Lead, Product Manager

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L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Lead, Product Manager (L5)

Reference #38078

Hamilton, Ontario

About L3HARRIS WESCAM

As a subsidiary of L3Harris Technologies and within the Communications & Spectrum Dominance, 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 defining the product strategy and roadmap of a physical product line, through the entire lifecycle. This includes active management of the product cost, revenue and market introduction strategy. Based on their market research and interaction with customers, they will guide the product by focusing on the ‘what’ and ‘why’; identifying market problems, trends, validating business value and setting the product plans. Collaborate cross-functionally with Business Development, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Customer Support, and other departments to validate assumptions, define the target market segment, and deliver data driven product decisions. Plans, prepares, and presents product introduction strategies and statements of work to the organization. Participates with Senior Management as part of the Stage-Gate review approval board. Participates in the marketing, forecasting and financial aspects of the product offering. Provides strategic product consultation to sales staff and customers during all lifecycles of product offerings. Plays a key role in capture management and bid strategy. The role will be based on-site and requires frequent international travel.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the product strategy and roadmap and participate in planning, delivery, and support of a WESCAM physical product line(s) through the entire product lifecycle. Act as a liaison for sales and customer inquiries by triaging and filtering communication to internal stakeholders.
• Accountable for product line profitability; identify and drive changes to maximize contribution margin
• Define Pricebook product configurations and options including additions, subtractions and movement throughout sections of the Pricebook.
• Approve scope of work, budget, and timeline for new product introduction (NPI) projects related to their product line. Provide project priority inputs given limited resources.
• Generate NPI Project SOW with top level requirements
• Review and approve budget variance and scope of work changes
• Consult to help make key decisions to solve difficult product related challenges.
• 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 sales support to BD as needed to capture new business
• Support major bids by proposing the appropriate product offering and strategy. Align bid documentation submissions with the overall sales and bid strategy to maximize probability of award.
• Lead discussions on product related topics during internal bid reviews and customer briefings
• Identify business risks and opportunities, and provide mitigation strategies
• Approve bids for non-standard products or that include exceptions from the Pricebook
• Provide targets for development budgets for bids that require custom development
• Create white papers to explain and market new features, support export compliance, or respond to customer inquiries
• Educate 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 stays current with 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 people without a formal management role.
• 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.
• Knowledge of the EOIR market and products, aerospace and defense industry, and regulations is beneficial as is knowledge of products used in harsh environments including air/land/sea and COTS products of a technical nature
• 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. Business or Engineering degree preferred. MBA an asset.
• 7+ years of experience managing 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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At L3Harris, we foster an inclusive and equitable workplace. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. For applicants with disabilities, we will provide you with accommodation so that you have what you need in order to be at your best.

L3Harris performs background checks prior to employment as all applicants must be eligible for registration with the Controlled Goods Program and obtain and maintain a positive security assessment. Some positions may require a government of Canada “Reliability” status and/or Level 2 (Secret) security clearance. In addition, L3Harris performs pre-employment substance abuse testing where required.