoting, reaching, standing, climbing stairs, handling, gripping, grasping and visually inspecting equipment parts. Overall the physical effort level is considered light. Heavy equipment can be moved with a dolly or the aid of a hoist. Movement of heavy equipment is rare. Benefits Valmont offers employees and their families a comprehensive Total Wellbeing benefit package to ensure their individual and family’s overall wellness needs are met. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, work schedule, or location and can include the following: Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision) 401k retirement plan with company match Paid time off Employer paid life insurance Employer paid short-term and long-term disability including maternity leave Work Life Support Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services and more Valmont does not discriminate against any employee or applicant in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you have a disability and require any assistance in filling out the application for employment email View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr