We are seeking an experienced and customer-focused Product Line Manager to lead high-temperature processing operations for carbon and ceramic materials. This role involves managing key customer relationships, ensuring high-quality standards, and driving operational excellence. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including planning, production, quality, and engineering, to deliver high-value solutions and foster continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Customer Management
Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned customers, understanding their needs, priorities, and specifications.
Ensure customer satisfaction through effective communication, timely issue resolution, and regular updates.
2. Sales Budget & Strategy
Manage and meet the annual sales budget for furnace services.
Prepare bids, pricing strategies, and customer proposals.
Provide technical expertise during customer visits to align expectations and drive business growth.
3. Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning (SIOP)
Lead the SIOP process and manage Product Line review meetings.
Enhance product line forecasting using statistical models, AI tools, and market trends.
Collaborate with sales and marketing to incorporate customer activities into forecasts.
Optimize furnace capacity by balancing production and development needs.
Coordinate production schedules with inventory levels and ensure timely communication of changes.
4. Inventory Management
Coordinate with planning, receiving, and shipping to optimize inventory levels.
Implement strategies to improve lead times and customer fulfillment rates.
Identify and mitigate risks associated with slow-moving or obsolete inventory.
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work with finance, marketing, and operations teams for cohesive planning.
Provide analytical support for decision-making in production planning and product lifecycle management.
6. Data Analysis & Reporting
Analyze sales data, market trends, and customer insights to refine forecasting models.
Present insights to senior management to guide strategic decision-making.
Leverage ERP software for efficient planning, reporting, and tracking of key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery, customer satisfaction, and defect rates.
7. Market Insights & Trade Shows
Stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies in high-temperature material processing.
Attend industry trade shows to promote the company, build relationships, and generate business opportunities.
8. Technical Coordination
Collaborate with engineering and production teams to optimize furnace configurations and temperature cycles.
Oversee customer projects from initiation to final delivery, ensuring timely execution and customer satisfaction.
9. Quality Assurance
Partner with quality teams to implement and maintain high-quality standards.
Ensure processed materials meet or exceed customer requirements.
10. Continuous Improvement
Identify opportunities for operational improvements and cost reductions.
Work with operations and engineering to implement best practices and process improvements.
Qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Engineering, or a related field. MBA or relevant master's degree is a plus.
Experience:
Minimum of 5 years in product line management, customer account management, or related roles (preferably in industrial or manufacturing settings such as aerospace or automotive).
Technical Expertise:
Strong understanding of high-temperature processing, furnaces, and materials science, particularly with carbon and ceramic materials.
Customer Management:
Proven experience managing high-value customer accounts, preferably in a B2B industrial environment.
Collaboration:
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across functions to drive projects forward and meet customer expectations.
Skills:
Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency in MS Office and ERP systems; familiarity with project management tools is a plus.
Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
Other:
U.S. Citizenship required.
Key Competencies:
Customer-Focused: Ability to engage directly with customers in Purchasing, Engineering, and Operations.
Forecasting & Analytical Skills: Expertise in statistical methods and tools for accurate forecasting.
Communication & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to work across functions in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Project Management: Ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to identifying issues and creating solutions within the product line planning process.
Attention to Detail: Highly organized, with a focus on ensuring data accuracy and consistency.