Associate Product Manager
The Associate Product Manager at Confidential Client leads the development and marketing of proprietary product lines by translating market insights into actionable product roadmaps and development plans. This role partners closely with sales and marketing teams to execute go-to-market strategies, manage product lifecycle activities, and oversee program and project management tasks including trade shows and sample inventory. The position requires strong cross-functional leadership, analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a hybrid work environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Manufacturing / Plastics Manufacturing / Retail.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role overview
As an Associate Product Manager supporting our confidential client in Rolling Meadows, IL, you will lead product development, product marketing, and go‑to‑market execution for assigned product lines focused on retail displays, samples, and trade show solutions. You will translate shopper, brand, and retailer insights into product roadmaps, coordinate cross‑functional teams, and provide hands‑on program and project management to drive adoption and profitability.
What you’ll do
- Conduct formal and informal research to identify shopper, brand, and retailer needs related to current and future products.
- Define market gaps and recommend product improvements, line extensions, and new categories.
- Develop product roadmaps, creation and execution plans, and manage schedules with contributing teams.
- Define performance parameters, ensure adequate testing, and manage cost vs. margin tradeoffs.
- Manage product development through a stage‑gate process to reduce risk and align with senior management expectations.
- Partner with Sales and Marketing to create go‑to‑market strategies, quantify opportunities, and prioritize activities to maximize penetration and profitability.
- Create product collateral (brochures, case studies, videos, website copy) and educate internal and external stakeholders on product value propositions.
- Support account teams on customer meetings, presentations, field visits, and installations when needed.
- Oversee showroom and sample inventory, trade show activities, and fulfillment related to product programs.
- Project‑manage launches, vendor coordination, installation support and business analysis; prepare management reports.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, engineering, or a related field — or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 2–4 years of experience in Product Management; industry experience in retail/display/manufacturing or plastics is a plus.
- Experience with research and new product development preferred.
- Solid understanding of product lifecycle, product roadmaps, and stage‑gate processes.
- Strong verbal and written communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
- Analytical and financial skills to evaluate product performance and commercial viability.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP systems; strong computer literacy.
- Detail oriented, proactive problem solver, and able to lead cross‑functional meetings and teams.
- Ability to travel occasionally. Hybrid schedule required (minimum two in‑office days per week) based in Rolling Meadows, IL.
Compensation & benefits
- Base salary range: $86,166 – $134,418 per year, with eligibility for an annual bonus (actual pay depends on experience and qualifications).
- Medical coverage (Blue Cross Blue Shield options), dental plans, and access to BCBS Benefit Value Advisor & Member Rewards.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (health and dependent care) and commuter transit benefits.
- 401(k) plan with employer match (program details available) and Roth option.
- Company‑paid life insurance (3x salary) and company‑paid short‑term disability (long‑term optional).
- Paid time off (16 days/year) plus 9 paid holidays.
- Tuition assistance program, early Fridays, volunteer time off, wellness programs, lactation rooms, and annual on‑site flu clinics (or coverage through insurance).
Why this role
This is a hands‑on product role where you will influence product direction, collaborate across sales, marketing, technical services, and supply chain teams, and manage programs from concept through market launch. If you enjoy translating market insights into practical product solutions and supporting sales enablement in a retail/manufacturing environment, this role offers growth and visibility.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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