Product Manager

Company Description:

Crown Equipment Corporation is a leading innovator in world-class forklift and material handling equipment and technology. As one of the world’s largest lift truck manufacturers, we are committed to providing the customer with the safest, most efficient and ergonomic lift truck possible to lower their total cost of ownership.

Responsibilities

Lead Global Product and Market Knowledge

• Maintain a deep understanding of the product, associated technologies and applications where the products are used.
• Define competitive environment and align with product specialists and influencers in the field. 
• Visit customers, ride along with the sales team and meet with sales management to uncover current issues that prospects, customers and the sales force face in their every-day business environment.
• Be a key point of contact for product knowledge for the sales team, participate in the sales clinics and assist with product demonstrations.

Develop and Manage the Portfolio Strategy

• Develop and manage the portfolio strategy to grow market share and achieve the corporate goals. 
• Create impactful marketing plans that offer a strategic approach to the designated product(s) success. 
• Understand special product requests, recognize gaps in product features and options and recommend product improvements to engineering.
• Supply feedback and develop reports to Senior Management when requested.

Create Product Positioning, Core Messaging and Value Propositions

• Develop product positioning to align with corporate brand initiatives. 
• Understand and map the company and competitor messaging.
• Recognize how this messaging affects different segments and adjust as needed.
• Create operator personas and a list of prioritized needs that influence product design, positioning and messaging.
• Collaborate with Product Marketing Management on the project launch tracker to effectively communicate value propositions to customers and the sales team.
• Lead product launch training and support the sales training department by auditing materials for sales training programs.

Apply Business and Financial Acumen

• Prepare marketing plans, business cases and budget requirements to drive fiscal activity. 
• Monitor sales and marketing reports including daily bookings and lost orders for assigned product(s). 
• Understand market level pricing and identify product costs to build sound pricing strategies that attain corporate goals.
• Recognize and select a course of action based on trends and findings, set in motion an implementation plan.

Minimum Qualifications

• 0-4 years related experience
• Bachelor degree (Marketing or Engineering)
• Must have valid driving privileges
• Extensive travel & overnight stays (20%)

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree in Marketing or Engineering.   
• Must have demonstrated product & application knowledge along with proven communications and analytical skills.

Work Authorization:

Crown will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

No agency calls please.

Compensation and Benefits:

Crown offers an excellent wage and benefits package for full-time employees including Health/Dental/Vision/Prescription Drug Plan, Flexible Benefits Plan, 401K Retirement Savings Plan, Life and Disability Benefits, Paid Holidays, Paid Vacation, Tuition Reimbursement, and much more.

EO/AA Employer Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled