Product Manager - Ball Bearings

Own a global product portfolio that helps drive profitable growth across distribution and OEM channels. As Product Manager for Ball Bearings at The Timken Company (North Canton, OH, onsite), you will lead long-term product vision and strategy for a portfolio generating approximately $120M in annual revenue, partnering across functions to improve revenue, profitability, product performance, and customer value.

What you’ll do

• Define and lead product strategy to achieve profitable growth and increase market share.
• Use market trend and customer insight to assess competitive positioning and identify growth opportunities shaped by industry dynamics.
• Build and maintain a comprehensive product roadmap aligned to business objectives and market needs.
• Optimize the portfolio using product lifecycle management with an 80/20 mindset, including product introductions, enhancements, rationalization, and obsolescence planning.
• Establish and execute pricing strategies that maximize profitability while staying competitive.
• Lead initiatives that accelerate revenue growth in OEM and distribution channels.
• Partner with Sales and Marketing on market penetration plans, promotional strategies, and commercialization programs.
• Support business planning, forecasting, and long-range growth strategies for the portfolio.
• Monitor portfolio performance, then implement corrective actions to meet financial and operational targets.
• Review and disposition new product requests from Sales.
• Lead the development, launch, and commercialization of new products and product enhancements.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to execute strategic initiatives with alignment across stakeholders.
• Partner with Manufacturing and Supply Chain to evaluate and optimize global manufacturing footprint and sourcing strategies.
• Support cost reduction, inventory optimization, and margin improvement efforts across the value chain.
• Conduct competitive benchmarking across product performance, manufacturing footprint, cost structures, and pricing dynamics.
• Analyze lifecycle metrics, market trends, and customer feedback to guide investment decisions.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and industry developments to maintain a competitive product offering.
• Lead complex projects through collaboration and influence rather than direct authority, building alignment across functions and regions.
• Serve as the product management representative in key business processes, including pricing reviews, inventory management, business planning, and operational decision-making forums.

What you bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or Marketing.
• 8–12 years of progressive experience in product management, engineering, marketing, operations, finance, or a related business function.
• Proven results developing and executing product strategies that drive revenue growth and profitability.
• Experience working in a cross-functional, global manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and business decision-making capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives and influence stakeholders across all levels of an organization.
• Advanced project management and organizational skills.

Preferred qualifications

• Master’s degree (MBA) or Engineering.
• Experience managing industrial, engineered, or technical product portfolios.
• Strong understanding of pricing strategy, market analysis, product commercialization, and lifecycle management.
• Experience with P&L ownership, financial planning, and business case development.