Product Line Manager

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $3B in revenue, and employ approximately 12,000 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity. What We Offer: A hybrid in office schedule for qualifying employees Flexible time off policy 401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar) Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options Opportunities for career advancement with an industry leading company! We are seeking a Product Line Manager (PLM) to join our Data Center team. The Product Line Manager’s primary role is to deliver product and market intelligence to AFL with the objective of increasing market share for assigned product range(s). Serving as the market expert for the range, delivering product and market intelligence to AFL, and executing the product, pricing, promotion, and go-to-market plans that grow market share and profitability. The PLM works within the product line strategy and roadmap set by the PLM Lead and contributes to them with market evidence. To be successful in this position, cross-functional collaboration is essential. The PLM influences cross-functional partners — engineering, operations, marketing, sales, finance, and support — without direct authority to align execution behind the product plan. Responsibilities Tactical Planning Prepare and executes the short-term, tactical plan for assigned product range(s) to achieve market performance goals, working within the product line strategy and roadmap set by the PLM Lead. Contributes to the product line roadmap with market evidence and communicates the plan and priorities for the assigned range to relevant participants and stakeholders Portfolio and Life Cycle Management Successfully manages designated product range(s) over its life cycle in the broader product portfolio of the business area in a manner that maximizes the overall return/profit to the company, within the context of company, business area, marketing plans, and operational metrics, and recommends whether to invest, enhance, reposition, harvest, or retire Ensures compliance with quality systems, regulatory requirements, and commercial change process. Leads the commercial input to the product development process including the development of product market requirements and identification of target market segments and customers for new products. Manages all aspects of the product (s) life cycle starting with the detailed planning phase (in development) until the product is terminated. Defines Product Models and Structures. Sales Enablement Identifies the requirements for coordinating the development and deployment of the training, content, processes, practices, and tools needed to support salespeople throughout the buyer's journey. This includes working collaboratively with sales, marketing, partners and other key stakeholders to increase sales results and productivity. Responsible for the performance of new product introductions including accountability for project pro-forma post launch financial performance. Supports product launches, promotion, and channel (place) activity to drive adoption, sales results, and productivity. Pricing Determines product pricing by utilizing market research data; reviewing production and sales costs; anticipating volume; costing special and customized orders. Effectively manages price including list price and customer or project level discounting to balance growth, capacity utilization and product line profitability objectives. Business & Financial Performance Manages the assigned product range as a business, monitoring revenue, margin, and profitability, and taking corrective action as market conditions change. Applies business acumen and data-driven analysis to inform investment, trade-off, and resource-allocation recommendations for the range. Other Establishes a commitment to quality and communicate the importance of meeting statutory, regulatory and customer requirements. Ensures quality policy is understood, implemented and maintained at all levels of the organization. Establishes and communicate quality objectives that are measurable and consistent with the quality policy. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Engineering, Science, Business Administration or related field. 5+ years’ experience in product marketing, product development, or related field Strong project management skills Ability to travel up to 25 – 30%. Preferred Qualifications Optical networking or telecommunications product/industry/technical acumen Product Management/Marketing expertise, including market trends/analysis, NPI process, product roadmap development, product life-cycle management Experience working effectively within a matrix environment and working cross functionally Experience working in a global environment Personal Qualities Excellent oral and written communications skills Ability to work in teams and build collaborative relationships Strong analytical and process skills