Product Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Automated Control Concepts Lab Owl® is a flexible fully integrated bioreactor control and information system for cell culture and fermentation applications. The Lab Owl Product Manager will work with Customers, and ACC’s Sales and Engineering teams to develop and execute the future vision and growth strategy for Lab Owl. Theis will include evaluating the market and Lab Owl’s position in the market, in order to define product needs, including features, pricing and support models, technical and commercial collateral and training.

The Product Manager will report to the Chief Executive Officer.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

Behavioural Competency: Adaptability, client focus, commercial awareness, attention to detail, emotional intelligence, resourcefulness, problem solving, strategic planning

Technical Competency: Account management, pricing concepts, global sourcing, negotiation, IT support troubleshooting

Leadership Competency: Inspiring others, leading change, nurturing innovation, mentoring junior staff members, exemplifying integrity

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Customer Partnership:

• Conduct market research to collect voice of customer (VOC) information to drive the development of differentiated products that customers value.

• Gain a deep understanding of customer experience, identify and fill product gaps and generate new ideas that grow market share, improve customer experience and drive growth.

• Feature Selection and Value Development – Selects and prioritizes product features and validates with customers. Clearly defines value propositions for the customers.

Strategic Leadership:

• Lead the development and execution of the Lab Owl strategy and supporting action plans.
• Identify new applications and markets, validate a technical fit, and help develop the positioning strategy and pricing structures necessary to maximize sales opportunities.
• Review product line performance and advocate for plans for profitable growth.
• Compare the company’s products to competitor’s products in order to assess competition in the market.
• Translate product strategy into detailed requirements and prototypes.
• Strategic Planning – Interacts with executive team and conducts market research to gain insight to competition comparison and competitive notes on all the key competitors as input into overall product roadmaps and portfolio strategy.
• Strategic Partnerships – Actively explores and develops strategic partnerships and opportunities with other companies, organizations and leading universities to expand the product portfolio.

Product Development, Innovation & Performance:

• Products – Manages the Lab Owl automation hardware and software and become proficient in related software & hardware products. Define, coordinate and assist marketing efforts in customer facing interactions to identify software requirements, feature developments, price estimations for customer proposals.
• New Product Development (NPD) – Evaluates customer needs and new technologies, writes the product requirement documents, identifies external testers, defines test plans, manages all beta testing at customer sites, and collects and communicates voice of the customer (VOC) to executive management. Define the product launch plan and help to develop marketing collateral for the launch.
• Product Commercialization – Responsible for delivering technical presentations to the sales organization as well as to key customers. Tracks forecasting and product shipments.
• Product Lifecycle Management – Defines product roadmap and ensures it is regularly updated. Manages overall product lifecycle including product discontinuance, obsolescence, and retirement, maintaining competitive pricing/margin, leading and executing all Release for Sale product related components, and driving product improvement. Responsible for all aspects of product performance throughout the life of the product.
• Pricing – Using voice of the customer (VOC), commercial insight, and market intelligence, sets price for new products, tracks and manages gross margin for product portfolio, and analyzes product margins against market requirements and adjusts as required. Updates price-book changes in Zoho.
• Collateral Development – Ensures material is prepared and ready for all seminars/shows/conferences. Create content for spec sheets, brochures, customer benefit documents, and web pages. Presents products in customer demos, shows and conferences.
• Product Quality Support –Participates in product quality support process.

**Other duties as needed

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Software, Biological Sciences, or equivalent
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product management and marketing required.
• Understanding of Laboratory Automation market as applies to biotech and pharmaceutical applications is preferred.
• Product management experience managing an entire product line lifecycle from strategic planning to tactical activities is preferred.
• Experience and knowledge of process development lab operations as it pertains to cell culture and fermentation

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Proven track record of managing all aspects of a successful product throughout its lifecycle
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
• Demonstrated problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in fast-paced environment, including managing multiple projects, meeting concurrent deadlines, managing time and priorities
• Ability to operate independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work with calm under pressure and have an adaptable style
• Superior project management skills
• Natural tendency to be curious, positive and creative
• Experience interacting with customers and partners for technical and/or product integration.
• Ability to communicate with and influence technical, product and design teams.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Includes both a typical office environment, with minimal exposure to excessive noise or adverse environmental issues, and 25% local and/or overnight travel. Mode of transportation for travel typically will include automobile and plane.

Position: Product Manager

This job description is intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities and duties required of the job. Job descriptions may also be revised periodically to reflect any changes in the position’s duties and responsibilities.