Product Manager - Fire

Imagine working at the forefront of innovation in fluid-flow technology, with over 1400 colleagues across the globe, and contributing to a legacy of excellence that spans eight manufacturing facilities on four continents. Armstrong Fluid Technology is more than just a leader in our industry; we are a community of the brightest and most creative minds, driven by a shared mission to engineer the future and safeguard our planet.

As a member of our team, you'll dive into an environment that encourages learning and boundary-pushing every day. You'll be part of an agile and dynamic workplace where today's solutions are built for tomorrow's challenges.

In this role, as a Product Manager in the Fire division, you will be responsible for the end-to-end management of a portfolio of products within the fire protection industry for the Continental Europe market. You will lead the product strategy, roadmap, and lifecycle management to drive market share and profitability. This role requires a deep understanding of fire safety standards and customer needs in the Continental Europe market. This role involves market research, product development, collaboration with technical teams, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. The Product Manager plays a critical role in driving the success of fire-related products by aligning them with customer needs and industry standards.

Key Accountabilities

Financial Management:

• Develop and manage the product P&L, ensuring profitability targets are met.
• Report on product financial performance to senior management.
• Monitor reports daily (including but not limited to Bookings, Shipments, Revenue, Margin Units, Past Due Backlog, On-Time Delivery, BTQ ratio, Special Orders vs Standard Offerings, SKU Reductions) and execute correction plans as needed.
• Attend regional SIOP calls while monitoring & maintaining (Forecast, Safety Stock, Lead Times).

Market Research & Analysis:

• Conduct market research to understand customer needs, industry trends, and competitor offerings.
• Analyse sales data and customer feedback to inform product improvements and new opportunities.
• Monitor and report on product performance, adjusting strategies as needed.
• Develop business cases for approval to guide the Strategy, Roadmap and Development.

Product Strategy & Roadmap:

• Develop and execute the product strategy and roadmap for fire products (and services).
• Identify market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape to define product positioning.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align product strategy with business goals.

Product Development:

• Define product requirements, specifications, and features based on customer needs, market trends, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Ensure products meet regulatory standards and certifications specific to Continental Europe
• Drive development through of new fire-related products in collaboration with Program Management, Engineering and other teams.
• Guide product testing and validation processes, ensuring products meet safety and performance standards.

• Work closely with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure efficient production and timely launch/market delivery of new products with smooth ramp-up and on-time delivery.

Go-to-Market Planning

• Develop and execute go-to-market plans, including pricing, positioning, and promotional strategies.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and distribution teams to ensure successful product launches.
• Provide training and support to the sales team on product features and benefits.
• Drive the readiness of Marketing collateral and Sales tools to maximize sales ramp-up and growth.

Customer Engagement

• Act as the voice of the customer, gathering feedback and insights to inform internal teams and product decisions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, partners, and industry stakeholders.
• Respond to sales and customer inquiries in a timely manner while resolving issues related to product performance and features.

Regulatory Compliance & Standards:

• Work with the Approvals Compliance team to ensure all fire-related products comply with industry standards and safety regulations (e.g., NFPA, FM/UL, LPCB, ISO, and local fire codes) in Continental Europe.
• Stay up-to-date on changes to fire safety regulations and incorporate necessary adjustments to product designs.
• Drive product certifications and approvals from relevant safety authorities and regulatory bodies.

What Were Looking For

To thrive in this role, you should bring:

Education:

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field
• Preferably a Masters degree or MBA
• A background in fire safety, mechanical engineering, or industrial design is preferred.

Experience:

• Proven work experience in product management, ideally within the fire safety, safety equipment, or related sectors.
• This role requires a blend of technical expertise, market insight, and strong project management skills to develop and manage fire safety products that meet industry standards and customer expectations.
• Proven experience managing the full product lifecycle, from initial concept and development through to launch, market growth, and eventual phase-out.

Skills:

• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage product development projects from concept to completion.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data and financial reports.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with diverse teams.
• Proficiency in product management tools and software.
• Strategic thinker with a strong business acumen.
• Customer-focused with a passion for delivering high-quality products.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on compliance and standards.
• Proactive and adaptable to changing market conditions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• A self-starter attitude with the ability to work independently.
• Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to manage conflicts within various organisational structures.
• The capability to simplify complex problems, conduct root cause analysis, and provide clear, well-thought-out recommendations.
• Team-oriented leadership skills with a proactive approach.
• An ability to communicate openly and authentically in all situations.

Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of fire-related products, including fire alarms, sprinklers, fire extinguishers, and suppression systems, as well as relevant safety standards and regulations.
• Familiarity with fire safety codes, such as NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), UL (Underwriters Laboratories), and ISO standards.

Why Armstrong Fluid Technology?

By joining us, youll become part of a global community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of fluid-flow technology. Youll have endless opportunities to learn, grow, and make a significant impact on the world. Together, we'll build tomorrows solutions today.