Product Manager - Retail

Job Description:

Are you an experienced Product Manager excited by shaping products that stand out in crowded retail aisles and digital marketplaces?

Miller Electric, an ITW company, is seeking a Product Manager- Retail to join our team in Appleton, WI supporting the Hobart brand. In this role, you will own the full product life cycle of a key set of welding solutions while driving growth through strategic partnerships with retailers’ brick and mortar locations and e-commerce channels. You’ll collaborate closely with product development, sales, account management, and marketing teams who will support brand building, content creation, and go-to-market execution. As the leader of these product category, you’ll play a critical role in delivering measurable market growth and performance through a clear set of strategic priorities.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT:

Market & Customer Insight

• Direct and perform market research to define market size, growth and trends including pricing, competition & opportunity.
• Collect and synthesize customer insights (VOC) and competitive intelligence through customer interviews, market research, and channel knowledge.
• Develop a deep understanding of the end-user’s business and their unmet needs.
• Investigate and understand customer/market expectations; define product strategy that meets expectations of customers, distributors, sales and the division.
• Contribute to long range and annual planning process.

Product Profitability

• Develop and execute strategic growth plans for assigned product category to grow the business.
• Improve product profitability and deliver growth through cost reductions and recommended pricing adjustments. Optimize value proposition of assigned category.
• Create and deliver clear, concise value propositions for each proposed product, as well as estimated market potential.
• Make pricing recommendations that position the products to win in the market while maximizing margin potential for the business.
• Evaluate and report on product performance – sales volume, margins, and market share.

Go To Market Strategy

• Responsible for successful launch and commercialization of new products.
• Use creative tactics to communicate and promote new products to both end users and retailers.
• Act as a liaison with sales, engineering, manufacturing and appropriate division personnel to communicate and deliver product solutions that maintain market leadership.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE:

• Technical: Possess the aptitude to understand product capabilities and consumer needs.
• Analytical: Demonstrate the ability to analyze current business issues and end-user needs.
• Leadership: Successfully lead high-level projects and cross-functional teams from start to completion.
• Relationship-Building: Build strong relationships among employees, distributors, retailers, and key end-users.
• Presentation: Effectively present and facilitate in front of groups or varying technical knowledge.
• Collaborative: Act as a team player with a positive attitude, high motivation, and sound decision-making skills.
• Self-Driven: Well organized, aggressive self-starter with a willingness to learn and grow.
• Independent: Establish plans independently with limited direction or supervision.
• Adaptable: Thrive in a fast-paced environment that values an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Communicative: Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
• Strong business acumen. Proven history of successful business cases.
• 3-5 years of product management, category management, brand management, merchandising, or commercialization experience supporting physical products sold through retail and e-commerce channels.
• Up to 25% travel required.

Company Description

Comprised of a market-leading portfolio of best-in-class brands, the businesses of ITW Welding work together to provide premium performance delivered through a breadth of solutions encompassing welding, cutting, consumables, and accessories.  ITW Welding North America represents Miller Electric Welding Equipment, Safety & Accessories, Hobart Filler Metals, and Bernard / Tregaskiss MIG Guns.

Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, is headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, and wholly owned by Illinois Tool Works (NYSE: ITW). The company maintains its industry leadership by setting the standard for reliability, quality and responsiveness. Our tagline, “The Power of Blue®,” is inspired by the blue color of Miller equipment.

The company began with an innovation that responded to customer needs, growing from a one-man operation in 1929, to the world’s largest manufacturer of arc welding products. Miller keeps the tradition alive by focusing on its top priority: people.

Why ITW Welding?

Here’s what we offer to help you build the future you want:

• Generous Retirement Benefits – 401(k) match PLUS an additional retirement contribution to help you plan for the future.
• Paid Time Off – 11 paid holidays, 5 sick days, and vacation time to take time for what matters.
• Company-Paid Insurance – Life, AD&D, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability insurance to give you peace of mind.
• Family-Friendly Benefits – 4 weeks of paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement to support your family journey.
• Education Assistance – tuition reimbursement because we believe in investing in your personal and professional development.

At ITW Welding, we’re not just a place to work – we’re a community that empowers you to grow and make a real impact. Join us and build a career that makes a difference!

Compensation Information:

The compensation package offers a competitive annual salary of $85,500 to $129,510. This range is dependent on the geographic location, the candidate’s qualification, and prior experience. We are committed to maintaining equitable and competitive salaries.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.