Product Manager

Description

RBC Bearings is seeking an outgoing and driven Product Manager to lead the business management and profitable growth of an assigned portfolio of engineered and specialty bearing product lines within RBC’s Industrial business unit. This role will be responsible for product strategy, pricing, forecasting, margin analysis, lifecycle management, and new product commercialization across OEM and distribution channels. Working closely with Sales, Engineering, and Manufacturing, the Product Manager will identify new growth opportunities, expand into new applications and markets, strengthen customer relationships, and drive profitable business growth.

Job Title/Location:

Product Manager – Oxford, CT

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, communicate, and execute strategies for the assigned product lines to achieve profitable year-over-year sales growth and increased market share.

• Develop, communicate and execute the product line strategy and multi-year roadmap in line with Industrial business unit objectives.

• Identify and size growth opportunities in new markets, applications and customers, then present them to leadership as business cases with clear recommendations.

• Manage pricing for the product line, including the development and execution of pricing strategies and policies for OEM, distribution and quoted business.

• Develop and track the product line plan and forecast, including gap analysis, top 20 (pareto) analysis and performance compared to plan; take corrective action when results fall short.

• Responsible on a shared basis with the plants for driving product line margin improvement, including cost reduction, sourcing and inventory initiatives.

• Manage the full product lifecycle (introduction, enhancement, rationalization and obsolescence) using an 80/20 approach.

• Review and disposition special and new product requests from Sales, weighing volume, margin and capacity impact.

• Manage the new product launch process, from customer requirements and business case through positioning, pricing, literature and sales training.

• Monitor and track industry, technology and competitive trends; benchmark competitors on performance, price, lead time and channel position.

• Spend time in the field with customers, OEM engineers and distributors to understand applications and unmet needs and develop strong customer relationships.

• Build go-to-market plans for OEM and distribution channels, and equip sales and distribution partners with training, competitive cross-references and selling tools.

• Act as the interface between the customer & RBC sales, engineering, and the plant.

• Lead cross-functional initiatives without formal authority, and promote the product line both internally and externally.

• Support the integration of acquired product lines into the portfolio as opportunities arise.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering is preferred; a degree in related science or technical will also be considered.

Requirements:

• Business management experience for a mechanical or engineered industrial product, with direct responsibility for growing revenue and margin.

• Demonstrated success developing and executing product line strategy, pricing and lifecycle decisions.

• Experience in a manufacturing environment working closely with Engineering, Operations and Sales.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships with customers, distributors and all functional areas of the company.

• Self-driven, with a strong focus and drive to meet targets.

• Ability to influence and lead without formal authority.

• Strategic thinking and analysis skills (pricing, market segmentation, business cases, margin and mix analysis).

• Strong mechanical aptitude; experience with bearings, power transmission products or precision component is a plus.

• Experience with industrial OEMs, industrial distribution and P&L ownership is a plus.

• Must have excellent computer skills, including Excel and ERP/CRM systems; familiarity with AS400 is a plus.

• Connecticut-based candidates are preferred; strong candidates in other U.S. locations will also be considered.

• Ability to travel to customers and distributor’s locations, trade shows and RBC facilities as required.

Compensation & Benefits:

• RBC Bearings offers competitive pay and benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K match, and paid time off.

Wage Range: $75,000 - $130,000

• The salary range information is only applicable to Connecticut. This range is the company's good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role based on the position's responsibilities, qualifications, experience, and other relevant factors. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate's specific experience, education, skills, and other relevant factors.

About RBC Bearings

RBC Bearings Incorporated (NYSE: RBC) is a leading global manufacturer of highly engineered precision bearings, components, and essential systems serving the industrial, aerospace, and defense markets. For more than a century, RBC has built a reputation for delivering innovative engineering solutions and world-class manufacturing capabilities that support mission-critical applications around the world.

Our success is driven by a commitment to technical excellence, continuous improvement, and a customer-focused approach. We specialize in the design and manufacture of precision-engineered products that perform in demanding environments where quality, reliability, and performance are paramount.

With operations spanning multiple countries and manufacturing facilities across the globe, RBC Bearings offers employees the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work, collaborate with industry-leading experts, and support customers in some of the world's most advanced and dynamic industries. As we continue to grow, we remain focused on fostering innovation, developing talent, and delivering exceptional value to our customers and shareholders.

RBC Bearings is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.