Manager, Market Product Management

SICK is one of the world’s leading solutions providers for sensor-based applications in the industrial sector. Founded in 1946 by Dr.-Ing. e. h. Erwin Sick, the company with headquarters in Waldkirch im Breisgau near Freiburg ranks among the technological market leaders. With more than 50 subsidiaries and equity investments as well as numerous agencies, SICK maintains a presence around the globe. SICK has more than 11,000 employees worldwide and a group revenue of around EUR 2 billion (fiscal year 2021).

From factory automation to logistics automation and process automation, SICK’s sensor solutions are keeping industry moving. As a technology and market leader, SICK provides sensor intelligence and application solutions that create the perfect basis for controlling processes securely and efficiently, protecting individuals from accidents, and preventing damage to the environment.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for the overall market success of SICK’s portfolio throughout the entire product lifecycle. Primary responsibilities include providing the highest level of product knowledge, product positioning, and marketing expertise to SICK's joint and collaborative selling teams, SICK customers. Create and improve SICK's competitive advantage and process efficiencies to consistently build profitable revenue growth and increase market share in assigned portfolio. This position is also responsible for the work direction and supervisory oversight of assigned resources.

This position exhibits expert product management competency in the four pillars:

1) Technical - Technical competency in assigned portfolio.

2) Commercial, Tools - Commercial engagement utilizing common tools(CRM, SalesPro) in assigned portfolio.

3) Collaboration - Collaboration within the SICK, Inc. North American subsidiary and with the broader SICK Group in assigned portfolio.

4) Business - Business competence and full ownership of revenue and margin, budget, and forecast commitments in assigned portfolio.

The Enhanced Product Management Process consists of six areas:

1) Strategic Assessment

2) Midterm & Budget Planning

3) Product Development Process

4) Product Launch Process

5) Product Lifecycle

6) Product Phase Out

(*) Note: Market Product Management is primarily involved in all areas of the Enhanced Product Management Process.

Work Direction and Supervisory Oversight Responsibilities:

• Provide work direction and supervisory oversight management for assigned resources.
• Assess and increase technical competency levels for assigned resources via Technology Sales Champion (TSC), promote attendance of Enhanced Product Management training as needed, continue to implement Enhanced Product Management core processes and tools across team, and . Create MPM Career Pathing for individual contributors and managers.
• Coach and develop assigned resources. Live IDPs, reinforce via quarterly IDP reviews and daily interaction w/ 100% participation.
• Implement talent review for assigned resources.
• Assess and grow digital mindset for assigned resources.

Market Product Management Responsibilities:

• Evaluate existing and new business segments, key technology trends, customer and industry needs, regulatory impacts, and competitor moves for assigned portfolio.
• Lead Mid-Term Planning for assigned portfolio. Derive the stratgeic framework from the market business objectives, perform external market and internal analysis, define the strategic objectives and top activities, and carry out financial planning aligned with the SICK, Inc. North American subsidiary and with the broader SICK Group.
• Lead Budget Planning for assigned portfolio. Define the sales plan, costs, contribution margins, and activities needed to execute the Mid-Term Plan.
• Support Strategic Product Management in the development of new products, product adaptations/extensions, and services for assigned portfolio.
• Successfully execute new products, product adaptations/extensions, and services launches inclusive of local customizations for assigned portfolio. Support Global Product Management in launch campaign planning. Ensure and conduct lifecycle management.
• Execute phase-out and end of production for assigned portfolio. With Sales, ensure execution of the phase-out communication to customers.
• Assist in the design, development, and construction of demonstration equipment to support market activities.
• Provide internal training on products, product adaptations/extensions, and services for assigned portfolio aligned with Technology Sales Champions. Support the Training Program Management Office by providing external training as required. Training may be in-person of via WebEx/GoToWebinars meetings.
• Provide product technical implementation support for assigned portfolio with customers. Support may be in-person or via telephone, WebEx/GoToWebinars meetings, email, and/or other forms of communication.
• Engage in joint and collaborative consulting selling teams. Use the CRM system to document Value Creation Path engagement activities ensuring visibility for all selling team members.
• Lead all internal business meetings for assigned portfolio. Implement resulting actions across team.
• Mentor Market Product Management I and II resources. Work with resources on an individual basis to develop skills and competencies necessary for their current position.
• Embrace the SICK culture via the SICK Way.
• Carry out other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or required.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering or other Engineering discipline preferred OR 4 years of equivalent experience
• Expert level of Sales, Product Management, or Application Engineering experience in Logistics Automation, Factory Automation, or Process Automation industries and applications.
• Expert level knowledge in software (IO-Link, SOPAS, AppSpace, Safety Designer), sensor integration, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Distributed Control Systems (DCSs), Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Asset Management Systems (AMSs), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, programming, networking, database management, and cyber security

Other Qualifications:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in order to effectively interface with individuals both inside and outside the organization from a technical perspective regarding SICK products
• Ability to interface effectively with individuals at all levels within the SICK, Inc. North American subsidiary and with the broader SICK Group
• Ability to make complex decisions in a fast paced environment
• Ability to approach ambiguity with creativity
• Action oriented, with the ability to drive for results
• Strong understanding of the business and processes to improve efficiency
• Ability to plan and prioritize effectively
• Ability to delegate, collaborate, motivate and work with others within the SICK, Inc. North American subsidiary and with the broader SICK Group
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Internet applications
• Ability and willingness to work alternative schedules including weekend, and on-call hours as needed
• Legally permitted to work in the United States

BENEFITS: