Sr. Product Manager

Senior Product Manager Purpose The Senior Product Manager is responsible for the strategy, roadmap, and feature definition of all CKE Solid Keys products. They will be responsible for bringing new product lines to B2B and retail channels in an engaging, functional way, while opening up fresh distribution channels by collaborating with departments across the company.

Summary The Senior Product Manager bridges market opportunity with product definition that meets customer needs, driving new product introduction from early ideation through engineering development to successful commercial launch.

Reporting to the VP Technology, this role owns the product strategy, roadmaps, and feature definition for all CKE Solutions. The role partners closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Marketing/Sales, and Executive Leadership to define product roadmaps, validate technical specifications, and deliver innovative, high-margin solutions.

Duties Critical to Success

• Product Definition

• Starting with customer requirements, define product functional specifications for the R&D, marketing and sales teams.

• Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to define market size, pricing strategies through competitive analysis and volume forecasting.

• Program Scoping

• Partner closely with R&D and Sales teams to define product technical specifications, technical and commercialization risk mitigation strategies, proof-of-concept MVP demonstrations with success criteria.

• Collaborate with the R&D team to define product cost, program timeline and resources needed for program execution.

• Own the customer-value proposition, feature trade-offs, business case ROI evaluation and present to the executive leadership team for approval.

• Program Execution

• Responsible for leading cross-functional aspects of new product introduction through the full lifecycle (ideation, prototype testing, final build, packaging, and launch) using project tracking platforms.

• Manage the product launch including hosting associated Product Launch Meetings and ensuring all release checklist items are completed timely and accurately prior to launch by all teams.

• Product Roadmaps

• Based on market and sales trends, own the 5-year product roadmap with updated scoping metrics, revenue projections, and product cost estimates.

• Present business cases and product strategy proposals to the Executive Leadership Team for approval.

• Product Lifecycle Ownership

• Own the accuracy of product owner's manuals, packaging, and product information on the CKE website.

• Manage product Vehicle in Operation (VIO) coverage data for internal and external stakeholders.

• Resolve escalated high-visibility customer issues.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Critical To Success

• Solid technical background with experience in hardware and software development for consumer products. Familiarity with regulatory requirements, product literature, marketing material, and packaging. Demonstrated experience in project management.
• Proven ability to define product specifications based on customer pain points, develop product and marketing strategies, and effectively communicate recommendations to executive management.
• Strong data & analytical skills with advanced proficiency in spreadsheets, automation and AI tools to manipulate large amounts of data.
• Demonstrated experience in leading cross-functional teams effectively in a matrix environment. Direct experience working with R&D, manufacturing, marketing, sales & commercial teams.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with strong cross-functional negotiation, project management, and executive presentation skills.

Deliverables

• Product specification of new products shared with engineering and marketing teams.
• Business case based on program scope, ROI calculations presented to executive leadership teams for approval.
• Enable on-time product launch by leading cross-functional teams to meet requirements.
• Define product roadmaps based on market, sales trends and program ROI.
• Ensure up-to-date product specifications on CKE web pages with accurate product compatibility and user information.

Relations To Supervisory And Subordinate Roles Within The Company Immediate Supervisor: VP Technology

Direct Reports: None

Job Specifications, Standards, And Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science or related field. Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, Marketing preferred.
• 10+ years industry experience with a proven track record of leading product launches: from inception, execution to commercial launch.
• 3+ years leadership experience in R&D or Product management.
• Excellent management, interpersonal, and leadership skills required.
• This position is based in Louisville, KY.

Essential Job Functions (ADA-Compliant) The following essential job functions are fundamental to the successful performance of the Senior Product Manager role and cannot be eliminated or significantly modified without changing the nature of the position:

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, or remain in a stationary position for extended periods as required by job tasks.
• Adequate hearing and vision (corrected or uncorrected) to perform job duties, including reading printed materials, viewing screens, communicating via telephone or computer, and understanding verbal communication in various settings.
• Manual dexterity and coordination sufficient for typing, data entry, and computer use.
• Ability to speak clearly and be understood to convey instructions and exchange information.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with individuals and groups in person, via virtual meetings, and over the phone.

Work Environment

• Ability to travel to various locations, including client sites, field locations, or training venues.
• Capacity to work in diverse environments, which may include office settings, manufacturing or production areas, outdoor locations, or client facilities, sometimes with varying temperatures, noise levels, or exposure to dust, fumes, or chemicals.