About the role

The Product Manager leads the strategy, execution, and performance management for the engine product portfolio, focusing on profitable growth and vendor relationships. Key duties include managing product pricing, lifecycle planning, and partnering with OEM account managers and technical teams to support customers and dealers.

What they look for

Product Management Portfolio Management Pricing Strategy Vendor Relations Inventory Planning Market Development Financial Forecasting CRM Tools Technical Sales Cross-functional Leadership Go-to-market Strategy Competitive Analysis Supply Chain Management Product Lifecycle Planning Business Planning Technical Support

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or supply chain is required, with a master's degree preferred. Candidates must have at least five years of industry experience in distribution, technical sales, or product management, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Full description

Product Manager, Engines

Reports To: Sr. Director, Vendor Relations and OEM Sales

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Columbus, OH (Hybrid) or Greensboro, NC (Hybrid)

Position Summary:

The Product Manager leads strategy, execution, and performance management for Gardner’s engine product portfolio. This role develops product line plans, manages vendor relationships, supports category marketing, and partners cross-functionally to drive profitable growth.

The Product Manager must have a strong understanding of pricing, cost, margins, inventory planning, competitive positioning, and product line profitability while serving as a trusted resource for customers, dealers, sales teams, and internal departments.

Job Role/Responsibilities:

Product Expertise & Portfolio Management

Serve as Gardner’s subject matter expert for the Rehlko small gasoline engine product line.
Maintain strong knowledge of engine specifications, applications, emissions requirements, accessories, and competitive offerings.
Manage product pricing, positioning, lifecycle planning, profitability, and portfolio growth.
Lead product launches, transitions, discontinuations, training materials, and sales tools.

OEM & Dealers & Technical Support

Partner with OEM Account Managers to identify engine placement opportunities and support customer visits, demonstrations, and technical discussions.
Collaborate with Technical Team to evaluate customer applications, recommend appropriate Rehlko engine solutions, and support prototype testing and validation.
Coordinate with Rehlko engineering and product management to resolve technical issues and application questions.
Support Gardner’s independent dealer network through product training, technical assistance, application support, and program promotion.
Identify repower opportunities where Rehlko engines can replace competitive products.
Develop cross-reference guides, repower recommendations, competitive strategies, and dealer sales tools.

Business Planning & Market Development

Develop annual product line strategies, growth plans, product roadmaps, and market expansion initiatives.
Identify portfolio gaps, recommend new products, and evaluate emerging technologies, alternative fuels, electrification, and competitive trends.
Lead annual business planning with Rehlko and identify joint growth opportunities.

Financial, Inventory & Supply Chain Management

Own revenue, margin, growth objectives, forecasts, pricing actions, and product line performance tracking.
Partner with supply chain and Rehlko to forecast demand, optimize inventory, monitor backlog and fill rates, and support allocation decisions.

Marketing, CRM & Sales Analytics

Develop go-to-market strategies, launch plans, messaging, value propositions, promotions, and digital lead-generation support.
Maintain pipeline visibility, track competitive conversions and repower opportunities, analyze sales trends and market share, and use CRM tools to identify growth opportunities.
Participate in trade shows, customer events, and regular business reviews with Rehlko.

Communication & Execution

Communicate technical and commercial information clearly to customers, dealers, engineers, sales teams, and internal departments.
Manage multiple priorities and projects independently while applying strong analytical, communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills.
Maintain an entrepreneurial mindset, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, supply chain, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred.
Minimum of five years of industry experience in distribution, technical sales, supplier management and negotiations, business development, product management, marketing, merchandising, or related functions required.
Experience supporting OEM customers or distributor/dealer networks preferred.
Ability to manage cross-functional initiatives required.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office required; strong mechanical and technical aptitude preferred.

Other Requirements:

A valid driver's license and the ability to travel up to 25% of the time may be required