Title:  Lead, Product Manager

Lead, Product Manager

Reference #38078

Hamilton, Ontario

About L3HARRIS WESCAM 

As a subsidiary of L3Harris Technologies and within the Integrated Mission Systems Segment, the WESCAM division develops the most advanced optical sensor and targeting systems for global defense and military sectors, National Security, Search & Rescue and Airborne law enforcement agencies. From long-range covert surveillance missions to search and rescue operations, our MX-series systems, and the mission systems solutions they are a part of, produce stabilized high-magnification electro-optical and infrared images from airborne, marine and ground based platforms, enabling our customers to see first and act first.

About the Role

The Lead, Product Manager is responsible for managing the cost and schedule requirements of a physical product line offering through all phases from proposal to distribution. Analyzes and guides product enhancements, integrating the work of engineering, manufacturing, marketing, sales, and service functions for new product offerings. Plans, prepares, and presents product introduction strategies. Provides product consultation during the design stage. Participates in the marketing, forecasting and financial aspects of the product offering. Provides strategic product consultation to field personnel and customers during the early life cycle of new offerings. Manages offering through each phase of the product lifecycle. The role will be on-site and requires international travel.

Primary Responsibilities 

• Lead the planning, delivery, and support of a WESCAM physical product line(s) through the entire product lifecycle; act as SME and point-of-contact for internal stakeholders
• Accountable for product line profitability; identify and drive changes to maximize contribution margin
• Define Pricebook product configurations and options
• Approve scope of work, budget, and timeline for new product introduction (NPI) projects related to their product line
• Generate NPI Project SOW with top level requirements
• Work cross-functionally to drive on-time completion
• Review and approve budget variance and scope of work changes
• Consult to help make key decisions and solve difficult problems
• Develop and manage plans for market introduction and production cut-in of new products/features
• Develop and manage plans for SKU rationalization, end-of-life, and supersession of current products/features
• Engage and align stakeholders; communicate product lifecycle plans; adjust based on inputs and changing conditions
• Provide technical sales support to BD as needed to capture new business
• Support major bids by proposing the appropriate product offering, developing/reviewing the technical write-up and compliance matrix
• Lead discussions on product related topics during internal bid reviews and customer briefings
• Identify risks and opportunities, and provide mitigation strategies
• Approve bids for non-standard products or that include exceptions from the Pricebook
• Review and approve NRE estimates for bids that require custom development
• Create white papers to explain new technologies, support export, or respond to customer inquiries
• Train Business Development staff on new product features
• Provide inputs to and approval of marketing collateral
• Identify need and provide justification to acquire new Demo assets.

Required Capabilities

• Strategic planning to align product line objectives with the overall business strategy, considering factors such as market trends, competitive landscape, and long-term goals.
• Customer focused approach, intent on understanding customer needs and preferences to maximize the product’s value proposition and achieve customer satisfaction.
• Solid understanding of business case fundamentals, including cost structures, revenue forecasts, profit margins, and metrics such as return on investment (ROI) and net present value (NPV).
• Analytical skills to assess the performance of product strategies and initiatives to make data-driven decisions using financial metrics, market research, and other relevant data.
• Able to assess and manage risks across a wide spectrum while making product decisions under uncertain conditions.
• Innovation mindset and keeps up-to-date with technology trends relevant to the product line.
• Proven track record of overseeing physical product introductions from concept through to successful production launch, utilizing agile development processes.
• Ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams without formal management role.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary product development project teams
• History of establishing strong relationships with leaders across the organization to get things done.
• Able to communicate effectively and concisely
• Excellent presentation skills to conduct product briefings to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Exceptional time management skills with ability to handle multiple tasks and effectively balance priorities.     
• Familiar with Configuration Management practices, non-conformance management/closure, failure investigations/corrective action closure.
• In-depth knowledge of the EOIR market and products, aerospace and defense industry, and regulations.
• Technical knowledge of the following:
  • Design of physical products to be used on aircraft, maritime or ground vehicles  
  • IR and EO sensor technology and optical design 
  • Laser illuminators, rangefinders, and designators  
  • Digital video standards  
  • Verification testing to military and aerospace standards
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification desired  

Desired Education and Experiences 

• Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience. Engineering or Business degree preferred. MBA an asset.
• 7+ years of experience developing high-complexity products in a manufacturing environment, preferably in the aerospace or defense industry

*This posting is for a current vacancy.  In the province of Ontario, Canada, the pay range for this position will be $126,500 to $176,500 

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