Product Manager

Company Description

Ulbrich was established in 1924 and is family-owned and privately held.  An international corporation with subsidiaries located in the US, Mexico, Germany and Austria. Ulbrich employs over 700 people worldwide.

At Ulbrich, we are Improving Lives with More Than Metal. We work hard for each other, our families, and the communities we live in.  The respect and integrity of Ulbrich team members, dedication to their professions, collaborative participation in lean, and ensuring that safety comes first, has created a culture that has a positive impact on the lives of many. We connect with the world through our responsibility to produce critical products that benefit mankind.

The Ulbrich culture is guided by a set of shared values we call Our Core Tenets .   The tenets we live by each day are Continuous Improvement, Quality Commitment, Family Values, Total Company Involvement, and Customer Responsiveness. Through practicing these shared values, we drive profitable growth and success.

Come join the Ulbrich team and become part of a greater purpose and a promising future!

Job Description

Ulbrich is seeking a Product Manager who is looking for an exciting opportunity with an industry leader in the metals field. In conjunction with company objectives and annual budgetary targets, the Product Manager is responsible for the development and implementation of effective product sales strategies to expand product applications, sales and customer base. Specific job responsibilities include, but are not limited to :

• Proactively work and interact with inside sales, territory managers, sales management, manufacturing and general management to build effective communication linkages.
• Participate in product training sessions, regional sales meetings, new product development, and other company operational meetings as required.
• Assist / Advise on the forecast process improvement and technology integration.
• Participate in setting sales forecasts and associated budgets.
• Work with management to effectively coordinate raw material sourcing, pricing, pricing resets, price gaps, and price page modifications based on post cost data and inventory requirements.
• Manage inventory control, forecasting of stock levels, JIT programs, layout routings, and consignments.
• Align pricing strategies and contracts with corporate goals and objectives.
• Facilitate relationship development, lead projects, and communications with key accounts for market / targeted application growth.
• Mentor, train, and advise Sales group on pricing strategies and standard work procedures.
• Participate and coach A3 teams on lean principles, process improvements, and efficiencies to meet company goals and objectives.
• Perform cost analysis on quotations, order entry, pre-costs, and where relevant, post-costs, direct changes where necessary to meet gross margin and profit objectives.
• Utilizing the most current technology (i.e., Power BI) to research, identify, and analyze business trends in sales, marketing, and profitability opportunities.
• Partner with Marketing in pursuit of new opportunities.
• Identify new application opportunities within, or outside of, current capabilities and determine the viability of the opportunity through a commercial filtering process with a focus on strategy and profitability.
• An understanding of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats for the organization and how it impacts the relationship with the customer and the sale.
• Partner with sales to create, manage and strengthen customer relationships to drive objectives including targeted blue sheet opportunities.
• Initiate appropriate steps to resolve technical, quality, delivery, credit or other issues related to customer satisfaction.
• Participate at Trade Shows as assigned and develop appropriate follow-up techniques for contacts and inquiries resulting from Trade Shows.
• Keep abreast of current industry and market conditions, buying trends and competitors, and effectively recommend and take advantage of sales and marketing opportunities. Conduct market research on any and all new applications to support either the addition of any capital equipment, define potential and costs, and to expand our opportunity for business in the marketplace.
• Follow the product development process on all new product orders, acting as liaison between manufacturing and the customer.
• Analyze products, end uses, and manufacturing methods, including customer manufacturing methods.

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Material Sciences, or Business is preferred, plus a minimum of 5 years of industry experience; a strong understanding of competitive and SWOT analysis techniques; strong understanding of metals / foils industry capabilities and applications; demonstrated project leadership skills from concept through implementation supporting cross-functional business needs; the ability and willingness to make ethical, business decisions within the scope of knowledge with the ability to be persuasive; energetic, focused, with sense of urgency; proven versatility in strategic and tactical business planning; a self-starter and independent decision maker; effective communication skills – verbal, written, presentation; intermediate skills with MS Office, Excel and marketing databases; strong customer service skills; a strong technical aptitude; a solid background with product development from inception to completion is required. Travel as required.

Additional Information

This position offers competitive salary and benefits and the opportunity to expand your skills within a company that offers both a diverse workforce and a welcoming company culture.

Ulbrich is an Equal Opportunity Employer.