Product Manager - Packaging

A Machinery Manufacturing Client in Milwaukee is looking to add a Product Manager to their team. This beverage processing professional will provide technical and commercial support throughout the sales and project lifecycle. This role is responsible for developing integrated processing solutions, supporting customer applications, preparing technical proposals, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver effective, cost-efficient solutions tailored to customer requirements. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of beverage manufacturing processes, process engineering, equipment applications, and customer-focused solution development.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical resource for beverage processing technologies, including blending systems, syrup preparation, ingredient handling, clean-in-place systems, utilities integration, and process automation.
• Develop complete processing solutions based on customer specifications, production requirements, and application needs.
• Review requests for quotation, technical specifications, engineering drawings, and other customer documentation to determine appropriate equipment configurations.
• Evaluate process performance requirements, including production throughput, recipe flexibility, product quality, sanitation, and operational efficiency.
• Develop and review process flow diagrams, functional descriptions, and utility requirements to ensure comprehensive system designs.
• Recommend equipment, components, and technologies that align with customer objectives, technical requirements, and budget expectations.
• Advise customers on process design considerations related to ingredient management, product consistency, traceability, hygiene, sustainability, and operating costs.
• Conduct customer site visits as needed to assess existing systems, operating environments, and potential applications.
• Partner with sales teams throughout the sales cycle, including customer consultations, technical presentations, opportunity qualification, and solution development.
• Provide technical guidance, product information, and application expertise to internal commercial teams and leadership.
• Develop technically sound and commercially competitive project estimates in collaboration with relevant departments.
• Obtain and evaluate equipment, component, and third-party cost information to support accurate proposals and pricing.
• Apply established pricing guidelines while supporting appropriate project margins and commercial objectives.
• Maintain current pricing information, product specifications, and technical reference materials for internal use.
• Develop and maintain in-depth knowledge of assigned equipment portfolios, technologies, and product capabilities.
• Share product knowledge and technical updates across sales, engineering, and other relevant business functions.
• Support aftermarket opportunities, including equipment upgrades, retrofits, conversions, capacity expansions, and system enhancements.
• Coordinate order execution and contractual deliverables with internal stakeholders through equipment delivery, commissioning, and customer acceptance.
• Oversee applicable equipment modification or conversion projects, ensuring resources, schedules, budgets, and deliverables remain aligned with project objectives.
• Work closely with engineering and technical development teams to support product improvements, new product definitions, and evolving customer requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to facilitate product launches, commercialization, and successful market introduction.
• Monitor customer requirements, proposal activity, order trends, and product-line performance to support business planning and management decisions.
• Evaluate market conditions, competitive developments, and emerging industry trends to identify opportunities for growth and differentiation.
• Provide input into new product concepts, equipment configurations, and enhancements based on customer feedback and market demand.
• Stay informed on beverage industry developments, including new ingredients, alternative sweeteners, changing formulation requirements, and sustainability initiatives.
• Translate customer and market insights into practical recommendations for product strategy and technology development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering or related field
• 2+ years’ technical experience (engineering or sales) with process and filling equipment
• 3+ years’ experience in developing quotations for complex capital equipment
• Experience in beverage processing, food and beverage manufacturing, process engineering, technical sales, or product management.
• Ability to travel up to 30% of the time

Salary of $115,000 - $130,000 annually + 30% Bonus