Lead Product Manager
Illinois Tool Works · Norwood · $130,000–$150,000 (stated in the posting)
Job Description:
We are seeking a Lead Product Manager to lead our product management team in building and executing a global product roadmap that ensures sustainable differentiation and maintains a balanced portfolio of core and new products to drive growth in target markets. This role will manage and coach a team of product managers across all 5Ps while collaborating closely with cross-functional and project teams throughout product development and lifecycle processes. The position also supports Instron leadership on business segment strategies and ensures effective collaboration with global sales to drive regional activities and marketing plans focused on maintaining Instron’s high level of customer satisfaction and market differentiation.
Primary Responsibilities:
Product & Innovation Strategy
- Translate segment portfolio strategy into key product strategies across all machines, accessories, software, services, and adjacent offerings.
- Identify, evaluate, and prioritize new product, application, service, and market opportunities.
- Lead customer-back innovation initiatives that transform customer insights into validated growth opportunities and compelling business cases.
- Champion opportunity assessment and investment decisions through Instron's innovation and development processes.
- Partner with Segment Management and Engineering teams to ensure product roadmaps align with customer needs, market trends, and segment growth objectives.
- Guide portfolio decisions that balance growth, profitability, customer value, and strategic differentiation.
- Manage the entire life cycle of products from product definition to launch, upgrades, obsolescence and product refreshes.
- Define and develop product launch strategies aligned with the go-to-market plan.
- Own products commercial performance including revenue, cost and margin performance, as well as quality and customer satisfaction. Develop and implement pricing strategies for product offerings, including promotional pricing. Manage pricing to achieve business objectives throughout the product lifecycle.
- Establish and track key performance metrics and lead regular business reviews to ensure accountability and execution.
Team Leadership
- Coach and develop a high performing team of product managers across our technology platforms: machines, accessories, and software.
- Establish clear objectives, performance expectations, and development plans for team members.
- Foster a culture of accountability, customer focus, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Develop organizational capabilities in market intelligence, customer insight generation, portfolio management, and strategic planning.
- Promote knowledge sharing and cross-functional collaboration throughout the organization.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Exceptional leadership, communication, influence, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong strategic thinking, business planning, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Demonstrated ability to translate market insights into successful growth strategies and business results.
- Strong understanding of industrial manufacturing, engineering applications, materials testing, capital equipment, or related technical industries.
- Proven experience leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing organizational decisions.
- Experience developing business cases, growth strategies, market assessments, and portfolio strategies.
- Strong commercial acumen, including understanding of revenue growth, profitability, pricing, market share, and return-on-investment principles.
- Experience operating within a global business environment.
- Passion for technology, innovation, and customer success.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Business, Marketing, or a related technical discipline.
- Advanced business or technical degree preferred.
- Typically 6+ years of experience across strategic marketing, product management, business leadership, applications engineering, commercial leadership, or related functions.
- Experience with capital equipment, industrial technology solutions, or materials testing strongly preferred.
- Experience engaging directly with customers, industry organizations, and standards bodies is highly desirable.
Working Conditions
- Daily interaction with a dynamic, collaborative, and highly engaged global team.
- Hybrid office environment with flexible work arrangements.
- Travel is expected and will include customer visits, industry conferences, trade events, and global business meetings.
- Approximately 25-30% travel, including occasional international travel.
Why Join Instron?
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a business that has defined materials testing excellence for decades. As the leader of one of Instron's most important growth platforms, you will directly influence market strategy, innovation investments, customer engagement, and long-term business performance while working with world-class teams across the globe.
Join us in helping customers advance quality, safety, compliance, and innovation through the most trusted testing solutions in the world.
Compensation Information:
This position has a starting salary range of $130,000 to $150,000 per year. Pay is determined by several factors, including a candidate’s experience, relevant skills, and qualifications
ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.
As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.