Manufacturing Product Manager

Product Manager

In-Office | Central Illinois | Manufacturing Equipment

We are partnering with a long-standing manufacturing client to identify a Product Manager to own a key equipment product line. This role focuses on managing the full product lifecycle for tangible, engineered products and working closely with engineering and cross-functional teams to drive successful product development and launches.

This is an in-office position based in Central Illinois.

The Role

As Product Manager, you will be responsible for shaping product strategy, guiding new product development, and ensuring the ongoing success of an established product portfolio. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, operations, sales, and the customer, with a strong emphasis on upstream product management and New Product Introduction (NPI).

Key Responsibilities

• Own and manage the product lifecycle from concept through launch, growth, and maturity

• Lead new product introductions (NPI) for engineered equipment-based products

• Develop and maintain product roadmaps aligned with business and market needs

• Translate customer and market insights into clear product requirements and specifications

• Partner closely with engineering teams throughout the development process

• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, sales, and marketing to ensure successful execution

• Coordinate timelines, priorities, and deliverables across multiple stakeholders

• Engage with customers, dealers, and field teams to gather feedback and validate product direction

• Monitor competitive landscape and industry trends to inform positioning and future development

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of Product Management experience within manufacturing or equipment-based environments

• Hands-on experience launching tangible, engineered products

• Direct experience working with engineering teams during product development

• Strong understanding of upstream product management and NPI processes

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (Engineering strongly preferred, but not required)

• Equivalent experience will be considered in lieu of a degree for the right candidate

• Agricultural or industrial equipment experience is a plus, but not required

Backgrounds in software, SaaS, technology platforms, insurance, pharma, chemical, medical, or food manufacturing are not aligned with this role.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong technical aptitude and ability to engage effectively with engineering teams

• Clear, structured communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a manufacturing-driven environment

• Customer-focused mindset with a practical, execution-oriented approach

• Accountability, ownership, and comfort operating in a cross-functional setting

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary w/ annual bonus opportunity

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Company-paid life, short-term, and long-term disability

• 401(k) with up to 5.5% company match and immediate vesting

• Paid vacation and holidays

• Ongoing learning and professional development opportunities

• Relocation available

Equal Opportunity Statement

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building an inclusive workplace. Pre-employment substance screening required.