Global Product Cluster Manager

LAPP is a family-owned company headquartered in Stuttgart and a global leader in cable and connection technology. Founded in 1959, we are still fully family-owned today. With around 5,800 employees, we are operating in over 80 countries – globally connected and regionally rooted. Working at LAPP means more: this is where inventive spirit and a hands-on mentality meet cherished values and tradition. We offer all employees the freedom to develop and pursue new opportunities. Flexibility and personal responsibility are just as important to us as a family-friendly work environment. We value all our colleagues with their talents, ideas and perspectives.

Position Summary: In a global organization this position is responsible for one dedicated global product line. The function acts as an entrepreneur and drives the strategy, innovation roadmap together with R&D, portfolio and the global footprint of his/her product cluster. He/she owns the business cases of his/her products and projects and actively manages the product lifecyle and ensures the target profitability. The position reports to the Regional Head of Product Management and to the Global Head of Product Cluster Management. The team members and peers are across all regions (AMS, EMEA, APAC) 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities – include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Strategic Product Management

• Develop and implement global product strategies for his/her product clusters.

• Analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscapes to identify growth opportunities, and translate them into new products and services.

• Identifying synergies on a global scale and ensuring a modular product portfolio

• Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, and Sales teams to specify best-in-class innovative products tailored to global and regional markets.

• Align portfolio roadmap with other product clusters to ensure a comprehensive solution portfolio

• Develop a global end-to-end view on the owned product-range.

• Define and manage product roadmaps and supply footprint, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.

• Analyze competitive landscape and implement initiatives to maintain or improve market position.

• Oversee and prioritize product development projects within the cluster.

• Direct progress of key development projects to ensure the attainment of global metrics, the effective management of deviations, and general project portfolio health.

• Assesses and determines core and non-core product decisions.

Product Lifecycle Management

• Actively manage the entire product lifecycle from ideation to end-of-life ensuring timely updates.

• Optimize product portfolios to balance cost, quality, and market demands.

• Drive product standardization and customization strategies across different regions.

• Continuously adjust the portfolio roadmap with market and technology inputs.

• Lead resource allocation.

Cross-functional Leadership

• Set business objectives, vision and strategy for product cluster portfolio.

• Lead cross-functional teams across regions, including Engineering, Production, Supply Chain and Marketing.

• Define sales targets in collaboration with regional organizations and product managers.

• Negotiate cluster growth KPIs and budgets with the regional sales organizations and functional leaders.

• Ensure seamless product launches and market entry strategies by coordinating with regional teams.

• Act as the key liaison between global headquarters and regional teams for product-related decisions.

Financial and Performance Management

• Set pricing strategies and profitability targets for product lines.

• Monitor product performance metrics (sales, market share, margins) and implement corrective actions when necessary.

• Develop business cases for new product development and investment decisions.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure products comply with global and regional regulations and quality standards.

• Identify and mitigate risks related to supply chain, compliance, and market dynamics.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and problem solving; an entrepreneur.

• Intercultural skills in managing international team members.

• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.

• Adaptability to changing market conditions, coupled with a solid sense of urgency.

• Collaborative and team-oriented leadership style.

• Proficient in addressing underperformance and resolving conflicts through direct, respectful, and productive communication.

• Focus on customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

• Technological acumen to leverage modern tools, software, and systems.

• Functional expertise in product management.

• Market and customer oriented. 

• Goal and results oriented. 

• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders globally.

• Mentorship across functions and cultures.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Marketing or a related field.(Master’s degree preferred)

• 10 years of experience in product management with business results responsibility, in the field of connectivity or a related industries.

• Strong knowledge of product management processes, technologies, and best practices.

• Proven track record in sustainable growth strategies with new product introductions and entering new markets.

• Excellent leadership, communication and negotiation skills.

• Experience in working with functional matrix organizations in an international environment.

• Proficiency in data analytics tools.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Up to 25% travel (domestic and international) may be required in this role.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Sporadic travel by car or air is expected, as well as overnight trips.  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

*LAPP is an Equal Opportunity Employer*