Contract Innovation Manager Jobs in Springfield, MA

We're Hiring: Product Manager
Location: South Deerfield, MA
Company: Pelican 

Who We Are:

At Pelican, we engineer products that stand up to the world’s toughest conditions—because the people who rely on us do too. For nearly 50 years, we’ve been a trusted partner for military personnel, first responders, outdoor adventurers, and innovators who push the limits. 

With a global presence that includes 11 offices, 4 manufacturing facilities, and 4 custom case centers, we create high-performance protective solutions that ensure our customers can focus on what matters most. Whether it’s transporting critical medical supplies, securing mission-essential equipment, or keeping expedition gear safe, Pelican products are Built to Protect to Equip for the Mission. 

At Pelican, your work has a real-world impact. You’ll be part of a team driven by innovation, craftsmanship, and the shared belief that when the mission is critical, failure isn’t an option. If you’re ready to build something that makes a difference, be part of a team that protects what matters most. 

What You'll Do: 

Shape the product strategy. Drive innovation. Deliver products that protect what matters.

Pelican is seeking a strategic and customer-focused Product Manager to lead the vision, development, and lifecycle of our roto-molded Government and Commercial product portfolio. In this highly visible role, you'll identify market opportunities, define product strategy, and partner across the business to bring innovative products from concept to launch.

As the business owner for your portfolio, you'll combine customer insights, market intelligence, and financial analysis to develop products that drive growth, strengthen Pelican's market position, and deliver exceptional value to customers around the world.

Product Strategy & Business Growth

• Own the product strategy and roadmap for Pelican's Government and Commercial roto-molded product portfolio
• Identify new market opportunities, product innovations, and portfolio expansion strategies that drive profitable growth
• Develop business cases, pricing strategies, and investment recommendations for new products, product enhancements, and manufacturing capabilities
• Monitor portfolio performance and drive revenue, margin, market share, and profitability improvements

Customer & Market Leadership

• Become the voice of the customer by developing deep market knowledge through customer visits, field research, industry events, and competitive analysis
• Translate customer challenges into innovative product concepts and scalable commercial solutions
• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, competitive activity, and government procurement requirements to identify future growth opportunities
• Partner with Sales and Business Development to support strategic customer opportunities and expand market presence

Product Development & Innovation

• Lead new product development from concept through commercialization, ensuring products meet customer, business, and operational objectives
• Define product requirements and collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to deliver high-quality, manufacturable solutions
• Balance customer needs, product performance, cost, manufacturability, quality, and schedule throughout the development process
• Guide products through Pelican's stage-gate development process while managing risks and ensuring successful launches

Commercialization & Lifecycle Management

• Develop go-to-market strategies including positioning, pricing, launch planning, sales enablement, and demand generation
• Partner with Marketing and Sales to deliver successful product launches and accelerate customer adoption
• Monitor launch performance and implement corrective actions to improve revenue, profitability, quality, and customer satisfaction
• Manage products throughout their lifecycle, including product enhancements, SKU rationalization, cost reduction initiatives, and end-of-life planning

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, Marketing, Finance, Quality, Contracts, and Leadership to execute business strategy
• Drive cross-functional alignment to improve forecasting, inventory management, manufacturing efficiency, and customer satisfaction
• Maintain product documentation, business cases, market requirements, and product roadmaps
• Perform additional duties as assigned

 What We’re Looking For:

• Five to eight years of progressive experience in product management, product development, engineering, commercial leadership, or an adjacent discipline.
• Demonstrated experience bringing physical products from customer insight and concept through development, manufacturing, and commercial launch.
• Experience developing product roadmaps, market requirements, financial business cases, pricing recommendations, and commercialization plans.
• Strong financial acumen, including revenue, margin, cost, pricing, investment, and return analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex cross-functional programs and influence without direct authority.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and executive-communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel to customers, industry events, suppliers, and other Pelican facilities.

What’s In It For You: 

Join a company that truly values its employees! We offer a relaxed and casual work environment, a strong commitment to giving back to communities, and a focus on employee satisfaction. With regular opportunities to share feedback with leadership and structured performance evaluations, we ensure that your voice is heard and your growth is supported.

• Competitive paid time off plans / Holiday pay /extra vacation purchase opportunities

• 401k plan – with immediate match  

• Great Benefits – several options including Pet insurance for our animal lovers. 
• Health Savings Account Contribution

• Wellness Discount Program 

• Global Mental Wellness Program 
• Quarterly Employee Celebration Days
• Peer to Peer Recognition Program
• Service Recognition Program

• Amazing employee discount program on Pelican Products, Pelican branded apparel and gear 

• Employee referral program – get paid to work with your trusted network.  
• Beautiful New England location 

• Onsite Gym

• Established reputable brand offering premium products – you’ll be proud to represent Pelican! 

• And more…