Product Manager

Area Four Industries is the global market leader in the design and manufacture of structural staging equipment for the entertainment technology market. The company’s TOMCAT brand is now looking to expand upon its present infrastructure in the North American market by hiring a Product Manager to be based at either its Knoxville, TN or Newbury Park, CA locations.

This newly created role will be responsible for the product management of a new electro-mechanical product line and to manage its preparation for market including performing market research, vendor relationship management and the creation of training programs for internal and external shareholders.

Area Four Industries’ current nine locations include four factories in eight countries spread over six time zones so a willingness to travel and potentially work odd hours as business demands require will be an important attribute of the successful candidate.

Reports to:

Vice-President – Sales & Marketing

Main Responsibilities

• The detailed and well documented planning and execution of the product lifecycle including gathering and prioritizing product and customer requirements while working closely with all relevant company departments to ensure the successful and profitable launch and ongoing sale of the product range.
• Perform market research to establish market needs, product requirements and to assist the Vice-President of Sales & Marketing in establishing a profitable, yet competitive product pricing strategy and an effective marketing plan.
• Liaison with inter-company group and external vendors including the establishment of new relationships and products to complete the product offering.
• Assist the Vice-President of Sales & Marketing in creating and managing sales and expense budgets relating to the product range.
• Liaise with relevant parties to establish a product training program ranging from initial customer introduction through to service center level of detail.
• Develop, document and train employees in the use of standard operational procedures relating to the safe, cost effective and highest standard of sale, storage, assembly, and shipment of the product range.
• Provide information to customers about the companies’ products and services.
• Troubleshoot and resolve product issues and concerns.
• Document and update customer records based on interactions including managing customer and sales lead information in HubSpot CRM software.
• Develop and maintain a knowledge base of the evolving products and services.
• Help maintain & develop service procedures, policies & standards.
• Provide general office administrative support to inside and outside salespeople, warehouse staff, company management, etc.
• Travel domestically and internationally as required, potentially up to 50% of the time, to achieve the required goals and objectives of the role.

Skills & Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field of study and 5 years of experience in a Product Management role, or at least 10 years of relevant employment experience.
• Experience with MS Project or other popular project management software.
• Experience with common business software such Outlook, Excel, etc.  
• Previous experience with Sage 100 and/or HubSpot CRM and/or AutoCAD an advantage.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask while under tight deadlines.
• Positive and professional demeanor and willingness to manage & work as part of a small team that may be spread over many countries and different time zones.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Additional language skills, especially Italian, an advantage.
• Have a high attention to detail.
• Physical ability to frequently lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Capability to pass pre-employment background check and drug screen.

Compensation will vary based on skills, experience, and location, with a budgeted annual pay range of between $75,000 to $100,000.  Other benefits may include company provided healthcare, 401K match and life insurance.

TOMCAT truss, staging and support structures.