Product Manager

Description
The Product Manager provides leadership in strategic product marketing (market views, segmentation, and multi-generational product planning) and platform definition for Avient’s products. This individual is a thought leader who performs independently and has demonstrated the ability to effectively interact and influence peers and the next level up in organizations (Avient and Customer).

Responsibilities

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

The purpose of the Marketing Function is to deliver:

• Profitable growth.
• Gross margin targets as a percentage of sales.
• Gross margin percentage expansion.
• Vitality index growth.
• Vitality GM targets.
• New product launches.
• Engagement of customers and the business leveraging key tools such as situational analysis, sales & marketing plans, the POL process, EVE tools, the pricing quote tool, marcom resources, effective product launch kits, etc.
• Ensures that product introductions support the specialization strategy and meet the launch requirements of the POL process.
• Monitors business results. Initiates and updates Strategic Plan in conjunction with management in each region.
• Establishes clear measurement and management of product profitability, and proactive management of product mix.
• Generates and monitors effectiveness of sales campaigns, advertising programs and technical literature. Ensures products sales records are analyzed and performance is evaluated against sales targets. Monitors product gross margins and profitability against control standards. Reviews product prices, approves price deviations, discontinues unprofitable products, and implements price increases.
• Develops or reviews product forecasts for management approval. Monitors business results. Initiates and updates Strategic Plan in conjunction with management in each region.
• Oversees the development and introduction of new products with sales, research, manufacturing, and distribution. Develops technical literature, advertising campaigns, definitions, specification, and performance standards. Develops, reviews and coordinates product promotion, technical presentations, and advertising through marketing staff and Marketing Communications.
• Ensures customer and Avient sales personnel receive continuous technical support in the form of up-to-date product application technology, training, and problem solving. Develops contacts with major customers and suppliers. Conducts executive marketing/sales calls to maintain customer contact, promotes sales efforts, evaluates
  market trends, and develops business at target accounts.
• Works closely with Environmental Health & Safety to ensure products meet local, state, and federal / country regulations.
• Works with production to ensure product availability meets customer needs.
• Attends various trade/organization functions to develop business contacts and gather market information.
• Supports and is committed to Avient’s LSS improvement process. Plans strategies to ensure error-free work and conveys this attitude in the daily performance of various duties.
• Coordination, support, and participation in the POL process and the situational analysis system.
• Develop and implement the strategic marketing direction for the product platforms.
• Creates value proposition for the industry focusing on the customer and ensuring product quality and consistency.
• Responsible for overall gross margin for assigned product lines.
• Takes customer and market trends, feedback, and opportunities to create technology focus.
• Drives measurement and tracking activities including market size, market share, and ROI.

Scope

• Personnel: May have 1-2 direct reports.
• Budget: Up to $250,000.
• Sales Revenue: Business Unit specific.

Other

Typically reports to Manager or equivalent.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, Supply Chain or related

field

MBA – Preferred

Experience:

7+ years in product management, marketing or related role.

Experience in managing distributor, channel partner, or indirect sales relationships.

Experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders without direct

authority

Strong presentation, communication, and relationship management skills Ability to analyze complex business situations, and develop actionable solutions. Demonstrated expertise in problem-solving, conflict resolution and negotiation. Strong data analytical and organizational skills. Technical proficiency with SAP and CRM systems as well as Microsoft Office Suite

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