Product Manager

Product Manager at Arkema in Mulberry, FL, focused on product strategy, portfolio management, and Stage Gate coordination for Crop Nutrition and Industrial Minerals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a regional product portfolio aligned with global strategy and growth objectives
• Perform routine product lifecycle analysis and portfolio reviews to decide what to promote, rationalize, or develop next
• Standardize the portfolio regionally where possible, leveraging regional and global manufacturing footprint to optimize supply chain and sourcing
• Refine service level requirements by product (with input from sales and marketing) for implementation by supply chain
• Approve creation of new raw materials, products, and packaging, and ensure product master data accuracy
• Support corporate CSR efforts, including product development and mitigation initiatives tied to CSR objectives
• Own the NBD process for Crop Nutrition and Industrial Minerals, including determining which initiatives use Stage Gate vs. non-gated execution
• Develop and manage the Stage Gate calendar
• Ensure project teams understand and apply the stage gate tool appropriately
• Facilitate and attend gate meetings
• Ensure project teams use appropriate project management practices for both gated and non-gated development initiatives
• Align support functions with project priorities for gated and non-gated projects
• Establish and enforce minimum thresholds for volume, revenue, and margin with business management to support alignment and profitability
• Coordinate timely preparation and distribution of gate packages with project teams
• Develop and maintain product cost benchmarking baselines and analyses across North American Arkema-ArrMaz sites and competitors globally, in collaboration with regional counterparts
• Propose and implement cost optimization projects, including qualification of new raw materials and suppliers, make vs. buy decisions, and technology and process improvements
• Liaise with functions as needed to execute plans, including DAMPE, R&D, Operations, and Supply Chain
• Own disposition decisions for non-performing stocks and support inventory management through proactive and reactive initiatives

Requirements

• BS in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain and/or Chemical Engineering/Chemistry (or other related areas)
• MBA a plus
• Minimum 5 years in Portfolio Management, Product, and New Business Development
• Proven financial acumen and understanding of project valuation calculations
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including presentations
• Ability to represent Arkema with end markets, including customer or end-user targeted events
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Ability to take opposing and/or strong positions when necessary, within and outside the organization
• Capability to manage multiple complex projects in a fast-paced, competitive environment
• Experience with value chain analysis, product and technology road mapping, product segmentation, competitive analysis, and current best-practice marketing concepts
• Cultural awareness and willingness to travel regionally

Job Dimensions

• Product strategy and portfolio management across Crop Nutrition and Industrial Minerals, including SKU management, raw material monitoring, and margin optimization/cost reduction
• Stage Gate process ownership for Crop Nutrition and Industrial Minerals
• Strategic liaison between the business and key support functions for commercial, new business, and product development initiatives
• Development and management of key processes

Margin Optimization & Cost Reduction

• Requires some regional travel (~15%)

Time Allocation

• Product Portfolio Management (50%)
• Stage Gate Coordination (30%)
• Margin Optimization & Cost Reduction (20%)