Product Line Manager
Apply NowCompany: Lancer Container Lines Ltd
Location: San Antonio, TX 78228
Description:
Our Company
Lancer Worldwide, a Hoshizaki Company, is an award-winning global leader in beverage dispensing. Through innovation and a commitment to dedication in action, we create products that benefit our customers worldwide, and give them a distinct advantage in the marketplace. We offer our teammates the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, to contribute to the success of a dynamic organization, and to serve others in a manner that exceeds their expectations. We welcome talented, passionate, and highly motivated individuals to join our team.
Summary
The Product Line Manager is responsible for leading a cross-functional team that is accountable for bringing new products to market as well as managing existing product lines. This leader will have category P&L responsibility and will have ownership of products within the categories they manage from inception to obsolescence. The Product Line Manager brings a disciplined, business-oriented approach to product planning and category management to achieve business performance objectives. The right candidate will be a product management leader with strategic vision, excellent organizational skills, and experience bringing new successful products to market. Qualified candidates will excel at cross-functional management, internal & external communication, and motivating people to accomplish shared goals in a global organization.
Essential Functions
Monitor and drive Product Revenue and Profitability
Support the growth of Market Share
Support and drive initiatives to increase Product Quality and Reliability
Drive Innovation and New Product Introductions
Contribute and drive the health and success of assigned product line(s)
Support the achievement of project milestones and deadlines
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The Product Manager has a critical role in bridging the gap between customer needs, technology, and business goals. Essential functions of this role are:
1.Market Research and Consumer Insights
Conducting research to understand trends in the beverage dispensing industry, customer needs (e.g., restaurants, fast-food chains, convenience stores etc.), and competitive products.
Identifying new opportunities for product features, innovations, or market segments (e.g., self-serve or automated dispensers).
Maintain constant pulse of Foodservice & Beverage market developments, including consumer needs, competitive offerings and brand position.
2.Product Development and Innovation
Lead the development of new beverage dispensing technologies, including features such as touchless systems, smart dispensers, or sustainability-focused models (e.g., energy-efficient or water-saving).
Collaborate with engineers and R&D to ensure product designs are user-friendly, durable, and compliant with industry standards.
Understand and articulate voice of customer and translate into product definition.
3.Product Roadmap and Strategy
Defining the product vision, roadmap, and strategy, ensuring alignment with overall business goals.
Prioritizing product features and enhancements based on customer feedback, market research, and business objectives.
Champion vision for category development and present the analytical data that supports reasoning for organizational buy-in on new product lines.
4.Cross-functional Collaboration
Working closely with engineering, manufacturing, sales, and marketing teams to ensure the smooth execution of product development from concept to launch.
Facilitating communication between teams to align technical, commercial, and operational aspects of the product.
Drive financial discussions across product category.
5.Customer Experience and Usability Focus
Ensuring that products meet the needs of end-users (e.g., restaurant operators, convenience store managers) by providing intuitive, easy-to-use interfaces and reliable dispensing capabilities.
Gathering feedback from customers and field service teams to identify areas for improvement in product usability, reliability, and maintenance.
6.Regulatory Compliance and Safety
Ensuring that beverage dispensers comply with food safety regulations, sanitation standards (e.g., NSF certification), and electrical safety codes.
Staying updated on any regulatory changes that may impact product design, materials, or functionality.
7.Supply Chain and Manufacturing Coordination
Managing the supply chain to ensure efficient production of dispensers, considering factors such as material sourcing, production timelines, and quality control.
Working with manufacturing teams to ensure that products are built to meet both cost targets and quality standards.
8.Product Testing and Quality Assurance
Overseeing product testing to ensure durability, performance, and safety under real-world operating conditions.
Implementing continuous improvement processes based on field feedback and warranty data to reduce product failures and enhance reliability.
9.Cost Management and Pricing Strategy
Develop pricing strategies that balance product profitability with market competitiveness.
Work on cost optimization, ensuring the product is affordable for both small and large-scale customers while maintaining high-quality standards.
10.Sales and Marketing Support
Partnering with sales and marketing teams to create go-to-market strategies and promotional campaigns.
