Product Manager of Equipment

Job Title: Product Manager

Reports to: Director of Sales, Equipment and Engineered Solutions 

Job Summary

The Product Manager is responsible for the strategic management, positioning, growth, and continuous development of Volm's Equipment portfolio. This role serves as the primary link between Volm, its equipment vendor partners, and the sales organization. 

Supervisory Responsibilities

• NA

Essential Duties

• Drive profitable growth of the equipment business.
• Develop and maintain strategic vendor partnerships.
• Strengthen Volm's equipment portfolio.
• Identify product gaps and growth opportunities.
• Improve product positioning across target markets.
• Increase technical-commercial support available to Sales Engineers and Account Managers.
• Improve alignment between market needs and Volm's offerings.
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies and industry trends.
• Act as the voice of the equipment portfolio within the organization
• Provide product leadership, vendor alignment, and technical-commercial guidance to the Sales Engineering team.

• Serve as Volm's primary commercial relationship manager for equipment vendors.
• Lead development and continuous improvement of the equipment portfolio.
• Support long-term growth of the equipment business through strategic planning.
• Develop and maintain understanding of the competitive landscape.
• Support customer-facing sales activities.
• Provide product leadership and direction for the Sales Engineering group.
• Represent Volm at industry events.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts in practical business language.
• Ability to identify growth opportunities.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and accountability.
• Commitment to safety, compliance and customer satisfaction.
• Analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to provide leadership and identify opportunities for development to accomplish the company goals and objectives.

Education and Experience

• Knowledge of business administration, marketing, engineering technology, agricultural business, and industrial technology normally acquired by the completion of Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years’ experience preferred in product management, vendor management, equipment sales, business development, technical sales, market development, industrial equipment, produce packaging systems and/or automation solutions.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to drive, walk, stand and use computer for extended periods of time.
• Proficiency in using hands, fingers, and arms for tasks such as typing and writing.
• Sufficient visual acuity to read documents and recognize details at close and distant ranges.
• Ability to hear and understand verbal communication.
• Adaptability to work in varying environmental conditions, such as temperature extremes, noise, dust, or fumes, depending on the nature of the job.
• Willingness to adhere to safety protocols and wear protective gear, including helmets, goggles, gloves, and safety shoes, as required by the job.

Company Culture & Values

• A Commitment to Our Purpose (COMMITTED PEOPLE) – Our mission is to serve and build up our customers, suppliers, communities, and each other, guided by the principles of our Lord Jesus Christ. The commitment to serving and building up is easily seen in those employees that exemplify this value.
• Without Our Customers We Are Nothing (CUSTOMER FIRST) – We realize that we are blessed to serve our customers and without them, our company does not exist. They rely on us for their success and that is a responsibility we cannot take lightly. Our focus must be on serving them with as seamless communication and access to products as possible.
• Kind, Humble and Positive (HUMBLE) – These positive traits do not mean being a doormat to others. But when a person is kind, humble and positive it comes through in their genuine caring for those around them.
• A Desire For “Expert” (EXPERTS) – Our people want to be seen as the experts in their specific roles. From how we convert a bag efficiently and with highest quality, to knowledge of the product portfolio, to desiring to know more about tax or human resource policy – the desire for “expert” drives us in each of our roles.
• Intentional Growth – Developing of Self and Others (PERSONAL GROWTH)– Times, tools, and customer expectations change. Our team members are interested in developing themselves and those around them. We know that a stronger team is one that makes our customers and our fellow employees happier.
• Strong Work Ethic (HARD WORKERS) – The commitment to serve those around us is honorable and we respond to this by putting our strongest effort into that purpose.
• High Expectations of Self and Others (HIGH EXPECTATIONS) – We expect ourselves, and those around us, to put in our best effort. When others struggle, we help them align towards perfection. When we struggle, we are open and humble to hear it and course-correct accordingly.
• If It Isn’t Safe, We Don’t Do It (SAFETY) – All people deserve to return home to their loved ones safely and work in an environment where they can best execute their tasks safely. When choosing between safety and profit, safety and efficiency, safety and feelings, safety, and “x” – we choose safety.

Travel Requirements 

This position requires regular travel throughout North America. International travel may occasionally be required to meet with global equipment suppliers. Valid passport and valid driver’s license are required. 

Driver Qualification

The ability to drive a company owned/leased vehicle or personal vehicle on behalf of the company is required. Inclusion in the company’s driver qualification program is required to drive a company owned/leased vehicle or personal vehicle. 

Becoming a qualified driver includes:

• Agree to the company driving policies that apply to company owned/leased vehicle or personal vehicle as applicable.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver license and be a minimum of 21 years of age.
• Maintain an acceptable driving record, as evidenced by completion of a baseline motor vehicle record check and ongoing monitoring.
• When driving a personal vehicle on behalf of the company, must provide a copy of the declaration page from personal auto insurance that shows the policy dates and minimum coverage amounts ($300,000 bodily injury per accident/$100,000 property damage per accident or if driving less than 5 hours/200 miles a year $50,000 bodily injury per accident/$10,000 property damage per accident or the state minimum, whichever is more). This requirement is initially and then annually thereafter.

This job description is intended as a general outline of the primary responsibilities of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities that may be required. The employer reserves the right to modify, add, or remove any responsibilities, duties, or activities as deemed necessary with or without notice. 

Volm Companies is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and other protected characteristics. If you require reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job, please inform us and we will work with you to address your needs.

Benefits

As a family-owned and operated company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family. We offer a strong foundation of benefits, including access to medical, dental, and vision coverage, an HSA employer contribution, and a 401k with profit sharing to secure your future. To support your overall well-being and family life, we offer additional benefits beyond the core package, such as paid vacation, wellness stipends, childcare reimbursement assistance, and much more. We are committed to continuously enhancing our benefits to meet the evolving needs of our team.