Product Manager 2 - Hardware

Company Description

About Avery Dennison

Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science and digital identification solutions company. We are Making Possible products and solutions that help advance the industries we serve, providing branding and information solutions that optimize labor and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, advance sustainability, circularity and transparency, and better connect brands and consumers. We design and develop labeling and functional materials, radio frequency identification (RFID) inlays and tags, software applications that connect the physical and digital, and offerings that enhance branded packaging and carry or display information that improves the customer experience. Serving industries worldwide - including home and personal care, apparel, general retail, e-commerce, logistics, food and grocery, pharmaceuticals and automotive - we employ approximately 35,000 employees in more than 50 countries. Our reported sales in 2024 were $8.8 billion. Learn more at www.averydennison.com.

Job Description

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Hardware Product Manager to oversee the development of innovative intelligent label (IL) printers, scanners and data gathering devices. This position will work closely with both our internal development team and external partners to guide product development from concept to market. The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of hardware product life cycles, from ideation and design through to manufacturing and post-launch support. They will play a pivotal role in driving collaboration, aligning internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring product deliverables meet both technical specifications and market demands.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Strategy & Roadmap Development:

• Lead the development and execution of the product roadmap for label printers and data gathering devices, aligned with company goals and market trends.
• Work with leadership to define product vision, goals, and strategies that align with overall business objectives.
• Continuously assess and prioritize product opportunities, ensuring clear alignment with customer needs and market demands.
• Leverage historical sales data, market intelligence, and inventory trends to support accurate product forecasting and build planning.

Collaboration with Internal Development Team:

• Act as the main point of contact between the internal product, engineering, design, and manufacturing teams to ensure alignment on product specifications, timelines, and budgets.
• Define product requirements, user stories, and functional specifications in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Coordinate product development cycles, ensuring milestones are met, and managing risks to avoid delays or cost overruns.
• Facilitate internal testing, product validation, and quality assurance processes.

Partner & Vendor Management:

• Cultivate and manage relationships with external partners, manufacturers, and suppliers to ensure product success.
• Work closely with partners to define and agree on product specifications, design requirements, and manufacturing processes.
• Monitor vendor performance, ensuring adherence to quality standards, timelines, and cost constraints.
• Analyze past sales data, market trends, seasonal fluctuations, and current inventory levels to estimate future product demand.
• Evaluate third-party technology solutions and manage integrations where applicable (e.g., data gathering components, software compatibility).

Market & Customer Insights:

• Conduct market research, competitor analysis, and customer feedback collection to inform product development decisions and feature prioritization.
• Identify and track industry trends, emerging technologies, and customer pain points in the label printing and data gathering space.
• Engage with end-users and customers to refine product features and ensure solutions meet their specific needs.

Product Launch & Lifecycle Management:

• Lead the successful launch of new products, collaborating with marketing, sales, and customer support teams to develop go-to-market strategies.
• Monitor product performance post-launch, ensuring continuous improvement and resolution of customer issues.
• Oversee product updates and enhancements throughout the product lifecycle.
  Manage product discontinuation and end-of-life strategies for legacy products.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Design, or a related field. A Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) or similar highly desired.
• Experience:
  
  • 5+ years of experience in hardware product management, particularly with devices such as label printers, barcode scanners, RFID readers, data collection hardware, or similar products.
  • Proven track record in managing hardware development from concept to launch in a cross-functional environment.
  • Strong experience working with external partners, manufacturers, and suppliers to develop and deliver hardware products.
  • Demonstrated experience managing product lifecycles, prioritizing feature sets, and making trade-offs based on market needs and technical constraints.
• Skills:
  
  • Strong understanding of hardware development processes, including prototyping, testing, manufacturing, and quality control.
  • Solid technical knowledge in embedded systems, firmware, and hardware-software integration.
  • Ability to translate customer needs into detailed product specifications and requirements.
  • Expertise in managing relationships with third-party vendors and manufacturers.
  • Strong business acumen, with the ability to align product development with broader business objectives.
  • Analytical mindset with the ability to assess market data, customer feedback, and technical feasibility.
    Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum, etc.).
  • Technical problem-solving mindset with the ability to integrate multiple products into end-to-end hardware/software solutions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with IoT devices, wireless communication, and sensor integration.
• Familiarity with industry standards and certifications related to hardware (e.g., CE, FCC, RoHS).
• Prior experience in a global product management role, working with teams and partners across different time zones and cultures.
• Experience with cloud-based solutions or data management platforms integrated with hardware devices.

Personal Attributes:

• Leadership: Strong leadership skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Problem-Solving: Innovative thinker with a focus on identifying problems and developing creative solutions.
• Detail-Oriented: Meticulous and thorough, especially when working on complex hardware systems.
• Adaptability: Comfortable navigating fast-paced environments and adapting to changing market demands.
• Collaborative: Effective at building strong relationships with diverse internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Customer-Focused: Driven by a passion for delivering outstanding products that solve real customer problems.

Additional Information

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or other protected status. EEOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

If you require accommodations to view or apply for a job, alternative methods are available to submit an application. Please contact 440.534.6080 or jacqueline.williams@averydennison.com to discuss reasonable accommodations.