Providing technical product training and support to sales teams, distributors, and customers to help them understand the features and benefits of the dispensers.
11.Customer and Distributor Relationships
Building strong relationships with key customers (e.g., quick-service restaurants, cafes, retailers) and distributors to ensure their needs are met and they are supported post-sale.
Collaborating on custom solutions or innovations based on specific customer or industry demands.
12.Sustainability and Technological Integration
Focusing on sustainable solutions, such as energy-efficient designs, minimizing waste, and using eco-friendly materials in the dispenser construction.
Integrating technology such as IoT for remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and usage data to enhance performance and customer experience.
13Performance Metrics and Feedback Loops
Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as sales performance, market share, and return rates.
Continuously collecting data to assess the success of products and identifying areas for future product iterations or improvements.
1.Industry Knowledge
Understanding of the Beverage Dispenser Industry: Knowledge of commercial beverage dispensing technologies, trends, and innovations, such as touchless systems, smart dispensing, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
Market Segmentation: Knowledge of different market segments (e.g., fast-food chains, hotels, convenience stores) and their unique needs.
Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with food safety regulations (e.g., NSF standards), sanitation guidelines, and electrical safety codes that apply to beverage dispensers.
Technology Trends: Knowledge of emerging technologies such as IoT, automation, AI, and smart systems, and how they can be integrated into dispenser products.
2.Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)
Experience managing the entire product lifecycle, from concept and development to market launch, scaling, and end-of-life.
Understanding of product roadmap development, prioritization frameworks, and version control.
3.Customer and User Experience
Deep understanding of customer needs, including the operators (restaurants, cafes) and end-users (consumers interacting with the machines).
Knowledge of usability and ergonomic design for commercial settings, ensuring products are intuitive, reliable, and easy to maintain.
Skills
1.Technical Aptitude
Ability to work closely with engineers and R&D teams to understand technical product specifications, materials, and manufacturing processes.
Skills in interpreting technical drawings, schematics, and design requirements to ensure product feasibility and quality.
Excellent presentation, communication and customer skills.
Ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus.
2.Strategic Planning and Vision
Expertise in creating product strategies that align with company goals, market demands, and evolving industry trends.
Ability to balance short-term project goals with long-term innovation objectives.
High level of Motivation as demonstrated through Initiative, Personal Accountability, and Results Orientation.
3.Cross-functional Leadership
Strong leadership skills to manage cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, marketing, sales, and supply chain.
Ability to foster collaboration and ensure all teams are aligned on product objectives and timelines.
Ability to influence without authority.
4.Market Analysis and Competitive Intelligence
Skilled in conducting market research, analyzing consumer behavior, and keeping up with competitor products.
Ability to identify market gaps, potential opportunities, and threats, and to position products effectively within the competitive landscape.
5.Data Analysis and Decision-Making
Proficiency in analyzing sales data, customer feedback, and operational metrics to inform decisions.
Ability to use KPIs (e.g., product performance, customer satisfaction, cost efficiency) to drive continuous improvement and ensure product success.
6.Financial Acumen
Skills in product costing, pricing strategies, budgeting, and financial forecasting.
Ability to create business cases for product investments, balancing cost management with product quality and innovation.
7.Negotiation and Relationship Management
Expertise in negotiating with suppliers, distributors, and key customers to ensure favorable terms and align expectations.
8.Ability to work with minimal supervision and meet deadlines
Education and Experience
A Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Relevant Certifications (Optional but Beneficial)
Product Management Certification: Offers practical training focused on product strategy, market analysis, and development.
Project Management Professional (PMP): Beneficial for managing cross-functional teams and large-scale projects.
Experience
3-5+ years in product management or a related field.
Hands-on experience managing product lifecycles, leading cross-functional teams, and driving go-to-market strategies is often more critical than advanced education alone.
Experience with strategic planning and managing a category P&L.
Commercial Foodservice and Beverage Dispenser Industry-Specific Experience Preferred.
Notice To Third Party Agencies
Please note that LANCER does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, LANCER will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, LANCER explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of LANCER.
