Spec Ops Tools is seeking a Senior Product Manager to own the end-to-end lifecycle of its hand tool lines, guiding strategy from concept through launch and ongoing market performance. This hybrid role, based in North Kingstown, RI, calls for close collaboration with R&D, engineering, sourcing, supply chain, marketing, and sales to deliver profitable growth while advancing a mission-driven company that supports veterans and first responders.
Responsibilities
- Own the full profit and loss for all assigned product lines, including revenue, gross margin, product cost, and category profitability targets.
- Develop and manage the annual operating plan for assigned categories, covering sales forecasts, margin targets, and investment prioritization.
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- Lead the creation of a comprehensive 3-year product roadmap for hand tool categories, grounded in market analysis, competitive intelligence, consumer insights, and retailer input.
- Conduct situational assessments, portfolio reviews, and competitive benchmarking to define strategic priorities and white space opportunities.
- Set the product vision for assigned lines and align the organization around the roadmap and go-to-market strategy.
- Lead cross-functional agile development teams across R&D, engineering, sourcing, supply chain, marketing, legal, and sales through the full product development lifecycle.
- Partner with international engineering and manufacturing teams on product design, tooling, production readiness, and quality assurance.
- Manage development timelines, stage-gate reviews, and critical-path milestones to ensure on-time, on-cost launches.
- Design and lead end-user research programs to build deep category expertise and understand professional tradespeople’s needs and usage behaviors.
- Translate consumer insights and market data into actionable product requirements, positioning decisions, and commercial strategies.
- Maintain awareness of competitive dynamics, category trends, and retail landscape shifts that could affect the lines.
- Develop and present strategic product and commercial plans to major retail partners including Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, and other distributors.
- Collaborate with the field sales team to drive product placement, promotional programs, and category performance at key accounts.
- Lead pricing strategy for assigned lines, balancing market competitiveness with target margins.
- Develop and execute promotional programs across retail channels and customers, including design, merchandising concepts, pricing, and digital/in-store advertising.
- Plan and oversee trade shows and industry events, including booth staffing and partner engagement, to build brand awareness and key relationships.
- Create world-class marketing and sales content for new launches, including packaging, imagery, video, merchandising, and digital assets.
- Partner with marketing to devise integrated launch plans spanning retail, eCommerce, digital, and PR channels.
- Monitor post-launch performance, including sell-through, returns, and customer feedback, and implement corrective actions as needed.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Engineering, or a related field; MBA strongly preferred.
- Minimum of 3 years’ direct experience in consumer product management, product marketing, or product engineering for physical/durable goods, with a preference for hand tools, hardware, sporting goods, or related categories.
- Hands-on experience with tangible goods (not software/digital products) is required.
- Proven track record of launching new products and managing lines in major retail environments (home center, hardware, mass, or club channels preferred).
- Experience working with international suppliers and manufacturing partners.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25% of the time.
- Willingness to coordinate with international engineering and manufacturing partners during non-standard hours as needed.
- Military experience is a strong plus.
Technologies
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Teams
Benefits
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Skills & Competencies
- Proven ability to own and manage a product P&L with direct accountability for revenue, margin, and growth.
- Strategic thinker who translates market dynamics and business objectives into an actionable product vision.
- Seasoned cross-functional leader able to drive alignment across R&D, sales, marketing, supply chain, and finance.
- Strong financial acumen; capable of analyzing and presenting data to executives and retail partners.
- Deep understanding of physical product development, global sourcing, and manufacturing.
- World-class communication, presentation, and stakeholder-management skills.
- Bias for action, accountability, and a hands-on ownership mindset.
- Passion for tools, the trades, and Spec Ops Tools’ mission to support veterans and first responders.
Why Spec Ops Tools
You will not inherit someone else’s roadmap. This is a young, fast-moving brand that competes with larger players through grit, product quality, and a mission that matters. You will have real ownership, direct access to executives, and room to craft the best work of your career while contributing to something meaningful.
The Opportunity
At Spec Ops Tools, you’ll help shape a growing business with significant ownership and a clear path to impact. The role offers the chance to build alongside a driven team and to contribute to products that empower professionals while supporting veterans and first responders through the company’s foundation partnerships.
Compensation and Benefits
- Base salary: $75,000 to $105,000, commensurate with experience
- Performance bonus eligibility
- 401(k) with company match
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
- Generous PTO and parental leave
- Clear advancement opportunities for those who build
The Culture
The culture at Spec Ops Tools centers on freedom, honesty, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We hire owners who push boundaries, communicate candidly, and hold themselves to high standards, celebrating wins together. Our work supports veterans and first responders through foundation partnerships, a core reason we show up every day. Expect flexible schedules, a casual dress code, authentic team events, and leadership that remains approachable.
The Workspace
- Quonset Business Park headquarters in North Kingstown, RI, designed for creative collaboration
- Comfortable lounges and breakout areas
- Adjustable sit-stand desks throughout
- Fully stocked gourmet kitchen with beer on tap
- Outdoor quad near a scenic bike path leading to the beach
Job Details
- Role: Product Manager
- Type: Full-Time
- Location: North Kingstown, RI 02852
- Work arrangement: Hybrid — Monday through Thursday in office, Friday remote
- Schedule: Monday through Friday
- Compensation: $75,000 to $105,000 (commensurate with experience)
Education
Bachelor's degree preferred
Experience
3 years in product development and product marketing is preferred
Willingness to Travel
25% travel required
Work Location
Hybrid remote in North Kingstown, RI 02852
