Product Manager | Retail Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Product Manager

Location: Vernon Hills, IL

Overview:

Sterling has helped build careers for thousands for professionals like yourself. Our expert recruiters support you at every step in the process and as a Best of Staffing company, Sterling provides exciting work with exceptional employers across the U.S.

Hire Type: Direct Hire

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k Matching

Bonus/ Incentives/ Stock Options: Annual Bonus Potential

Pay : $110,000-130,000

Job Summary:

• We are looking for a strategic Product Manager to lead innovation and drive product strategy across a broad portfolio. This position focuses on leveraging data, insights, and competitive analysis to influence internal product decisions that impact the entire customer base, rather than simply fulfilling individual customer requests.
  The ideal candidate has experience in retail manufacturing environments with exposure to multiple products, preferably in durable, rugged, or industrial-style product categories. This role will be part of a small team of three hires with staggered start dates.

Job Duties:

• Lead product innovation initiatives through competitive research and gap analysis

• Analyze competitor offerings and recommend enhancements or adjustments

• Own and interpret product data and insights to guide strategic decisions

• Drive internal product strategy and decisions, ensuring scalability across the customer base

• Collaborate cross-functionally to align product direction with business goals

• Support continuous improvement efforts across a diverse product portfolio

Qualifications:

• 4+ years of Product Management experience with a focus on innovation, gap analysis, and competitive research

• Proven ability to lead internal product strategy rather than executing solely customer-driven requests

• Background in retail manufacturing with experience managing multiple products

• Strong analytical skills and a data-driven mindset

• Career stability with demonstrated long-term commitments

• Excellent communication skills and comfort working collaboratively across teams

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.