Product Manager - VLA & TPPL Product Lines

Manages day-to-day product management activities for the Vented Lead Acid (VLA) and Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) product lines within Motive Power. This role supports market analysis, product strategy, product change coordination, cost and pricing coordination, field communication, and execution of product line initiatives.

The position is responsible for improving Product Management execution and supporting significant product line changes, including initiatives such as Cascada, Deyna, Bison, Bolt-on, watering kit changes, battery accessory updates, and other VLA and TPPL product activities. This role works cross-functionally with Engineering, Sales, Operations, Purchasing, Finance, EMEA, APAC, and field teams to improve communication, accelerate implementation, and support Americas-based customer needs.

• Manages day-to-day product activities for VLA and TPPL product lines.
• Conducts market analysis and translates findings into actionable product strategies and recommendations.
• Supports product line changes, product updates, and implementation of key initiatives such as Cascada, Deyna, Bison, Bolt-on, and related activities.
• Coordinates watering kit changes, battery accessory updates, and general product configuration updates.
• Gathers cost and pricing information from EMEA and APAC to support purchasing of offshore products for Americas-based customers.
• Communicates product changes, updates, availability, pricing inputs, and field impacts to Sales, Service, and other customer-facing teams.
• Partners with Engineering, Operations, Purchasing, Finance, Sales, and regional teams to support product execution and issue resolution.
• Supports product roadmap activities, product rationalization, lifecycle management, and commercialization efforts.
• Tracks product-related actions, timelines, risks, and implementation status.
• Prepares product updates, reports, and recommendations for management review.
• Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position may not have direct supervisory responsibilities but will lead cross-functional product activities and coordinate work across internal teams, regional stakeholders, and field organizations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in product engineering, applications engineering, systems engineering, product management, project engineering, or technical program leadership.
• Experience with industrial products, batteries, chargers, power electronics, energy storage systems, electrical systems, material handling equipment, or related engineered solutions.
• Strong understanding of product lifecycle management, engineering change processes, validation testing, quality improvement, and manufacturing support.
• Ability to translate customer needs and business requirements into technical product specifications.
• Strong problem-solving, project management, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities in a global business environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Business, Product Management, or related field.
• Experience with motive power batteries, lithium-ion systems, TPPL batteries, flooded lead-acid batteries, battery management systems, industrial chargers, or high-frequency charging technologies.
• Experience in material handling, warehousing, logistics, transportation, industrial fleet operations, or ground support equipment markets.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, APQP, PPAP, DFMEA, PFMEA, stage-gate development, root cause analysis, or corrective action processes.
• Knowledge of applicable battery, charger, electrical, safety, environmental, and industrial equipment standards.
• Experience leading direct reports, matrixed teams, or global technical projects.