Associate Product Manager New Grad Jobs in Appleton, WI

Description

Position Summary:

The Product Manager is responsible for ensuring Heartland's products meet customer needs and commercial objectives. This role leads product management and label support activities to define product specifications, manage product portfolios, improve quoting accuracy, material selection, oversee artwork and proofing workflows, and drive product innovation, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

The position develops and leads cross-functional initiatives that enhance customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, product performance, revenue growth, and profitability.

Expected Results:

Modeling and reinforcing Core Values

Insight-driven customer solutions that support growth and profitability

Team member development and performance improvement

Accurate and timely quoting, materials, samples, and proofs

Improved manufacturability, reduced waste, and consistent specifications

Effective support of commercial operations and strategic initiatives

Increased profitability through product portfolio optimization, material selection, and pricing discipline

Roles and Responsibilities/ Essential Functions

1. Product Management

Translate customer and market needs into defined product specifications and material constructions 

Own product specifications, approved material selections, and construction standards.

Manage product line plan from product concept through ongoing maintenance and discontinuation, including product changes, enhancements, cost-optimized alternatives and other portfolio optimization initiatives

Rationalize product lines to reduce complexity and improve profitability

Lead cross-functional product development efforts within defined budget and timelines

Support demand and product trend analysis for commercial and operations planning

Monitor competitive offerings and communicate differentiators to Sales 

Stay informed on industry materials, technology, equipment, and converting capabilities and provide recommendations that support Heartland's asset strategy and long-term product direction

Evaluate and qualify new substrates, adhesives, liners, RFID components, and other raw materials supporting Heartland's product portfolio

Develop and maintain technical relationships with key suppliers to support innovation, material qualification, cost optimization, and product performance

Maintain product governance processes for specification changes, material substitutions, and product introductions in coordination with Quality Manager

Drive new product commercialization, launch activities, and market adoption in partnership with Sales and Operations.

2. Label Support & Application Services

Lead the Label Support team responsible for quoting, samples, materials, and artwork flow

Ensure accurate material selection, adhesive recommendations, and application suitability

Lead the sample development and qualification process to support new business opportunities, customer trials, and successful commercialization efforts

Partner with Sales to support customer evaluations, product trials, and conversion of sample opportunities into commercial business

Oversee customer art setup, proofing standards, and approval timeliness

Improve process reliability from quote through production handoff

Provide manufacturability guidance to improve service, efficiency, consistency, and profitability

Maintain pricing parameters and quoting accuracy standards

Support Sales and Customer Service with product capability guidance

Own product master data governance, including item creation, product specifications, material configurations, and change management processes within the ERP system

Ensure the accuracy and integrity of product, material, and configuration data to support quoting, purchasing, inventory management, production, and customer service activities

3. Cross-Functional Communication, Training & Influence

Serve as a technical and product resource to Sales, Customer Service, Purchasing, and Operations

Lead technical review of complex opportunities and support pricing, margin analysis, and product strategy decisions

Assist with pricing strategy, deal analysis, and margin improvement initiatives

Serve as the primary technical liaison between suppliers, commercial teams, and operations regarding product capabilities and material performance

Support management of commercial operations through process improvement, reporting, and cross-functional coordination

Provide tools, education, and training to Sales, Customer Service, and Operations

Participate in strategic planning, forecasting, and business development initiatives

4. Continuous Improvement & Cross-Functional Leadership

Lead without direct authority across teams, sites, and functions

Build strong relationships across Sales, Customer Service, Operations, Purchasing, and Quality

Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to product performance, quoting accuracy, specification management, and commercial process consistency

Support implementation of new systems, technologies, and business processes

Communicate trends, risks, opportunities, and performance metrics to leadership

KPIs:

Revenue Growth

Gross Margin Improvement

Strategic Project and Annual Objective Delivery: Deliver projects, objectives, and KPIs as outlined by leadership, with adjustments made annually based on business needs.

Requirements

Competencies 

• Accountability
• Business Acumen
• Customer Oriented
• Initiative
• Problem Solving
• Project Management
• Relationship Building
• Strategic Planning

Required Experience: 

5+ years experience in Product Management, Technical Services, Product Development, Label Support or related manufacturing field

Experience leading teams and/or cross-functional initiatives

Experience supporting commercial decision-making, product development, or technical customer solutions

Preferred Experience: 

Knowledge of printing, converting, packaging, adhesives, labeling applications, RFID, or manufacturing preferred

Experience with product specifications, material selection, and product commercialization 

Experience supporting quoting, estimating, technical sales support, or pricing initiatives 

Experience working with ERP systems and product master data management

Required Skills, Education and/ or Certifications: 

Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain or related field preferred

Proficient in the use of a PC, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and CRM Systems