Position Summary
The Director of Product is responsible for developing and executing strategies for new and existing product lines to increase sales, market share, and overall profitability. This role leads product strategy from concept through prototype and commercialization, translates customer and market needs into product requirements, and ensures alignment across research and development, sales, marketing, and channel partners. The position is accountable for product specifications, market-based pricing, product positioning, and product appearance, while identifying new business opportunities and driving innovation that supports Hustler’s growth objectives.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead product development efforts by translating customer needs, market insights, and business objectives into clear product specifications and production requirements.
- Ensure product specifications and target price points are achieved, including product design direction, forecasting inputs, product identification, and styling criteria.
- Identify and capitalize on consumer trends, product innovations, feature opportunities, marketing opportunities, and competitive advantages.
- Partner with sales and marketing leadership to support development of product marketing plans, go-to-market strategies, and product positioning.
- Lead the planning and execution of product introduction meetings and launch readiness activities.
- Champion assigned product lines across the enterprise, serving as the internal subject matter expert on product performance, customer segments, competitive landscape, and profitability.
- Facilitate cross-functional meetings to review product plans, align stakeholders, and communicate customer expectations, sales performance, and marketing strategies.
- Travel to distributors, dealers, sales teams, and end users to evaluate market conditions, gather voice-of-customer insights, and assess product feasibility.
- Represent the business at industry meetings, trade shows, and company sales meetings as needed.
- Lead and develop the R&D/product development team, driving projects from concept through working prototypes and evaluating marketability of proposed products.
Note: These duties are subject to change as business needs and strategies evolve. The employee may be required to perform other duties of comparable complexity.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Sales, Marketing, Business, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
Experience
- Minimum of five years of progressive experience in product management, product development, marketing, or a related field.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving products from concept to launch preferred.
- Experience in durable goods, outdoor power equipment, or related manufacturing environments preferred.
Required Skills
- Strong product strategy, market research, and product pricing capabilities.
- Ability to translate customer needs and market trends into actionable product requirements.
- Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Experience with product lifecycle management, commercialization, and launch planning.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to evaluate market opportunities, product performance, and profitability.
- Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Core Competencies
- Strategic thinking and business acumen
- Customer focus
- Innovation and continuous improvement
- Project leadership and execution
- Influence across functions and levels
- Market and competitive awareness
Work Environment and Travel
- This position operates in a professional office environment with regular interaction across business functions.
- Travel is required to support dealer/distributor visits, market research, trade shows, customer engagement, and company meetings.
