Product Line Manager

Marlen, headquartered in Riverside, MO is recognized as a global designer and manufacturer of highly engineered and innovative food processing equipment and systems. Our premium products have long set the standard for quality and performance in vacuum stuffing and pumping, portioning, size reduction, thermal processing, and food handling.

Marlen has been trusted by the world’s leading food brands for 70 years. Our world-class Solution Centers strategically located across the globe allow processors to lean on our highly experienced food processing technologists to develop and test unique solutions for your products.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Product Line Manager plays a vital role in boosting and enhancing sales activities for Marlen’s batch thermal equipment. By providing the field sales staff with essential sales collateral, pricing strategies, technical expertise, and customer solution development, this role ensures our sales efforts are top-notch.

During the opportunity discovery process, proposal development, and order processing, the Product Line Manager offers invaluable technical and application support to the Regional Sales Managers. This ensures that we quote customer-oriented and technically feasible solutions every time.

Working closely with the Engineering Team, the Product Line Manager guides product adaptations and new product development (NPD) according to established procedures. Additionally, this role occasionally involves technical troubleshooting, both internally and in the field, to ensure smooth operations and customer satisfaction.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead Sales Efforts: Work closely with Sales Management and the Regional Sales Manager to drive sales for batch thermal equipment, acting as the subject matter expert.
• RFQ Review: Collaborate with the Vice President of Sales to review RFQs, clarifying and documenting technical details before the quotation process begins.
• Profitability Management: Oversee the profitability of the product line, including setting prices and managing aftermarket business initiatives like spare parts kits and upgrades.
• Price List Updates: Regularly update price lists as necessary.
• Competitive Analysis: Identify and share information on current competitive solutions within the company.
• Market Research: Collect market data to recommend targeted products, solutions, and potential acquisitions with a high degree of certainty.
• New Product Development: Lead new product development from a total product lifecycle perspective and stay updated on technical advancements.
• Cost Reduction: Participate in cost reduction and value engineering efforts, focusing on purchased materials, labor, and design.
• Market Development: Engage in market development activities, including customer visits, Solution Center trials, and coordinating with third-party suppliers.
• Solution Development: Work with third-party suppliers to develop comprehensive and profitable solutions.
• Marketing Collaboration: Partner with Marketing to create promotions, sales incentives, and advertising campaigns.
• Sales Training: Train the sales team to support and enhance the sales process for optimal efficiency.
• Product Justifications: Develop product justifications, including ROI studies and other purchase rationales for selected applications.
• Non-Standard Applications: Research non-standard application requests in close coordination with Engineering.
• Sample Coordination: Assist in coordinating sample making and customer demonstrations in-house.
• Internal Meetings: Attend internal sales meetings and training sessions as required.
• Technical Development: Collaborate with Sales and Engineering to identify and develop technical features and capabilities of batch thermal equipment.
• Trade Shows: Attend trade shows to support the sales team and stay informed about customer expectations and market developments.
• Customer Support: Provide technical expertise and troubleshooting assistance to the Customer Service department.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• EXPERIENCE: 5-10 years meat industry or relevant experience
• 2 -5 years related management or support experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution in a business or technical area of study
• Mechanical and electrical aptitudes along with food industry experience a big plus.
• Ability to travel 25%

WHY YOU SHOULD APPLY:

• Competitive wages with growth opportunity.
• Shared company-paid premium health benefits with buy-up options.
• Company-paid telemedicine (general medicine) program.
• Company paid Long-term Disability Plan and Basic Life and AD&D.
• 401(k) employer matching plan.
• Three weeks of paid leave and 10 paid holidays.
• Educational Assistance Program that pays for job-related tuition assistance, training, course registration and exam fees (up to $5,250 per calendar year per eligibility requirements).
• Company discount program for you and your family (e.g., concerts, sporting events, health and wellness, travel, gifts and more!).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that assists with guidance on childcare, financial planning, pet care and more.
• Driven Team Members: We have a cross-functional, collaborative environment, focused on delivering results.
• Customer-centric: We have long-standing valued customers and differentiate ourselves by providing them with exceptional services.
• Culture: We are driven by our number one asset, our employees, and their successes!