Product Manager (Hybrid - Vernon Hills, IL)

The Mom Project is excited to partner with Rust-Oleum in their search for a Product Manager, Small Project Paints. This role is hybrid (3 days onsite and 2 days remote/week) in Vernon Hills, IL.

Rust-Oleum Corporation is a worldwide leader in protective paints and coatings for both home and industry. We offer a wide range of products, including decorative fashion paints and finishes, durable industrial, roof repair, and flooring coatings, and, of course, our famous rust-fighting formula that started it all.

Develop and execute innovative marketing strategies to promote the spray paint product line. Your responsibilities include market research, product positioning, go-to-market planning, and performance analysis to drive product success and customer engagement, with a strong emphasis on fostering innovation in product offerings and marketing approaches. This role requires a blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills to effectively promote Rust-Oleum's spray paint products and drive market growth.

Responsbilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive innovation strategy for the segment, identifying new opportunities for product development and market expansion.
• Work closely with sales teams to provide them with the tools and information needed to effectively sell innovative spray paint products. Develop sales materials, presentations, and training programs.
• Collaborate with various departments, including R&D, sales, and supply chain, to ensure alignment and successful execution of innovation initiatives.
• Prioritize, strategize, design, develop, launch, and support product campaigns.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities and threats.
• Create exceptional user experiences, working with our Creative department to create visually appealing interfaces for tthe arget audience.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure product success.
• Direct market research and market intelligence gathering to ensure understanding of applications, users, competition, and market trends. Analyze and leverage data and insights to develop and formulate category and product recommendations.
• Conduct early-stage opportunity assessment, ideation and concept development for a new product opportunity from ideation to market launch.
• Manage product portfolio to develop and promote new products and optimize and grow existing product lines.
• Monitor and analyze the competitive landscape, business developments, and market trends to identify strategic opportunities and ensure the product offering is properly positioned.
• Developing strategic plans and innovating roadmaps for key product segments.
• Driving new product development activities through Stage-Gate product management and market research.
• Ensuring profitability within the assigned market segments, including supporting the product commercialization process.
• Define and develop product positioning, messaging, feature specifications, unique selling proposition, and pricing strategies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field.
• 6+ years of relevant Product, Product Development, or Brand experience (consumer packaged goods preferred).
• Strong new product development experience required.
• Exhibit understanding of the product commercialization process and documentation, and information sharing needs and protocols.
• Exhibit understanding of retail, independent paint/hardware, and distribution business models.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Passionate problem solver and creative thinker, with the ability to pitch new ideas and be open to feedback.
• Analytic and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to digest complex information and make data-driven decisions.
• Team player who will work well on cross-functional teams, including Operations, Finance, Sales, Research & Development, Customer Service, etc.
• Confident public speaker with the ability to influence senior-level management.
• Travel is approximately 5% annually for customer presentations, trade shows, etc.

From big benefits to small, we take care of our associates!

• After 30 days of employment, you will be eligible for a benefits package that includes medical, dental, life, disability and business travel insurance, flexible spending accounts, EAP, stock purchases and vacation/sick days/parental leave.
• We offer a 401(k) plan after three months of employment with company contribution.
• Associates are vested in the RPM Pension plan after completing five years of service.
• Rust-Oleum offers 9 paid holidays and two floating holidays per year.
• You are also eligible to earn two weeks of vacation and four sick days on an annualized basis.
• Subsidized breakfast and lunch at the corporate campus plus complimentary coffee & tea

Rust-Oleum is an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.