| Job Description | Description
Do you want to become part of a dynamic and rapidly growing organization?
Come work with us on the cutting edge of technology.
Aclara, part of the Utility Solutions Group of ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ESE), is an industry leader in providing advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), device networking, data-value management, and customer communications to water, gas, and electric utilities globally. Over 500 utilities in nine countries rely on proven Aclara solutions to connect with their customers. Our Cleveland location produces the STAR® Network system, an RF-based, fixed-network solution for AMI that automatically collects meter readings and transmits them to utilities, where they help improve billing and reduce non-revenue water losses. Check us out at www.Aclara.com.
Aclara is a three time winner of Northcoast 99 ~ check it out on www.northcoast99.org!
Product Manager
Come explore this exciting opportunity at Aclara where the successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of product planning and execution, throughout the product lifecycle, for products that support Aclaraâ??s marketing strategy and goals; this includes: gathering and prioritizing product and customer requirements, defining the product vision, and working closely with engineering, sales, marketing and support to ensure revenue and customer satisfaction goals are met. Â This position requires regular travel to meet with customers.
Essential functions & responsibilities of the Product Manager include:
Act as a leader within the company promoting the Aclara strategy and product line
Define the product strategy and roadmap in accordance with Aclaraâ??s Product
Development Processes
Manage the product life cycle from product introduction to retirement.
Work with internal and external third parties to:
o Assess partnerships and licensing opportunities.
o Create a business case with financial analysis to support PRDs for new products.
o Work with internal stakeholders to obtain estimated sales volumes and product costs to develop the financial analysis.
o Work with internal stakeholders to obtain approval for product development.
Deliver Product Requirements Documents (PRDs) with prioritized features and corresponding justification
o Define the product and all necessary requirements
• PRDâ??s should reflect how the product fits within the overall solution
• PRDâ??s should describe all necessary software to create a complete solution.
• Provide appropriate detail of the customer / market needs and use of the product feature set described in the product requirements document (PRD).
• Document use cases to support the requirements listed in the PRD.
o Provide market justification, including need and predicted competitive position at the time of release Â
o Provide financial justification, including projected ROI based upon market projections
Manage the product roadmap for the responsible Aclara products.
Act as an expert with respect to the overall solution and each productâ??s capabilities.
o Provide training and support for Aclaraâ??s customer facing departments such as account management, field service, internal subject matter experts, and sales.
Plan, and coordinate, beta and pilot programs to support product testing that is in compliance with the Aclara Product Development Process, including the determination of what customers best fit the product beta and rollout.
Set pricing to meet revenue and profitability goals
o Work with Sales, Finance and Account Management to deliver a quarterly revenue forecast
Develop sales tools and collateral
o Develop the core positioning and messaging for the product in support of the Marketing Communications process.
o Support the development of marketing materials, product positioning documents, white papers, training documentation and trade show demonstrations for the assigned product portfolio. Participate in planning for trade shows and other industry conventions and events.
Perform market research to support the development of short term and long term strategic product plans for the Aclaraâ??s platforms. Work with internal and external teams to ensure the timely delivery of quality products that meet the needs of the domestic and international AMI and smart grid marketplace.
o Participate in industry groups to represent the perspectives and positions of Aclara.
o Participate in planning for trade shows and other industry events.
o Present papers and participate in panels to develop an industry thought leadership presence for Aclara.
o Develop questionnaires for internal groups including, but not limited to, Sales, Regulatory, Customer Care, and Program Management to obtain market data and trends to support platform strategy development.
Monitor competitor activities and collect competitive information. Deliver this data to internal stakeholders to support strategic and tactical business planning.
Additional responsibilities include:
Perform product demos to customers as requested.
Support Sales Teams and channel partners through the development of presentations, demonstrations, and other materials. Train the sales teams on the product lines. Develop remote demonstrations to support sales efforts. Support the development of proposal responses. If approved by the Director of Product Marketing, attend sales meetings with customers to highlight solution value and perform system demonstrations to show the functional capability of the system.
Assist in developing corporate standard technical presentations and documentation to ensure consistent messaging.
Assist Sales in the development of sales forecasts for the assigned product portfolio.
Support the companyâ??s regulatory efforts through explanation of the AMI/Smart Grid market position, capabilities, and functionality. If approved; attend meetings with regulatory and lobbying bodies to influence legislation, rulemaking, and standards to align with Aclara platform strategy.
Assist in identifying and researching possible alliances and recommending the best partners for strategic partnerships.
A Bachelorâ??s or higher level degree in Engineering or related technical field is required. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 yearsâ?? experience as a Product Manager, with demonstrated success defining and launching Utility (Gas, Water, or Electric) and/or technical products). Also required are advanced written and verbal communication skills, advanced teamwork skills with the ability to work effectively with engineers, sales, and customers, and proven ability to influence cross-functional teams without formal authority. Candidates must be willing and able to travel at least 50% of the time; periods of higher travel may occur.
We are looking for motivated, dedicated employees to join our fast growing team! We offer many competitive benefits to attract, retain and motivate employees such as medical, dental, vision, flex-spending, 401k, tuition reimbursement, success sharing bonuses, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), vacation, holiday and PTO. Check us out at www.Aclara.com.
Aclara understands that a quality team will help us lead the way. We provide an environment that supports professional growth and opportunity for advancement, and as such, we offer advanced training for specialties! If you would like to be considered for this outstanding opportunity, please apply online. Â Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the US. Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. |
| | Company | | Aclara STAR® Network | Job Code | | State or Province | | Ohio | | |
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