Product Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Product Manager, Fire Detection & Suppression — Ashland, MA

Hybrid

At KiddeFenwal, you’ll shape the next generation of life‑safety technologies that protect people, property, and critical infrastructure around the world. As a global leader in fire detection, alarm, and suppression solutions, we pair deep technical expertise with a culture built on integrity, collaboration, innovation, and customer focus.

As a Product Manager on our Detection & Control team, you’ll work cross‑functionally with engineering, sales, operations, and marketing to drive meaningful product advancements and influence the future of fire protection technology. If you’re energized by solving complex challenges, leading strategic initiatives, and making a tangible impact through products that save lives and ensure business continuity, this role offers the opportunity to thrive and lead.

Our Purpose

We protect lives, livelihoods, and iconic assets through innovative solutions, trusted relationships, and exceptional customer experiences. Guided by integrity and safety, our values—speed, innovation, excellence, and teamwork—shape how we work, lead, and grow.

Position Summary

The Product Manager, Fire Detection & Suppression is a key business leader responsible for driving product strategy, roadmap execution, and lifecycle management for KiddeFenwal’s global detection‑alarm‑control portfolio.

You will serve as the voice of the customer, translating market needs into product direction, partnering with engineering on development initiatives, and collaborating with commercial teams to strengthen product positioning and accelerate growth. Reporting to the Product Management Director, this role is central to shaping the future of our fire protection technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Market Intelligence & Strategy

• Serve as the expert on customers, competitors, and industry trends in fire detection and suppression controls.
• Identify emerging opportunities and risks; deliver insights and recommendations to leadership.
• Shape portfolio strategy in partnership with the Product Management Director, Chief Product Officer, and cross‑functional teams.

Product Development & Lifecycle Management

• Lead new product development (NPD), sustaining engineering, and value‑engineering initiatives.
• Conduct Voice of Customer (VoC) research and convert insights into clear product requirements.
• Build business cases, pricing models, and go‑forward plans.
• Manage the full product lifecycle—from concept to sunset—ensuring performance, profitability, and margin health.

Sales Enablement & Go‑to‑Market

• Define compelling value propositions and product positioning.
• Partner with Marketing Communications to develop collateral, sales tools, white papers, and technical documentation.
• Deliver internal and external product training and support commercial, technical, and applications teams.

Business Performance & Forecasting

• Track product line performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Market & Pricing Analyst on pricing strategy and updates.
• Maintain volume forecasts and communicate anticipated shifts based on trends or market events.

Cross‑Functional & External Engagement

• Represent KiddeFenwal at trade shows, customer visits, and internal sales meetings.
• Build strong relationships across engineering, operations, supply chain, finance, and key external partners.
• Stay current on global codes and standards (NFPA, UL, FM, ISO, EN, etc.).

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field
• Strong commercial and financial acumen
• Strong knowledge of codes and standards for Fire Detection and Suppression Systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Ability to travel up to 25%, including internationally

Preferred

• MBA or relevant business qualification
• Product Management certifications
• Experience in the fire protection industry (fire alarm or specialty detection systems)
• Multilingual abilities

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking and market insight
• Prodect management and organizational excellence
• Cross‑functional leadership and collaboration
• Growth‑oriented mindset and self‑motivation
• Problem‑solving in complex technical and commercial environments

You should be proficient in:

• Business-to-Business (B2B)
• Commercial building systems
• Critical infrastructure
• Fire detection
• fire suppression
• Industrial safety markets
• product management
• New Product Development (NPD)