EEO Statement
Lancer provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Lancer Worldwide, a Hoshizaki Company, is an award-winning global leader in beverage dispensing. Through innovation and a commitment to dedication in action, we create products that benefit our customers worldwide, and give them a distinct advantage in the marketplace. We offer our teammates the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, to contribute to the success of a dynamic organization, and to serve others in a manner that exceeds their expectations. We welcome talented, passionate, and highly motivated individuals to join our team.
Summary
The Product Line Manager is responsible for leading a cross-functional team that is accountable for bringing new products to market as well as managing existing product lines. This leader will have category P&L responsibility and will have ownership of products within the categories they manage from inception to obsolescence. The Product Line Manager brings a disciplined, business-oriented approach to product planning and category management to achieve business performance objectives. The right candidate will be a product management leader with strategic vision, excellent organizational skills, and experience bringing new successful products to market. Qualified candidates will excel at cross-functional management, internal & external communication, and motivating people to accomplish shared goals in a global organization.
Essential Functions
Monitor and drive Product Revenue and Profitability
Support the growth of Market Share
Support and drive initiatives to increase Product Quality and Reliability
Drive Innovation and New Product Introductions
Contribute and drive the health and success of assigned product line(s)
Support the achievement of project milestones and deadlines
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The Product Manager has a critical role in bridging the gap between customer needs, technology, and business goals. Essential functions of this role are:
1.Market Research and Consumer Insights
Conducting research to understand trends in the beverage dispensing industry, customer needs (e.g., restaurants, fast-food chains, convenience stores etc.), and competitive products.
Identifying new opportunities for product features, innovations, or market segments (e.g., self-serve or automated dispensers).
Maintain constant pulse of Foodservice & Beverage market developments, including consumer needs, competitive offerings and brand position.
2.Product Development and Innovation
Lead the development of new beverage dispensing technologies, including features such as touchless systems, smart dispensers, or sustainability-focused models (e.g., energy-efficient or water-saving).
Collaborate with engineers and R&D to ensure product designs are user-friendly, durable, and compliant with industry standards.
Understand and articulate voice of customer and translate into product definition.
3.Product Roadmap and Strategy
Defining the product vision, roadmap, and strategy, ensuring alignment with overall business goals.
Prioritizing product features and enhancements based on customer feedback, market research, and business objectives.
Champion vision for category development and present the analytical data that supports reasoning for organizational buy-in on new product lines.
4.Cross-functional Collaboration
Working closely with engineering, manufacturing, sales, and marketing teams to ensure the smooth execution of product development from concept to launch.
Facilitating communication between teams to align technical, commercial, and operational aspects of the product.
Drive financial discussions across product category.
5.Customer Experience and Usability Focus
Ensuring that products meet the needs of end-users (e.g., restaurant operators, convenience store managers) by providing intuitive, easy-to-use interfaces and reliable dispensing capabilities.
Gathering feedback from customers and field service teams to identify areas for improvement in product usability, reliability, and maintenance.
6.Regulatory Compliance and Safety
Ensuring that beverage dispensers comply with food safety regulations, sanitation standards (e.g., NSF certification), and electrical safety codes.
Staying updated on any regulatory changes that may impact product design, materials, or functionality.
7.Supply Chain and Manufacturing Coordination
Managing the supply chain to ensure efficient production of dispensers, considering factors such as material sourcing, production timelines, and quality control.
Working with manufacturing teams to ensure that products are built to meet both cost targets and quality standards.
8.Product Testing and Quality Assurance
Overseeing product testing to ensure durability, performance, and safety under real-world operating conditions.
Implementing continuous improvement processes based on field feedback and warranty data to reduce product failures and enhance reliability.
9.Cost Management and Pricing Strategy
Develop pricing strategies that balance product profitability with market competitiveness.
Work on cost optimization, ensuring the product is affordable for both small and large-scale customers while maintaining high-quality standards.
10.Sales and Marketing Support
Partnering with sales and marketing teams to create go-to-market strategies and promotional campaigns.
