Senior Product Manager

Job Summary:

The Senior Product Manager of Analytical Laboratory Services will be responsible for building the strategy & developing initiatives for chemistry and microbiology services within Certified Group’s Food & Beverage Business Unit. They will provide strategic and tactical leadership in the areas of pricing, market analysis, identifying new segments and customers. The Sr Product Manager will play a key role in developing and implementing commercial strategies and method changes with our chemistry services to optimize profitability and achieve our business objectives. This individual will be instrumental in helping with the review and analysis of market trends, competitive activity in the market and association activity. They will collaborate with multiple departments and help build cross-functional interactions with those teams, including sales, marketing, operations, quality, technical and finance, to ensure alignment and effectiveness of product strategies as well as help align on pricing of existing methods and all new methods. 

Essential Responsibilities: 

Product Strategy & Roadmap

• Oversee short-term and long-term product strategy, roadmap development, go to market and marketing strategies of Certified Group’s Chemistry offerings.
• Review market categories (e.g. pet food, nutritional chemistry, contaminants, etc.) and identify current gaps in Chemistry service offerings by identifying resources, new methods and new equipment that are needed to help grow market share, improve the customer experience and drive growth. 
• Develop and maintain playbooks by market segments (Bakery, Dairy, Meat & Poultry, Spices, etc.) for the commercial team.
• Lead project team in development and management of the brokering and outsourcing of Chemistry services and maintain going forward. 

Pricing Strategy

• Manage the process of cost/ price analysis and development of large proposals, bids or Request for Proposals (RFP) to profitable new business opportunities and minimize attrition 
• Develop and implement pricing structures for new and existing Chemistry and Microbiology service by analyzing competitive intelligence, cost analysis, market conditions, and business objectives that maximize profitability while maintaining market competitiveness.
• Manage and create annual price catalog & customer price review which will be used to update pricing databases and systems to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Manage annual price increases to ensure margin growth while maintaining market competitive position
• Lead the harmonization of catalog pricing for Chemistry and Microbiology services. 
• Work closely with the finance teams to ensure pricing strategies align with the financial goals and targets.
• Analyze market dynamics, competitive landscape, and customer behavior to identify pricing opportunities and risks. 

Go-to-Market Strategy:

• Build the Chemistry product strategy in collaboration with marketing communications and define go-to-market strategy, service offerings, and target customer
• Coordinate and deliver training to the commercial team and support them with Chemistry knowledge, demos and presentations
• As needed, align internal technical resources to assist with demos and presentations

Market & Industry Awareness 

• As requested, conduct market research and competitive analysis to stay informed about industry trends and regulations
• Evaluate and present new market Chemistry services/ methods for evaluation 
• As needed and requested, actively participate in associations and with key vendor relationships
• Develop and maintain competitor tracking database
• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of food microbiology, chemistry and related technologies as well as regulatory knowledge. 

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry or Food Science; Master’s degree preferred 
• 5-10 years of experience required that includes relevant commercial experience (sales, marketing, project management, product management) in a B2B environment and knowledge of food safety programs and systems
• Effective collaborator and communicator with excellent interpersonal and written skills able to effectively work on cross-functional project teams
• Experience working in the food industry preferred.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business objectives into actional pricing strategies.
• Detail-oriented with advanced organizational, problem-solving analytical and financial skills required.
• Works productively across the enterprise and partners with others to achieve shared goals. 
• Proficient user of MS Office, Excel Spreadsheets, and defined web-based applications
• Experience with pricing negotiations and contract management is a plus.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment,
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and execution of timely results.
• Ability to work productively in a remote or office setting.

Physical Demand:

• Sitting for extended periods of time
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and to handle other
• communications/computer components
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Potential exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and microbiological pathogens

BENEFITS: 

• Progressive 401k Retirement Savings Plan
• Employer Paid Short- Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Group Medical
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Dental
• Paid Holidays and Time Off

Certified Group values diversity in its workforce. The company is firmly committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity and will administer its policies in a manner that treats each employee and applicant for employment on the basis of merit. Certified Group will take affirmative action to seek out qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or veteran status.