Product Manager – Portable Sound (Microphones)

Description

This individual functions as an entrepreneur, propelling sustainable and lucrative growth beyond market norms within their product category. Serving as the customer advocate within the organization, the Product Manager is entrusted with global turnover and margin duties for the product segment. This role encompasses overseeing the entire lifecycle of the product portfolio, portfolio management, new business creation, market introduction processes, and eventual product discontinuation. This role is responsible for product management Electro-Voice portable sound, a major revenue contributor for Electro-Voice Dynacord LLC.

Justify the relevance of a new product

Scrutinize the market landscape and implement strategies (marketing mix) to enhance market presence and strengthen market positioning across the portable speaker segment.

Conduct voice of customer, end-user feedbacks sessions as needed.

Provide financial and technical justification for product selection and definition and prioritizes product development plans. Assess financial requirements to launch products and potential return on investment.

Consult with engineering regarding packaging of features, cost estimates or requirements, physical/mechanical look and features of products.

Define the product strategy and roadmap

Manage global product portfolio and evaluate market potential for new products.

Analyze relevant market and market trends and identify end-user / customer needs.

Define target markets and generate market data including in-depth and insightful analysis of competitors, their pricing, positioning, etc.

Support the Product Development

Initiate the Product Engineering Process (PEP), outline the Commercial Requirements

Specification (CRS), and provide support throughout the entire PEP for all designated procedural stages.

Work with external third parties to assess partnerships and licensing opportunities.

Lead cross-functional teams to create products and manage the product development process from concept through development and manufacturing.

Ensure product data sheets accurately reflect specifications and capabilities of product.

Drive the Product Introduction on the market

Deliver product messaging, positioning, features, benefits and USPs for end- users and customers.

Partner with sales and marketing to prepare and deliver presentations and materials that educate sales personnel and customers on functionalities and features of products.

Participate in key sales and voice of customer situations as required.

Create, author, publish and disseminate marketing collateral to all relevant parties both external and internal.

Work with internal teams to plan tradeshows and create effective demonstrations. Attend tradeshows such as InfoComm, NAMM, Prolight + Sound, etc. Train sales force, dealer and rep firms on product capabilities and features.

Responsible for the Product Life Cycle

Communicate technical requirements and features to engineering staff, signing off on all Engineering Change Orders.

Develop and manage product mid-life correction or end of life strategies as appropriate.

Monitor market acceptance, track revenue and profit performance.

Identify partnering opportunities for complementary third-party products to broaden product line.

Negotiate contracts and licenses for new technologies or products

Responsible for Costing/Forecasting

Meet with procurement and inventory control staff to coordinate product build and sales forecasts.

Adjust forecasts and schedules based on ability to build and current sales activity.

Requirements

• Qualitifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing with minimum 5 years experience in product management or equivalent education and experience.
• Professional Audio industry knowledge and experience including but not limited to portable PA, professional PA, install sound, studio & home recording and broadcast, audio system design and consulting.
• Knowledge of key marketing principles and demonstrated ability to apply them in a business environment, including ability to effectively analyze markets and competition to identify customer needs.
• Solid working knowledge of market research, product sales and sales promotion activities
• Able to grasp technical concepts relating to professional audio.
• Able to work effectively in a global organization serving a worldwide customer base, and to lead cross-functional teams through the process.
• Leadership qualities and an ability to influence others in a matrix organization.
• Able to plan, organize and follow through/implement to achieve timely, accurate results, focusing on key priorities and effectively juggling multiple projects.
• Able to initiate change.
• Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills, ability to deliver reports, to make public presentations and to deal eloquently with opinion leaders and the sales force team.
• Strong customer focus: able to anticipate customer needs.
• Able to recognize and capitalize on market opportunities.
• Able to generate financial analysis relating to product costs, return on investment, etc.
• Understanding of basic business and financial concepts
• A knowledge and flair for what will appeal to targeted customers when creating marketing collateral.
• Knowledge of MI sales channels (i.e.: retail, distribution, reps, dealers, etc.)
• Required Abilities:
• Ability to work onsite in Burnsville, MN; this is a hyrbrid work environment with the expectation of being onsite a minimum of three (3) days/week, sometimes more dependent on business need.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods while working at a computer, with regular opportunities to move or change position.
• Requires visual acuity to view a computer monitor and read documents, as well as the ability to communicate clearly in person and through digital platforms.
• Ability to maintain focus and productivity in a typical office environment with standard noise levels and ergonomic equipment.
• Travel:
• Up to 20% travel may be required.
• Additional Information
• The U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $100,000-135,000 annually. Within the range, individual pay is determined based on several factors, including, but not limited to, work experience and job knowledge, complexity of the role, job location, etc.
• In addition to base salary, full-time employees are eligible to participate in Keenfinity Group's (US) Health and Welfare Benefit Plans—including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance—as well as the company’s 401(k) plan, subject to the terms and conditions of the respective plan documents. Full-time employees are eligible to participate in Keenfinity Group’s paid time off and sick leave programs in accordance with applicable policies.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made, to the extent they do not pose an undue hardship, to enable qualified individuals with covered disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Indefinite U.S. work authorized individuals only. Future sponsorship for work authorization is not available.
• All of your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
• At Keenfinity we don’t just build innovative solutions — we shape a smarter, more connected world through technology. We value different backgrounds, ideas, and experiences and we’re committed to growing, learning, and celebrating success as one team. Everyone is welcome here — we foster an environment where everyone is respected, valued, and encouraged to be their authentic self.
• Keenfinity is an equal opportunity employer, offering equal opportunities for all. We welcome applications from people with disabilities and can offer support, if needed. When everyone has a chance to contribute, we all do better.
• Electro-Voice Dynacord
• Company Description
• The Audio Business Division of Electro-Voice Dynacord LLC is headquartered in Burnsville, Minnesota. Our product segments include Critical Communications Systems, Pro Sound, and Public Address & Conferencing.  With our premium brands: Dynacord, Electro-Voice, RTS and Telex , we are committed to delivering innovative solutions that shape the future of sound.
• At KEENFINITY, we are a globally leading provider of innovative and professional security and communication solutions. With over 4,200 employees in over 50 countries worldwide, our ambition is clear: we offer more than just technology – we secure, connect, and amplify the moments that matter in life.
• Next to our passion for technology we’re very passionate about our work environment. Based on values such as trust, appreciation, and accountability we all work together to shape the future – boldly, customer-focused and with a strong team spirit.