Product Manager - Core Business Automation

Job Summary 

This Product Manager II is responsible for managing Phoenix Contact’s protocol conversion, device server and gateway product portfolios for various industrial fieldbus and Ethernet protocols. In this role you will drive product success throughout the complete product lifecycle, from market assessment and product definition through launch, support, enhancement, and discontinuation. This role serves as the primary business owner for these product portfolios, translating market needs and customer requirements into actionable product strategies and development initiatives.  Working closely with customers, sales, engineering, manufacturing, and global product teams, the Product Manager II develops business cases, product requirements, pricing strategies, and go-to-market plans that support business growth objectives. This role utilizes market intelligence, competitive analysis, and customer insights to identify opportunities, improve product performance, and maximize profitability within the assigned portfolio. 

Responsibilities 

• Manage the complete lifecycle of the Phoenix Contact protocol conversion, device server, and gateway portfolios, including product planning, launch, maintenance, enhancement, and phase-out activities. 

• Execute product portfolio strategies aligned with regional and global business objectives. 

• Identify market opportunities, customer needs, and emerging trends through market research, customer engagement, and competitive analysis. 

• Develop and maintain product roadmaps for the Phoenix Contact protocol conversion, device server, and gateway portfolios. 

• Create business cases and product requirements that support new product development initiatives. 

• Define product positioning, value propositions, and key differentiators for the Phoenix Contact protocol conversion, device server, and gateway portfolios. 

• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams throughout the product development process. 

• Support product development projects by providing business requirements, market insights, and customer feedback. 

• Conduct market and competitive analyses to identify opportunities and threats within assigned markets. 

• Develop and maintain pricing strategies that support profitability and market competitiveness. 

• Prepare product forecasts and support annual business planning activities. 

• Monitor product performance, sales trends, profitability, and market share to identify improvement opportunities. 

• Coordinate product launches and communicate product information to sales organizations, distributors, and customers. 

• Develop product training materials and support sales enablement efforts. 

• Manage product change notifications and communicate product lifecycle changes to internal and external stakeholders. 

• Investigate product quality issues, coordinate corrective actions, and support continuous improvement initiatives. 

• Build and maintain relationships with customers, sales subsidiaries, channel partners, and key stakeholders. 

• Represent the company at customer meetings, trade shows, industry events, and training programs. 

• Provide guidance and mentorship to Associate Product Managers and less experienced team members as appropriate. 

• Support cross-functional initiatives and strategic projects as assigned. 

• Perform other duties as assigned by management 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field required.   

• Minimum of 5-8 years of professional experience in product management, marketing, engineering, business development, or related discipline. 

• Proven experience managing products throughout the complete product lifecycle. 

• Demonstrated ability to develop product requirements, business cases, and product launch strategies. 

• Experience conducting market research, competitive analysis, and customer needs assessments. 

• Proven track record of identifying and implementing product improvements that drive business growth and customer value. 

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, sales, and marketing. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable recommendations. 

• Proven ability to make sound business decisions based on market, technical, and financial considerations. 

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills. 

• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders without direct authority. 

• Strong organizational and project management skills. 

• Experience supporting product launches and go-to-market activities. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and business analytics tools. 

• Knowledge of industrial automation, electrical, electronics, connectivity, or related technical markets preferred. 

• Knowledge of industrial automation protocols utilizing ethernet and serial infrastructure. 

• Experience working within a global or matrixed organization preferred. 

• Demonstrated ability to work independently while effectively collaborating across teams. 

• Demonstrates a willingness to collaborate with others, build relationships, and involve others in decision making 

• Demonstrates the ability to deliver results by solving or supporting others in solving problems, prioritizing tasks and resources, and focusing on outcomes 

• Demonstrates self-awareness and the willingness to learn and grow, accept change, and adapt to evolving work demands 

• Demonstrates the ability to drive customer value through strong business knowledge, identifying customer needs, and delivering solutions that maximize value 

• Demonstrates a commitment to improvement and innovation by staying ahead of trends, generating ideas, and advancing opportunities 

• Demonstrates ownership by making decisions, taking accountability, and driving initiatives forward 

Supporting Qualifications 

• MBA or advanced degree preferred. 

• Product Development and Management Association (PDMA) New Product Development Professional (NPDP) certification preferred. 

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred. 

• Experience with Voice of Customer (VOC) methodologies. 

• Experience with business intelligence and data analytics tools. 

• Knowledge of pricing strategy and portfolio management concepts. 

• Experience supporting international markets and global product organizations. 

• Familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems. 

• Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement training preferred. 

• Experience with standards organizations (IEEE, IEC, etc.) 

• Familiarity with industrial automation, energy storage, data centers, or smart infrastructure 

Essential Job Functions 

• 20–25% travel required, including occasional overseas travel 

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds 

• Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods (2–4 hours at a time) 

• Must be able to work on a computer for extended periods (up to 4 hours at a time) 

• Must be able to travel via automobile, train, or plane for up to 10 hours 

• Must be able to communicate effectively in verbal and written English 

• Regular and on-time attendance 

• Required at least three days in the office for Hybrid candidates 

Perks & Benefits 

Phoenix Contact offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k matching, and a generous time off package. There are also a wide variety of additional benefits available including 16 weeks fully paid maternity leave & 10 weeks fully paid paternity leave, life insurance, short & long-term disability, on-site gym access, health & wellbeing center, on-site café, walking trails, tuition assistance, and more!  

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