Program Manager

Job Description

Position Overview

Interclara has been engaged to support the search for a Product Manager on behalf of a privately owned, engineer-led industrial distributor specializing in high-performance thermoplastic valves, piping systems, and fluid handling solutions.

The Product Manager is responsible for the full lifecycle of assigned product lines, from sourcing and introduction through pricing, positioning, technical support, and end-of-life decisions. This individual will develop a strong understanding of the company's product portfolio and serve as the internal product expert.

This role works closely with sales, purchasing, marketing, customers, and suppliers to support growth and maintain technical and commercial competitiveness.

Responsibilities

Product Strategy and Lifecycle

• Develop and execute product strategies aligned with company goals
• Manage product lifecycle from introduction through obsolescence
• Conduct market research to identify trends, competitive activity, and new opportunities

New Product Sourcing

• Identify and evaluate new product opportunities
• Lead supplier qualification, including factory visits, quality assessments, and product testing

Supplier Management

• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers
• Act as the main point of contact for technical inquiries and product requirements
• Visit supplier facilities for technical and commercial discussions

Marketing Support

• Define key product differentiators and support positioning efforts
• Ensure technical documentation, brochures, and website content are accurate
• Create competitive comparison guides and application support materials for the sales team

Inventory and Pricing

• Work with Purchasing to set inventory levels and monitor performance
• Set up product numbers, descriptions, and pricing structures in ERP systems
• Maintain company and competitor pricing data
• Contribute to annual price list updates

Customer and Sales Support

• Provide technical support for complex applications
• Assist sales teams with project-based quotations and customer visits
• Conduct training sessions for internal teams and distributors

Approvals and Quality

• Support management of product approvals and certifications
• Review initial shipments of new products to ensure they meet specifications
• Manage product returns and supplier quality resolution
• Support ISO audits and quality improvement initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field
• Three or more years of experience in product management or a related technical role
• Experience with thermoplastic piping systems, valves, or industrial fluid handling is an asset
• Strong technical aptitude and analytical skills
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to travel to customer sites and supplier facilities
• Experience with ERP systems and CRM software is an asset

Why This Opportunity

• Join a close-knit, collaborative team within a stable, privately owned organization
• Work directly with senior leadership and contribute to key product and supplier decisions
• Take broad ownership of assigned product lines with meaningful autonomy and responsibility
• Develop both technical and commercial expertise in a specialized industrial market
• Access opportunities for continued professional growth and development
• Competitive compensation and benefits package, including support for continuing education