Product Manager

Company Description NAVAC is a global manufacturer specializing in industrial vacuum solutions and HVAC/R tools, backed by over 25 years of research, development, and manufacturing experience. The company focuses on technical innovation, strong customer service, and robust R&D to deliver tools that are efficient, accurate, and easy to use. NAVAC’s portfolio includes tools, gauges, detectors, charging machines, vacuum pumps, and recovery units, all designed for user-friendliness and time-saving performance. Their award-winning, technology-driven products help HVAC technicians work with greater accuracy and ease, supporting a more relaxed and efficient work environment. NAVAC continues to shape the smart era of HVAC tools with state-of-the-art technology and superior quality.

Role Description The Product Manager is responsible for product planning, innovation, and lifecycle management. Starting from define product vision, identifying differenciable product requirements, define product vision, lead cross-functional teams to meet goals. This role involves working with overseas OEM suppliers from concept to production, ensuring alignment with company objectives, and exploring new product categories and technologies. Deeply understand the HVAC industry, customer needs, market space and supplier capabilities are key factors for successful product introduction, launch, delivery to the market and generate revenue to target.

Qualifications

Primary Responsibilities, Duties and Functions (Including but not limited to the following) :

• Define product vision, writing product requirements, lead product development, launch new products and manage full product lifecycle.
• Lead cross-functions in product development by working with various functions both inside and outside of NAVAC Inc. Lead product development activities from concept to final production. Maintain and control product development schedules. Develop and deliver products that possess the features and specifications which meet or exceed market requirements.
• Conduct product market research, including product features, brands, channels, pricing & programs. Perform product teardown analysis for competitive benchmarking. Prepare market competitive landscape reports and issue reports related to advancing the business.
• Own the product roadmap. Deeply understand product lifecycle, from its conception to retirement.
• Work with Engineering on detailed product specifications, technical and agency requirements, product approvals and agency listings.
• Align the product market needs and requirements with Company’s manufacturing, operation, and service support organizations.
• Work with Engineering/QA in identifying best sources for the products. Negotiate and secure the best cost and work with OEMs on vendor supplier agreements as well as other vendor programs as needed.
• Work with Marketing and develop all artwork related to launching new products, including all new POP, marketing and sales training materials to support the Company’s Sales organization. Ensure all products and related materials are currently maintained and conduct internal and external sales training as needed. Proof use and care guides to assure that they are user-friendly and avoid customer service calls.
• Work with Engineering on new product testing, quality evaluation of new and current products, and solving any quality-related issues. Maintain an open line of communication with the factory for all related issues.
• Work with factories to continually look for opportunities to lower product costs.
• Work with Sales, Tech Support and upper management to resolve any product-related issues.
• Maintain constant communications with oversea vendors (Phone, Email, and Videoconferences, etc.).
• Support other NAVAC Team members as appropriate.

Digital HVAC Service Product Strategy & Development

• Lead product strategy and roadmap development for NAVAC’s digital HVAC service and maintenance product portfolio, including smart manifold gauges, probes, vacuum pumps, recovery units, charging systems, leak detection, testing instruments, and service equipment connectivity
• Drive development and commercialization of next-generation digital HVAC service tools and smart equipment that improve technician productivity, diagnostics accuracy, commissioning, evacuation, charging, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance workflows.
• Identify market opportunities for digital HVAC service and maintenance products aligned with refrigerant transitions, technician shortages, workflow digitization, and evolving customer needs.
• Define product requirements, positioning, feature prioritization, and lifecycle management strategies for digital products and service applications.
• Work closely with engineering, training, firmware, software, UX/UI teams and sales to improve functionality, reliability, connectivity, and overall customer experience of current digital products.
• Innovation & Technician Workflow Solutions
• Translate HVAC service technician pain points, VOC feedback, and field service trends into innovative digital solutions and product requirements.
• Lead field testing, beta validation, and real-world application trials with contractors, distributors, and service organizations.
• Explore emerging technologies including IoT, wireless communication, AI-assisted diagnostics, mobile workflow systems, and cloud analytics relevant to HVAC service and maintenance.
• Identify opportunities to simplify technician workflows, reduce service time, improve consistency of diagnostics, and enhance jobsite efficiency through digital solutions and automation.
• Support development of future connected service platforms and next-generation smart HVAC maintenance applications. 

Qualification Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical engineering, with minimum of 5 years’ experience, preferably in HVAC Industry, including 3 years direct experiences working as a product manager. Or 10 years directly related HVAC industry experience without bachelor degree.
• Understanding of new product creation process.
• Excellent communication skills in written, oral, and presentation with ability to tailor communication to audience.
• Results-orientated, energetic, proactive, dedicated, and dependable.
• A strong team player with leadership ability to successfully lead, manage, and motivate multi-functional teams.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and manage long distance working relationships.
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects and successfully deliver solutions in a timely manner.
• Extremely creative and open to new ideas.
• Detail oriented yet able to think at a strategic level.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Travel is required (around 20%).

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5 years experience in leading HVAC service and maintenance digital instrument providers.
• 10 years HVAC industry, refrigeration, instrumentation, or field service technologies.
• Familiarity with HVAC service workflows, commissioning, diagnostics, evacuation, charging, and maintenance applications.
• Experience with connected HVAC tools, smart service equipment, or technician workflow platforms.
• Understanding of UX/UI design and technician-centered workflow optimization.
• Understanding of P&L statement, product portfolio management and distribution, as potential for responsibility and management growth.
• Experience working with overseas engineering and manufacturing organizations in China.
• Bi-lingual, English and Chinese is a plus.
• MBA or advanced technical degree.