Product Manager

Badger Meter seeks a Product Manager to set and execute the strategic direction for its Collection Systems Hardware portfolio. The role connects customer and market needs with business strategy and engineering execution, with an initial focus on SmartCover and Data Flow Systems to support portfolio growth and long-term value.

Responsibilities

• Develop short- and long-range business plans and portfolio strategies for Collection Systems hardware products aligned to customer needs, market opportunities, and corporate strategic plans; forecast performance for assigned product lines and coordinate with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Operations to support lifecycle planning, inventory management, and product sustainability.
• Define and maintain product and portfolio roadmaps for Collection Systems hardware solutions based on market requirements, customer needs, business objectives, and available technologies; develop product strategies and commercialization plans to support growth targets across assigned product lines and brands.
• Create business cases, financial analyses, and investment recommendations for new products, product enhancements, portfolio expansions, and other strategic initiatives; help prioritize investments using customer value, market opportunity, and business impact.
• Produce market assessments and competitive analyses for existing and emerging products; monitor industry trends, customer requirements, and competitive activity to identify portfolio opportunities and risks.
• Attend customer meetings, technical symposiums, industry conferences, and trade exhibitions to stay informed about market trends, emerging technologies, and competitive offerings, serving as a product and market thought leader.
• Manage the product lifecycle for assigned hardware products, including introductions, enhancements, cost optimization, lifecycle extensions, and obsolescence planning aligned with business objectives.
• Determine total addressable market and available market opportunities for assigned product lines; recommend product investments, portfolio expansion, and roadmap priorities to support long-term growth objectives.
• Perform duties in accordance with applicable Badger Meter policies and procedures.
• Coordinate with strategic business partners including Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Marketing, Sales, Customer Success, and Support Services to align product strategies, support successful product launches, and achieve business objectives.
• Evaluate and support strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and technology opportunities that strengthen the Collection Systems portfolio and address identified market needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Marketing, Product Management, or a related field required.
• Master's Degree or MBA preferred.
• Seven (7) or more years of progressive product management experience required, preferably in industrial, utility, infrastructure, connected device, or IoT-enabled hardware products.
• Significant experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree.
• Proven experience managing hardware products across the lifecycle, including product launches, sustaining activities, and obsolescence planning.
• Strong business case development, financial modeling, and analytical skills.
• Ability to partner with engineering organizations while maintaining a market, customer, and business-focused perspective.
• Experience developing product strategies, portfolio roadmaps, and investment recommendations across multiple product lines.
• Strong understanding of industrial, utility, connected device, or IoT product environments preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook required.
• Demonstrated ability to develop long-term product and portfolio strategies by aligning customer needs, market opportunities, technology capabilities, and business objectives.
• Ability to use financial, market, and operational insights to evaluate opportunities, develop investment recommendations, and drive profitable growth.
• Clear and concise communication skills to convey information and ideas to individuals or groups to promote understanding, engagement, and alignment.
• Experience working effectively across Engineering, Marketing, Sales, Operations, and leadership teams to meet shared business objectives.
• Ability to build consensus and drive decision-making across cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority.
• Creativity and a growth-oriented mindset focused on identifying opportunities, emerging technologies, and strategic solutions to strengthen the portfolio.

Technologies

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Outlook

Benefits

• Competitive Pay
• Annual Bonus
• Eligible for Annual Pay Increases
• Comprehensive Health, Vision, and Dental Coverage
• 15 days Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Holidays
• Two Ways to Save for Retirement: Badger Meter contributes 25 cents for every dollar you contribute up to 7% of eligible compensation; in addition to the match, the company contributes 5% of eligible compensation annually to your Defined Contribution account; access to a certified financial planner at no cost
• Employer paid benefits including Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Basic Group Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, and more
• Educational Assistance – Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250
• Voluntary benefits including Additional Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Accident and Critical Illness coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Travel may be required to customer sites, industry conferences, trade shows, and company locations to support product strategy, market research, and business development activities.
• Position may be located in Milwaukee, WI or Melbourne, FL.

Location and Experience

• Location: Melbourne, FL (onsite)
• Minimum Experience: 7 years
• Education: Bachelor's degree