Company Description

Bosch Building Technologies (BT) provides competitive and innovative products and services of superior quality that create excellent value to our end-users and customers by anticipating their needs and expectations. Protecting lives, buildings and assets is our aim. The product portfolio includes video surveillance, intrusion detection, fire detection and voice evacuation systems as well as access control and management systems. Professional audio and conference systems for communication of voice, sound and music complete the range.

Job Description

We are seeking a Product Manager for Electro-Voice portable sound, a major revenue contributor for Bosch Communications Systems headquartered in Burnsville, Minnesota! 

This individual functions as an entrepreneur, propelling sustainable and lucrative growth beyond market norms within their product category. Serving as the customer advocate within the organization, the Product Manager, EV Portable Sound, is entrusted with global turnover and margin duties for the product segment. If you are a professional audio expert looking for a role that encompasses overseeing the entire lifecycle of the product portfolio, portfolio management, new business creation, market introduction processes, and eventual product discontinuation, we have an exciting opportunity for you! 

1. Evaluate the market landscape.
   • Evaluate the market landscape and implement strategies (marketing mix) to enhance market presence and strengthen market positioning across the portable sound segment
   • Conduct voice of customer, end-user feedback sessions as needed
   • Provide financial and technical justification for product selection and define and prioritize product development plans. Assess financial requirements to launch products and potential return on investment
   • Consult with engineering regarding packaging of features, cost estimates or requirements, physical/mechanical look and features of products
2. Define the product strategy and roadmap.
   • Manage global product portfolio and evaluate market potential for new products
   • Analyze relevant market trends and identify end-user / customer needs
   • Define target markets and generate market data including in-depth and insightful analysis of competitors, pricing, positioning, etc.
3. Support the Product Development
   • Initiate the Product Engineering Process (PEP), outline the Commercial Requirements Specification (CRS), and provide support throughout the entire PEP for all designated procedural stages
   • Work with external third parties to assess partnerships and licensing opportunities
   • Lead cross-functional teams to create products and manage the product development process from concept through development and manufacturing
   • Ensure product data sheets accurately reflect specifications and capabilities of product
4. Drive the Product Introduction on the market:
   • Deliver product messaging, positioning, features, benefits and USPs for end-users and customers
   • Partner with sales and marketing to prepare and deliver presentations and materials that educate sales teams and customers on product functionalities and features
   • Participate in key sales and voice of customer initiatives as required
   • Create, author, publish and disseminate marketing collateral to all relevant parties, both external and internal
   • Work with internal teams to plan trade shows and create effective demonstrations
   • Attend trade shows such as InfoComm, NAMM, Prolight Sound, etc.
   • Train sales force, dealer and rep firms on product capabilities and features
5. Responsible for the Product Life Cycle
   • Communicate technical requirements and features to engineering staff, approve necessary Engineering Change Orders
   • Develop and manage product mid-life correction or end of life strategies as appropriate
   • Monitor market acceptance, track revenue and profit performance
   • Identify partnering opportunities for complementary third-party products to broaden product line
   • Negotiate contracts and licenses for new technologies or products
6. Responsible for Costing/Forecasting
   • Meet with procurement and inventory control staff to coordinate product build and sales forecasts
   • Adjust forecasts and schedules based on ability to build and current sales activity

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing preferred
• Minimum of 5 years experience in product management or equivalent education and experience
• Must have strong knowledge in Professional Audio industry and experience including (but not limited to) with portable PA, microphone, professional PA, installed sound, studio & home recording and broadcast, audio system design and consulting
• Knowledge of key marketing principles and demonstrated ability to apply them in a business environment, including ability to effectively analyze markets and competition to identify customer needs
• Solid working knowledge of market research, product sales and sales promotion activities
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to take information and confidently recommend solutions and/or options for change based on data
• Ability to grasp technical concepts relating to professional audio
• Ability to work effectively in a global organization serving a worldwide customer base, and to lead cross-functional teams through the process
• Must have demonstrated leadership qualities and an ability to influence others to initiate change in a matrix organization
• Ability to plan, organize and execute to achieve timely, accurate results, focusing on key priorities and effectively juggling multiple projects
• Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills, ability to deliver reports, make public presentations, and communicate effectively with leaders and the sales team
• Strong customer focus; ability to anticipate customer needs
• Ability to generate financial analysis relating to product costs, return on investment, and capitalize on market opportunities
• Must have an understanding of financial concepts
• Knowledge of product appeal to targeted customers when creating marketing collateral
• Knowledge of various distribution and sales channels (i.e.: retail, distribution, reps, dealers, etc.)
• Up to 20% travel may be required
• Physical demands: May be required to lift and carry up to 50 pounds when setting up or tearing down booths at trade shows

Additional Information

• All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
• By choice, we are committed to a diverse workforce - EOE/Protected Veteran/Disabled.
• BOSCH is a proud supporter of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) Initiatives: FIRST Robotics (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) and AWIM (A World In Motion)
• Indefinite U.S. work authorized individuals only. Future sponsorship for work authorization is not available.
• Bosch Building Technologies intends to transform our business and thrive under new ownership! We are committed to expand our business and looking for talented individuals to join us on this exciting journey!
• Learn more here: https://www.bosch-presse.de/pressportal/de/en/realignment-bosch-building-technologies-to-focus-on-systems-integration-business-259403.html