Providing technical product training and support to sales teams, distributors, and customers to help them understand the features and benefits of the dispensers.
11.Customer and Distributor Relationships
Building strong relationships with key customers (e.g., quick-service restaurants, cafes, retailers) and distributors to ensure their needs are met and they are supported post-sale.
Collaborating on custom solutions or innovations based on specific customer or industry demands.
12.Sustainability and Technological Integration
Focusing on sustainable solutions, such as energy-efficient designs, minimizing waste, and using eco-friendly materials in the dispenser construction.
Integrating technology such as IoT for remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and usage data to enhance performance and customer experience.
13Performance Metrics and Feedback Loops
Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as sales performance, market share, and return rates.
Continuously collecting data to assess the success of products and identifying areas for future product iterations or improvements.
1.Industry Knowledge
Understanding of the Beverage Dispenser Industry: Knowledge of commercial beverage dispensing technologies, trends, and innovations, such as touchless systems, smart dispensing, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
Market Segmentation: Knowledge of different market segments (e.g., fast-food chains, hotels, convenience stores) and their unique needs.
Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with food safety regulations (e.g., NSF standards), sanitation guidelines, and electrical safety codes that apply to beverage dispensers.
Technology Trends: Knowledge of emerging technologies such as IoT, automation, AI, and smart systems, and how they can be integrated into dispenser products.
2.Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)
Experience managing the entire product lifecycle, from concept and development to market launch, scaling, and end-of-life.
Understanding of product roadmap development, prioritization frameworks, and version control.
3.Customer and User Experience
Deep understanding of customer needs, including the operators (restaurants, cafes) and end-users (consumers interacting with the machines).
Knowledge of usability and ergonomic design for commercial settings, ensuring products are intuitive, reliable, and easy to maintain.
Skills
1.Technical Aptitude
Ability to work closely with engineers and R&D teams to understand technical product specifications, materials, and manufacturing processes.
Skills in interpreting technical drawings, schematics, and design requirements to ensure product feasibility and quality.
Excellent presentation, communication and customer skills.
Ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus.
2.Strategic Planning and Vision
Expertise in creating product strategies that align with company goals, market demands, and evolving industry trends.
Ability to balance short-term project goals with long-term innovation objectives.
High level of Motivation as demonstrated through Initiative, Personal Accountability, and Results Orientation.
3.Cross-functional Leadership
Strong leadership skills to manage cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, marketing, sales, and supply chain.
Ability to foster collaboration and ensure all teams are aligned on product objectives and timelines.
Ability to influence without authority.
4.Market Analysis and Competitive Intelligence
Skilled in conducting market research, analyzing consumer behavior, and keeping up with competitor products.
Ability to identify market gaps, potential opportunities, and threats, and to position products effectively within the competitive landscape.
5.Data Analysis and Decision-Making
Proficiency in analyzing sales data, customer feedback, and operational metrics to inform decisions.
Ability to use KPIs (e.g., product performance, customer satisfaction, cost efficiency) to drive continuous improvement and ensure product success.
6.Financial Acumen
Skills in product costing, pricing strategies, budgeting, and financial forecasting.
Ability to create business cases for product investments, balancing cost management with product quality and innovation.
7.Negotiation and Relationship Management
Expertise in negotiating with suppliers, distributors, and key customers to ensure favorable terms and align expectations.
8.Ability to work with minimal supervision and meet deadlines
Education and Experience
A Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Relevant Certifications (Optional but Beneficial)
Product Management Certification: Offers practical training focused on product strategy, market analysis, and development.
Project Management Professional (PMP): Beneficial for managing cross-functional teams and large-scale projects.
Experience
3-5+ years in product management or a related field.
Hands-on experience managing product lifecycles, leading cross-functional teams, and driving go-to-market strategies is often more critical than advanced education alone.
Experience with strategic planning and managing a category P&L.
Commercial Foodservice and Beverage Dispenser Industry-Specific Experience Preferred.
Notice To Third Party Agencies
Please note that LANCER does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, LANCER will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, LANCER explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of LANCER.
EEO Statement
Lancer provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.