Product Manager

Product Manager

Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

HexArmor® is a leader in developing some of the most advanced PPE solutions for your hands, eyes, and body. At HexArmor®, we believe safety is not a luxury – it's a necessity. Since day one, we have worked hand-in-hand with our customers to deliver innovative and effective PPE solutions to keep workers safe, and have done so, breaking new ground in cut, puncture, needle, and abrasion resistance, all without sacrificing dexterity.

The Below The Neck Product Manager will have an opportunity to oversee the entire lifecycle of our glove product lines, from initial concept to market release and beyond. This role requires a deep understanding of the glove industry, including materials, technology, and customer needs. The Product Manager collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Product Development, Marketing, Sales, Production, and Compliance, to ensure successful product launches, manage product costs, and drive continuous improvement of the glove portfolio.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Subject Matter Expertise: Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of assigned product line(s), capable of educating, presenting, and training others as a subject matter expert.
• Supplier Management: Engage with suppliers to source materials, manage production timelines, and ensure product quality aligns with company standards.
• Negotiation: Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable pricing, terms, and agreements that align with company cost and quality objectives.
• Procurement: Develop a thorough understanding of product cost drivers, track relevant market indexes, and challenge supplier pricing using an agreed-upon strategy to optimize value and margin.
• Product Development: Collaborate with R&D and Product Management to transform innovative glove concepts into reality, integrating feedback from customers and internal teams.
• Market Analysis: Conduct comprehensive market research to identify customer needs, assess competitor activities, and recognize emerging trends in the glove industry.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with marketing, sales, and manufacturing teams to ensure smooth product launches and fulfill customer expectations.
• Customer Feedback: Collect and analyze customer feedback to drive continuous product improvement and address market demands.
• Financial Management: Oversee product costs, pricing strategies, and profitability throughout the product lifecycle.
• Training and Support: Provide training for sales teams and customers on product features, benefits, and proper usage.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all glove products comply with relevant industry regulations and safety standards.
• Quality Assurance: Collaborate with the quality assurance team to uphold high standards for product durability and performance.
• Reporting: Monitor product performance metrics and report key performance indicators (KPIs) to senior management.
• Material Performance Expertise: Possess a thorough understanding of material performance test standards utilized by HexArmor, with the ability to teach and present confidently on their application, calculations, and implications of results.
• Competitive Analysis: Maintain in-depth knowledge of HexArmor's competitors' product lines, understanding their strengths and weaknesses in relation to HexArmor.
• HexFactory Production: As needed, support the design of SuperFabric arm and body products using CAD, identify raw material components, coordinate with production to develop finished goods, and maintain bill of materials and alteration programs.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree: degree in Business, Engineering, Sciences, or Design preferred

Qualifications

• 3-7 years relevant work experience
• Experience in assortment management, including analyzing sales data, product lifecycle management and optimizing product portfolios.
• Proficient in purchasing negotiations with international suppliers, particularly in Asian markets.
• Expertise in supporting sales teams as a product expert, providing insights and guidance.
• Proven project management experience, serving as a link between R&D, Product Development, Marketing, Sales and Production
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems and processes, including managing product data and coordinating cross-functional workflows from concept through end of life.
• 5-10% travel to domestic customers and international partner facilities
• Efficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications
• Knowledge and experience in Adobe Creative Suite are a plus
• CAD experience would be a nice to have

Compensation

• Base plus bonus

HexArmor is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

At HexArmor, we believe diversity in people and ideas makes us stronger. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse employee workforce honoring people's experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds. As one HexArmor community, we strive to create and maintain a working environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and impartial. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know.

** Employment offers are contingent upon an E-Verify check and the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check **